The Blue Moon Ball

Come on down to the swamp! Dance the night away in this rollicking read-aloud illustrated by award-winning picture book creator Felicita Sala.

The warm, vibrant atmosphere of the swampland meets the high energy of a competition in this charming story that celebrates a passion for dance—and reminds us not to prejudge based on appearances. Deep in the swamp, the animals are preparing for the most exhilarating night of the year: the Blue Moon Ball. The music is loud, the food is delicious, and the dance floor is sparkling in the moonlight. But everybody cowers when the most dreaded creature in the swamp arrives—the fierce (and fearsomely chic) alligator Blanche. With rhythm and razzmatazz, Blanche twirls around the floor, rapt stares all around her. But will she win the contest? What might happen to the judges if she doesn't? All is not as it seems in this fun, glamorous story for young animal lovers or anyone looking to get lost in a new adventure.

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