Tide's Journey

High tide, low tide . . . what happens when the tides flow? An award-winning nonfiction author offers the youngest explorers a closer look at nature’s wonders in action.

When ocean waters face the moon, waves move toward the sandy dunes and salty water floods the beach. Driftwood bobs on top of waves and fish swim freely below. But what happens when the water retreats and the tide is low? Step by step, Sally M. Walker’s simple narration lets the youngest oceanographers follow changes to the shoreline as the tide goes in and out. Kim Smith’s art captures the waves in motion, the treasures deposited on the beach, and the living things nearby, from shorebirds to sea plants, from crabs and sea stars to children happily exploring the shore. A note to parents suggests bringing the learning to life by encouraging questions and observations of the natural world.

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