The Big Jump

A lyrical picture book about a child facing a summer rite of passage—jumping off the pier—with the help of his older brother and set against the shimmering waters of coastal Maine.

Every summer in Casco Bay, Maine, the older kids make the Big Jump. This year, it’s finally one boy’s turn. His older brother runs to the edge, pounds his chest, shouts “Brave!” and dives in. He makes it look easy. But at the top of the tall pier, the boy hesitates. The water stretches far below. The ferry passes, churning the waves, while other kids jump and climb back up, counting how many times they've jumped.

The boy hangs back. He watches. He waits. And when the moment comes, he has to decide whether he will brave the plunge.

Told in spare, poetic text, and beautifully illustrated, this story follows a child moving through fear and the uncertainty of a new experience. It's summer magic and the unforgettable feeling of flying captured in a picture book.

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