The Cod's Tale

Discover the amazing true story of the fish that altered the course of human history in this thoroughly fascinating picture book perfect for young readers, based on Mark Kurlansky’s New York Times bestseller Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World.

AN ALA NOTABLE BOOK

★ "Excellent ink drawings, brightened with colorful washes, illustrate incidents from the text with clarity, a flair for the dramatic, and a sense of humor."—Booklist (starred review)

"Breezy, kid-friendly prose. . . . fascinating and informative . . . bound to hook young readers."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

What was it that enabled the Vikings, Christopher Columbus, and the Pilgrims to cross the cold Atlantic Ocean to America? What became a staple of the medieval diet in Europe, helped spur the American Revolution, and allowed the early New Englanders to start making money of their own?

Would you believe that it was a fish?

Adapted from the bestselling adult book, The Cod’s Tale details the worldwide historical significance of the cod fish—from its sea enemies to land worshipers alike. Young readers will learn how one versatile and enduring species aided the Vikings, encouraged North American trade, changed the development of scientific research around the globe, and so much more!

Surging with detailed illustrations, amazing facts, and a captivating message of resilience, The Cod’s Tale is a fresh and bold overview of one species’ ability to make waves in history.

And don't miss the companion book, The Story of Salt, the mineral that has changed history.

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