Random House Children's Books
The Mark of the Dragonfly
The Mark of the Dragonfly
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                        ABOUT
                      
                    Piper has never seen the Mark of the Dragonfly until she finds the girl amid the wreckage of a caravan in the Meteor Fields.
The girl doesn’t remember a thing about her life, but the intricate tattoo on her arm is proof that she’s from the Dragonfly Territories and that she’s protected by the king. Which means a reward for Piper if she can get the girl home.
The one sure way to the Territories is the 401, a great old beauty of a train. But a ticket costs more coin than Piper could make in a year. And stowing away is a difficult prospect—everyone knows that getting past the peculiar green-eyed boy who stands guard is nearly impossible.
Life for Piper just turned dangerous. A little bit magical. And very exciting, if she can manage to survive the journey.
Praise for The Mark of the Dragonfly:
★ “This magnetic middle-grade debut…[is] a page-turner that defies easy categorization and ought to have broad appeal.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred
★ “Heart, brains, and courage find a home in a steampunk fantasy worthy of a nod from Baum.”-- Kirkus Reviews, Starred
★ “A fantastic and original tale of adventure and magic...Piper is a heroine to fall in love with: smart, brave, kind, and mechanically inclined to boot.”—School Library Journal, Starred
“A complex and impeccably developed plot—there is plenty to recommend in this novel.”—The Bulletin
“Appealing characters and lots of action make it a good choice for young adventure readers.”—Booklist
                      
                      
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                        STANDARD, PRIMARY, DM AND VARIANT COVERS
                      
                    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.
                      
                      
                        PRODUCT TYPES
                      
                    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