Category: Harry Potter

Lift the lid on everything you ever needed to know about the world of Harry Potter with the first official magical companion to J.K. Rowling’s series.

Publishing in October 2023, The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac is a unique exploration through the wizarding world that will appeal to young fans setting out on their first journey to Hogwarts, whilst playfully layering secrets and rich detail for expert readers to discover. A dazzling, full-colour hardback featuring a ribbon bookmark and illustrated endpapers, The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac is a superbly sorted, show-stopping gift book that is sure to be treasured for years to come.

Uniquely rooted in J.K. Rowling’s original writing, this must-have companion is a visual compendium of charts, cross-sections and magical particulars, collecting together enchanted objects, fabulous foodstuffs, curious plants and fantastic beasts from the wizarding world.

Set across seven spectacular chapters, readers can find out about much-loved characters, relive favourite moments, learn about spells and magic, search for hidden secrets and lose themselves exploring Hogwarts and beyond. From the Sorting Hat to spell-casting, it’s all packed inside.

This celebration of the Harry Potter series has been produced with seven uniquely talented illustrators from around the globe – Peter Goes, Louise Lockhart, Weitong Mai, Olia Muza, Pham Quang Phuc, Levi Pinfold and Tomislav Tomić – with each artist bringing their own extraordinary creative vision to J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.

The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac will publish 10^th October 2023, released by Bloomsbury in the UK and Scholastic in the US.

Bloomsbury’s global celebration of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter stories is back in 2023, with a few changes …

The celebration has a new name: HARRY POTTER BOOK DAY

Previously Harry Potter Book Night, the event is now even more inclusive for fans of all ages – whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, you can celebrate at whatever time of the day, or night, suits you!

It’s moving to 12^th October 2023

Plenty of time to get planning!

What is Harry Potter Book Day?

Harry Potter Book Day is a chance for fans around the globe to celebrate J.K. Rowling’s iconic series with events, parties and other festivities.

Each year Bloomsbury creates a downloadable event kit, packed to the brim with ideas and activities that can be used to hold your own event – whether you are a bookshop, school, library or want to celebrate at home with family and friends. The kit contains everything you need to prepare an event, however big or small.

How to get involved

Find out more and sign up to register for the downloadable event kit on Bloomsbury’s website now at bloomsbury.com/harrypotterbookday.

 

Pottermore Publishing and Audible have announced an extraordinary milestone – over one billion hours of the Harry Potter stories have now been listened to on Audible globally, since the audiobooks were first made available there seven years ago!  Mind you, that’s just a number (even if it is a massive one)! What’s immeasurable is the love that fans have for these stories.  To help you visualise that figure, in one billion hours you could hypothetically:

• Take the iconic train journey from King’s Cross to Edinburgh 222 million times
• Listen to Harry Potter books 1-7 read by Jim Dale 8,547,009 times
• Go through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry more than 14,000 times!

Stephen Fry, who narrates the UK English editions of the audiobooks, says: ‘These statistics are astonishing. Almost every day someone will come up and tell me how important the audiobooks have been in their lives, and it means the world to me.’  Jim Dale, narrator of the North American editions, says: ‘Especially rewarding for me has been the opportunity to touch the lives of so many young people, and the knowledge that my spoken words have brought both comfort and support when needed, and, of course always, so much magic!’

Jennie McCann, Pottermore’s MD, explains: ‘We’re so delighted how many listeners have made a permanent place in their lives for these audiobooks. The original recordings that were released on CD are cherished versions of these incredible stories, so we took great care when remastering them to deliver the best sound quality for the new generation of listeners. We’ve since produced and released editions in an array of further languages and continue to add to that list each year both on Audible and via other platforms.’  Diana Dapito, Head of Consumer Content at Audible, says ‘the evergreen popularity and insatiable appetite for the Harry Potter audiobooks on Audible is both staggering and, at once, not at all surprising.’

We’d love to hear your stories of listening to Harry Potter on audio – share your listening love on social media using the hashtag #HarryPotterxAudible #HearTheMagic

The Wizarding World invites fans to come together and celebrate a very special date in the Wizarding World calendar: Back to Hogwarts. The day J.K. Rowling wrote about Harry Potter and his friends Ron and Hermione first boarding the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾ to be whisked off  to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that would change their lives forever.

