Candlewick Press
Library Lion
Library Lion
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ABOUT
A special gift edition that celebrates twenty years of Library Lion, the bestselling modern classic that offers an affectionate tribute to that truly wonderful place: the library.
A New York Times Bestseller
A TIME Magazine 100 Best Children’s Books of All Time Selection
An Amazon Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
For twenty years, the award-winning, New York Times bestselling Library Lion has captured the hearts of children, families, librarians, teachers, and book lovers the world over. Now it’s available in a deluxe special anniversary package featuring foiling on the cover, a poster with brand-new art from Kevin Hawkes, and special author and illustrator notes detailing their inspiration for the book.
Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do. There aren’t any rules about lions in the library. And, as it turns out, this lion seems very well suited to library visiting. His big feet are quiet on the library floor. He makes a comfy backrest for the children at story hour. And he never roars in the library, at least not anymore. But when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how.
KEEPSAKE PACKAGE: The bestselling, heartwarming favorite is now in a deluxe special edition that will make a beautiful addition to any family’s library.
MODERN CLASSIC FOR LIFELONG READERS: Michelle Knudsen’s disarming story, illustrated in an expressive, timeless style by Kevin Hawkes, has become a modern classic beloved by readers of all ages.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING CREATORS: Michelle Knudsen is the New York Times bestselling author of Library Lion and Luigi, the Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten, as well as many other books for young readers. Kevin Hawkes is the illustrator of more than forty books for children, including Library Lion and Luigi, the Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten; Weslandia by Paul Fleischman; and The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Godol by Arthur A. Levine.
Perfect for:
- Fans of Library Lion, Michelle Knudsen, and Kevin Hawkes
- Book and library lovers young and old
- Gift-givers looking for presents for holidays, birthdays, baby showers, or any occasion
- Readers who love classic children’s books with animal characters like A Visitor for Bear, Kitten’s First Full Moon, Make Way for Ducklings, and The Tiger Who Came to Tea
- Troublemakers and rule followers alike
STANDARD, PRIMARY, DM AND VARIANT COVERS
Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.
In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.
The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.
PRODUCT TYPES
Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:
Omnibus
- Large, hardcover collections
- Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
- Typically 800-1000+ pages
- Higher price point, often €100-€150
Oversized Hardcover (OHC)
- Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
- Collect shorter runs or story arcs
- Usually 300-600 pages
- Priced between €30-€50
Hardcover (HC)
- Standard-sized hardcover books
- Collect 6-12 issues typically
- Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
- Priced around €25-€35
Trade Paperback (TP)
- Softcover collections
- Standard comic book size
- Usually collect 4-6 issues
- Most affordable option, typically €15-€25
Other Formats
- Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
- Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
- Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues
The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs