Robert Johnson’s Juneteenth Joy

On Juneteenth, 1937, musician Robert Johnson, "the most important blues singer that ever lived," records songs that will impact American music forever. This narrative nonfiction picture book feels like a blues song and is ideal for kids ages 7-10.

Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, young Robert Johnson dreamed of playing the blues. Living in the Jim Crow South, young Bob saw music as the ultimate escape from hardship. He learned to play the guitar and began to write his own songs. Through his songs and records, Robert captured the spirit of joy and freedom. The music he recorded in Dallas during Juneteenth 1937 is legendary. While he died very young, his music lives on. Known as the King of the Delta Blues, he inspired and influenced numerous musicians, from Chuck Berry and B. B. King to Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton.

Award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan tells Robert Johnson's story in poetic vignettes accompanied by Rudy Gutierrez's swirling, colorful illustrations. This love letter to Robert Johnson feels like his blues music itself—deeply moving.

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