This year, fans are invited to join Tom Felton TikTok tour on a good old-fashioned countdown at King’s Cross Station in the United Kingdom, as well as so much more for global fans. Head to Wizarding World for more details.

Do use #BACKTOHOGWARTS @jkrowling_stories and show us how you’re marking 2022’s magical moment!

 

Thinking about beginning the Harry Potter stories this summer?

Hello, if you are thinking about starting reading or listening to Harry Potter this summer StartingHarryPotter.com is perfect for you. Discover a new place for you and your parents or guardians to explore the first book written by J.K. Rowling, called Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone. There are lots of fun things to do on there, so do go and take a look!

Harry has a new look! The global digital publisher of the Wizarding World, Pottermore Publishing, has brought its cover art bang up to date with a dynamic new suite of designs for the Harry Potter eBooks and audiobooks.

Bringing both iconic and lesser-known scenes from these beloved stories alive in thrilling detail for fans and new readers alike, the new cover art invites the next generation of readers and listeners to jump into the action and discover the Harry Potter books on their phones, tablets, e-readers and other devices.

The new covers, as created by design team Studio La Plage, bring to vivid colour scenes from the books, some never before depicted, such as Harry’s Great Lake task in Goblet of Fire, as well as giving new perspectives on iconic moments such as Harry’s first Quidditch match.

Jack Bedford, Associate Creative Director of Studio La Plage, said: ‘We wanted to retain the essence of what readers know and love most about the Wizarding World.  The new covers celebrate the moment before the action, asking the question ‘what happens next’?  We can’t wait to share them.’

The seven cover designs will be adopted in all territories across the digital Harry Potter eBooks and audiobooks from 31^st May 2022.  Each cover places the characters at the centre of the action, and incorporate small details from the stories to delight and intrigue.  Take a closer look at the cover artwork for each book and see what you can spot!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has been brought to life by award-winning illustrator Jim Kay and guest collaborator Neil Packer

This illustrated version has been nearly two years in the making, a mammoth task as highlighted by the meticulously detailed artwork shown below. As the project unfolded, Jim Kay decided that it was time to bring in guest collaborator and dear friend, Neil Packer, to help bring the story to life. Jim said:

‘Illustrating Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was always going to be a challenge; the scale of the book meant for a huge variety of characters and locations to choose from. It was a great privilege to have Neil Packer helping with this daunting task. As a fan of his work it was wonderful to see his illustrations appear in the text, and so nice to be working with him in the team. He is perfect for Potter.’

Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood by Jim Kay

Neil Packer added: ‘As both a friend and a colleague it was an honour to be asked to work alongside Jim Kay on this book. Jim has invested so much in this series already and I was very conscious of not wanting to encroach on the stunning work which only he can do. The sheer scale of this book and the wonderful richness of imagination within the writing perhaps left space for a second approach and it has been a great joy and a challenge to try and work in harmony with Jim’s pictures and to visualise some of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.’

Neil is a well-renowned illustrator in his own right, and his distinctive artwork has been woven through the book complementing Jim’s narrative scenes. One example of his exquisite artwork is this beautiful imagining of Firenze’s Divination classroom.

Firenze’s Divination classroom by Neil Packer

These are just snippets of the exciting illustrations set to feature in this edition. You can expect to see so much more, from Jim Kay’s portrait of Dolores Umbridge and stunning visualisation of the Battle of the Department of Mysteries to Neil Packer’s cutaway of the Ministry of Magic and beautifully drawn magical objects.

The illustrated edition of Harry’s fifth year adventure is now available, released by Scholastic in the US and Bloomsbury in the UK.

A Magical Year takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the seasons at Hogwarts and pairs the beautiful illustrations by Jim Kay with 366 quotations from the Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling.

The illustrations feature Jim Kay’s most iconic art from the Illustrated Editions of Harry Potter as well as previously unseen pencil sketches and preparatory pieces, offering a unique and fascinating insight into the artist’s sketchbook. This gorgeous gift book features a favourite anniversary or meaningful memory from the series each day and was published on 5^th October by Bloomsbury in the UK with Scholastic in the US shortly following on 19^th October.

