Penguin Problems

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • This charming collaboration between the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Bad Seed and the beloved illustrator of The Stinky Cheese Man is full of snarky penguins—and a sneaky lesson in gratitude.

For one grumpy young penguin, there doesn’t seem to be anything he won’t complain about…

“My beak is cold.”

“I wish I could fly, but I can’t.”

“Everybody looks the same as me.”

But when a wise old walrus puts things in perspective, the penguin has to admit that maybe there are some things worth appreciating… at least for a little while.

Praised as “funny and acerbic” (The New York Times), this “classic comedy” (Publishers Weekly) is sure to elicit mischievous giggles from kids—and knowing sighs from the adults reading it 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