Peas on Your Knees: A Life in the Poems of Michael Rosen

Packed with humor and heart, showcasing top illustrators, and joyfully celebrating a life well lived, this ultimate gift collection of Michael Rosen’s poems marks the occasion of the beloved poet and author's eightieth birthday.

Divided into sections including Food, Childhood, Brothers, School, Being a Dad, and Being Silly—each illustrated in full color by a different artist, including Michael Rosen’s longtime collaborator Quentin Blake—Peas on Your Knees is a poet’s playful ode to life itself. In a career spanning five decades, with more than two hundred books to his credit, including the international bestseller We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Oh Dear, Look What I Got!, both illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, Michael Rosen’s warmth, wit, and unflinching honesty have delighted generations of readers. Whether you’re a confirmed fan or discovering his child-centric genius for the first time, each of these thirty-five poems—some profound, others silly, many profoundly silly—is a little window into everyday life, whether the subject is forbidden chocolate cake or getting into REALLY BIG TROUBLE with a sibling. Featuring an introduction by Joseph Coelho, OBE, this intimate collection is a loving tribute to the “happy, sad, bizarre, and ridiculous nature of life.”

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