For international readers, A Magical Year will be available in Danish, Estonian, Faroese, Swedish, Slovakian, Portuguese (Portugal), Korean, Spanish, Japanese, Italian and Russian this month.

The Hogwarts Library book Quidditch Through The Ages, written by J.K. Rowling as esteemed fictional Quidditch expert Kennilworthy Whisp, has been reimagined by award-winning illustrator Emily Gravett. This colourful new edition is published today in Hardback and Deluxe editions by Bloomsbury in the UK and Scholastic in the US.

The book, arguably the most famous sports guide in the wizarding world, contains all you need to know about the history, the teams, the rules – and the breaking of the rules – of the noble sport of Quidditch.

Tasked with illustrating the fictional history of this magical sport, Emily Gravett’s wildly creative imagination conjured up a cornucopia of sporting memorabilia to surprise and delight. With items and events lovingly created in a dazzling range of media, and infused with the illustrator’s trademark visual wit, these charming and funny artworks are the perfect pairing for J.K. Rowling’s insights into the magical, airborne sport.

Proceeds from the sale of this new edition will go to J.K. Rowling’s own international children’s charity Lumos, which helps some of the world’s most vulnerable children and young people to have a better life, and Comic Relief.

Stars from the Wizarding World including Jude Law, Warwick Davis, Noma Dumezweni, Jason Isaacs, Evanna Lynch, Sally Mortemore and Bonnie Wright have joined forces to record individual stories from J.K. Rowling’s Hogwarts Library book The Tales of Beedle the Bard: the first time the book has been brought to life in audio, which is also supporting J.K. Rowling’s international children’s charity Lumos.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard was first referenced in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as the fictional fairy tales all wizarding children grew up with.  Within this collection of fables was the origin story of the Deathly Hallows, ‘The Tale of the Three Brothers’, which taught Harry about the three most powerful objects in the wizarding world.

These funny and captivating tales are accompanied by explanatory notes from Professor Albus Dumbledore (narrated by Jude Law). His illuminating thoughts reveal the stories to be much more than simple moral tales

The Tales of Beedle the Bard was originally handwritten and illustrated by J.K. Rowling as a limited edition of only seven copies, one of which was sold at auction in 2007 in aid of charity. Published the following year, the book has helped raised money for her international children’s charity Lumos ever since.

For more information about The Tales of Beedle The Bard audio edition go to wizardingworld.com.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire has been brought to life by award-winning illustrator Jim Kay. This is the fourth book in the Harry Potter series to be illustrated by him and has been published today by Bloomsbury in the UK and Scholastic in the US.

The fiery cover shows Kay’s stunning reimagining of the first task in the Triwizard Tournament when Harry goes head to head with a Hungarian Horntail.

Newt Scamander’s Hogwarts Library classic Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has been brought to life with stunning illustrations by award winning artist Olivia Lomenech Gill. The colourful new edition is now published by Bloomsbury in the UK and Scholastic in the US

The award-winning artist has reimagined every beast in the textbook with a variety of different techniques, such as charcoal sketches and watercolours. You can see Olivia in action here.

Proceeds from the sale of these books will go to Comic Relief and J.K. Rowling’s own international children’s charity Lumos, which both help some of the world’s most vulnerable young people to have better lives.

To find out more and read an exclusive interview with artist Olivia Lomenech Gill, head over to Pottermore.

Pottermore revealed on 5^th September that the 2015 illustrated print edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, featuring magnificent illustrations by award-winning artist Jim Kay, is now available as a Kindle in Motion eBook. Featuring never-before-seen animations, this is the first time that Jim Kay’s Harry Potter illustrations are available in a digital format.

The Kindle in Motion edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone can be read on any device with the Kindle app.

You can see Jim Kay’s beautiful illustrations brought to life, on pottermore.com. With moving portraits of Albus Dumbledore, flying snitches and fluttering keys this really is magic in motion.

Harry Potter UK publisher, Bloomsbury and the British Library are creating two magic-filled books to accompany this autumn’s exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic at the library in London, in celebration of the 20^th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Both books will publish in the UK on 20^th October 2017- the day that the exhibition opens its doors to visitors in London.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic will be the official book of the British Library’s exhibition.

