Old King Cole

Best-selling author-illustrator Iza Trapani is back with a fanciful retelling of the classic Old King Cole nursery rhyme for a new generation.

Old King Cole has been working hard planning for his Annual Cole Ball, to which all the usual suspects are invited: Little Bo Peep, Baa Baa Black Sheep, The Girl with a Curl, Humpty Dumpty, and more. But he's so tired after all that work, he falls asleep as the ball begins and nobody can wake him, no matter what they try. Will he wake up in time to enjoy his own party?

The lyrical rhyming text and playful illustrations provide another fun nursery rhyme update to add to the many retellings of favorite songs for which Iza Trapani is known. Backmatter includes music and lyrics to the full rhyme. Perfect for read-aloud.

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.

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