Friends from Work (The Cat in the Hat Movie)

Meet the Cat in the Hat you don’t know! This Step 1 leveled Reader in the Step into Reading program is based on The Cat in the Hat, releasing in theaters November 6, 2026!

In this all-new, epic adventure, where mischief, magic and mayhem reign supreme, the Cat in the Hat does what he does best—spreads joy to kids in his hilarious, signature and singularly irreverent way, transporting them on a fantastical journey through a world they’ve never seen before.

In this story, the Cat takes on his toughest assignment yet: to cheer up Gabby and Sebastian, a pair of siblings struggling with their move to a new town. Known for taking things too far, this could be this agent of chaos’s last chance to prove himself...or lose his magical hat! Children will love meeting the characters in this Step 1 leveled reader based on the animated theatrical feature film!

Step 1 readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. Step 1 is for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading on their own.

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