A collaboration between Bloomsbury and the brilliant curators of the British Library, the book promises to take readers on a fascinating journey through the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – from Alchemy and Potions classes through to Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures.

Each chapter showcases a treasure trove of artefacts from the British Library and other collections around the world, beside exclusive manuscripts, sketches and illustrations from the Harry Potter archive. There’s also a specially commissioned essay for each subject area by an expert, writer or cultural commentator, inspired by the contents of the exhibition including Steve Backshall, the Reverend Richard Coles, Owen Davies, Julia Eccleshare, Roger Highfield, Steve Kloves, Lucy Mangan, Anna Pavord and Tim Peake, who offer a personal perspective on their magical theme.

Readers will be able to pore over ancient spell books, amazing illuminated scrolls that reveal the secret of the Elixir of Life, vials of dragon’s blood, mandrake roots, painted centaurs and a genuine witch’s broomstick, in a book that shows J.K. Rowling’s magical inventions alongside their cultural and historical forebears.

Another book, Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic will showcase selected items from the exhibition, aimed at a family audience. It too explores the subjects studied at Hogwarts, and will contain spellbinding facts and information behind the real history of magic, alongside activities inspired by these subjects, creating a rich and rewarding book for families to enjoy for years to come.

Pottermore, the global digital publisher of Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, will simultaneously publish eBook versions of both books. The eBook edition of Harry Potter: A History of Magic also features enhancements allowing readers to navigate the contents of the exhibits in a variety of exciting and innovative ways.

Publishers Bloomsbury and Scholastic on Monday revealed two striking covers for the fully-illustrated edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which hits bookshops later this year.

Award-winning fine artist Olivia Lomenech-Gill, who has previously won the English Association Picture Book Award, has lent her skill to this new edition, which publishes on 7^th November. Bloomsbury’s jacket features the Occamy while a Griffin appears on Scholastic’s. For more exclusive images of the beautifully illustrated beasts, head over to Pottermore.com

Proceeds from the sale of these books will go to Comic Relief and J.K. Rowling’s own international children’s charity Lumos, which both help some of the world’s most vulnerable young people to have better lives.

A new edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is available today, with six extra beasts and a new foreword from the pen of Magizoologist Newt Scamander, bringing the original classic book up to date with the exciting developments in J.K. Rowling’s  Wizarding World.

The hardback book is available from Bloomsbury in the UK and Scholastic in the US, while Pottermore brings us the eBook and the first digital audiobook, narrated by Eddie Redmayne.

Familiar to fans as one of the textbooks from Harry Potter’s days at Hogwarts, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was first published in 2001. The fictional book was ‘written’ by Newt Scamander – the hero of J.K. Rowling’s debut screenplay and the film of the same name.

Other Hogwarts Library books, Quidditch Through the Ages and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, have also been brought up to date with new covers.

Proceeds from the sale of these books will go towards Comic Relief and Lumos, J.K. Rowling’s international children’s charity. Both charities aim to help some of the world’s most vulnerable children and young people to have a better life.

Bloomsbury and Scholastic today revealed award-winning illustrator Jim Kay’s cover of the third book in the Harry Potter series.

The striking cover illustration reveals Jim’s imagining of the iconic Knight Bus that whisks Harry off to Diagon Alley at the beginning of the book, in all its purple glory. And you can see more of Jim Kay’s Azkaban artwork exclusively on Pottermore.com

This new illustrated hardback edition will be published in English on Tuesday 3rd October 2017.

Eddie Redmayne – Newt Scamander himself – has narrated Pottermore’s new audiobook version of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the Hogwarts textbook that inspired the film of the same name.

Like the print and eBook editions, also available on the 14^th March, the digital audiobook will open with J.K. Rowling’s new foreword from Newt Scamander himself, hinting at some of what happened since his visit to New York City in 1926, and also promises six new beasts.

To find out more, and for a behind-the-scenes video with Eddie Redmayne, visit Pottermore.com https://www.pottermore.com/news/eddie-redmayne-recorded-the-new-fantastic-beasts-audiobook-as-newt-scamander