Tag Archives: J. K. Rowling

Oct27

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – J. K. Rowling. Jim Kay (Illustrator), Neil Packer (Illustrator)

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Bloomsbury Publishing

October 2022

ISBN9781408845684
ImprintBloomsbury Children’s Books

RRP: $75.00

Readers of this blog will know of my passion for all things Harry and I have often shared the magnificence that comes my way via Bloomsbury Publishing (long may the prosper!). The fact that this is my favourite of all the original books, and that it was released the day before my birthday was like the universe bringing it to me as a special gift (and of course, the marvellous Sonia who knows my weakness well by now!).

What is there to say? We have all seen the sumptous illustrated versions of the first four – we have all ooh-ed and aah-ed over them and believe me, so have the children. In my libraries, they are highly sought after – whether to take home and pore over, or sit and gaze lovingly at each glorious page in their quiet times at break.

This dazzling new addition to any fan’s collection will be a shining jewel in the bookshelf and, trust me, though it’s been in my possession for a week now, I have not even come close to exploring all it’s wonderful details. I do wish I was still in my library having my Potterheads meetings!

I certainly can’t say it any better than this:

This is a stunning visual feast of a book, filled with dark magical delights for both fans and new readers alike. Breathtaking scenes, iconic locations and unforgettable characters await inside – Luna Lovegood, Professor Umbridge, Grawp the giant, and many more – as Harry Potter and Dumbledore’s Army prepare for the coming battle against Lord Voldemort. Perfect for Potterheads of all ages!

Christmas is coming, they are already telling us. Can I just say if you have a Potterhead in your circle you will become their greatest benefactor if this is your gift to them. Pop it into a Santa sack in your house and watch the delight – of course, don’t expect to see the recipient for a few days (maybe for the food but that’d be it). Or, better still, just buy it for yourself – Merry Xmas to you!

I don’t need to ‘sell’ this – but I will of course give it my utmost recommendation – now, don’t bother me – I have more to explore! 😉

Mar6

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 25th Anniversary edition – J. K. Rowling

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January 2022

Bloomsbury

ISBN 9781408855652

RRP: $16.99

Cover art by Jonny Duddle

It seems hardly any time at all since I reflected on 20 years of HP and yet, here we are, at the start of a huge year of silver anniversary celebrations for what is, to my mind at least, the most successful fiction series of all time. Many of you will have already got the heads up about the many events planned but if not, do make sure you check them out and sign up for newsletters and activity packs. I am hugely excited for the upcoming release of the illustrated Tales of Beedle the Bard and, in my new library, starting up yet another PotterHeads group as well as beginning plans for a Harry Potter Night event later in the year.

There is also a great Miles of Magic competition which might excite your kiddos – I’ve been sharing it with mine, as well as my staff and library groups.

In the meantime, given it is the anniversary and, no doubt, as I have done you have a regular re-purchase of titles as they get shabby and worn out (how many others can you say that about!?), you might like to consider buying the anniversary edition, either paperback or hardback as a special – or even to offer up as the ultimate desirable prize for a celebratory competition of your own.

My own HP collection continues to expand. Besides jewelry, clothing, accessories, and the pieces I have at school in my library, I’ve just re-organised my ‘home’ collection as it had outgrown its space on the regular bookshelf. My latest acquisition is the adorable handmade mandrake ‘Cadfael’ – he’s just so cute! But also quite new from Xmas: the Sorting Hat, the Pensieve kit and the Hufflepuff wax seal set – from my equally HP crazed middle daughter – thanks Kimmy, fellow Hufflepuff! 🙂

The Kid just shakes her head each time something new in the HP line comes into the house (where did I go wrong? WHY is she so resistant to the charms of HP et al?) but that’s unlikely to stop the flow any time soon.

Happy Silver Anniversary Harry and congratulations to J. K., Bloomsbury and the artists and creators who have added so much to the original stories – and special thanks to the lovely Sonia at Bloomsbury Australia, who understands my obsession very well. Some of us will never be too old for Harry!

Oct31

Harry Potter-ween!!

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So of course the piece de resistance of any batch of books, particularly at Halloween, is new HP ones and these two are absolute corkers!!!

Bloomsbury Australia

Harry Potter – Magical Creatures: a movie scrapbook

Warner Bros

September 2021

ISBN9781526644299
ImprintBloomsbury Children’s Books

RRP: $29.99

Any HP fan would love this and if kids, will certainly strip all its special additions out to adorn their walls, school books, lunchboxes whatever. There are all manner of inserts: stickers, art prints, postcards, even a woven cloth badge!!, all of which will absolutely delight any dedicated PotterHead (including this one!).

I don’t think any true fan finds it a disappointment to find out more about how their favourite stories were brought to life on the screen, and even those who are purists who might pretend to disdain a movie version of their darlings, can still appreciate the imagination, creativity and technical skill that goes into kindling life into mythical and fictional creatures.

No matter your favourites (for me, definitely bowtruckles and pygmy puffs – I do prefer my magical beasties small and friendly – although I wouldn’t say no to a niffler), you will derive much pleasure in finding out more about their role and their presentation in the movies. Read the profile on so many of the creatures that are part of the Wizarding World from beautiful and loyal Fawkes the phoenix to much-loved Hedwig as well as the nasty ones like the Basilisk and mountain trolls.

Harry Potter – A Magical Year: The Illustrations of Jim Kay – J. K. Rowling (author), Jim Kay (illustrator)

October 2021

ISBN9781526640871
ImprintBloomsbury Children’s Books

RRP: $45.00

If you have a PotterHead in the family, look no further for their Christmas gift. This is simply magnificent and any devotee will be so thrilled with it, will pore over it for hours and treasure it for years to come.

This is exactly what you might guess from the title. It is what I would describe as an almanac of significant events and memories from the Wizarding World so for each day there is an excerpt or quote as well as the absolutely dazzling illustrations throughout. Just look at these examples:

At the Quidditch World Cup – of course!
Isn’t it beautiful? Of course, Hagrid would want one!

As I browse through this, I am captivated by the sheer beauty and detail of Jim Kay’s illustrations which so exquisitely envisage our cavalcade of favourite characters and recall so many of our memorable moments whether from the first time we read the books or the latest re-reading. Of course for those of us who were among the first readers two decades we have always had our own mental picture of certain people, places or plot details and somehow, when I see Kay’s interpretation, it is always exactly right.

Of particular interest are the additions of insights such as reproductions of original sketches and prepping. These are always fascinating and I have often shown children insights into the process of illustrating and they are always completely enthralled.

I know many of my HP aficionado friends are planning to put this on their shelf – of course, mine is firmly ensconced with its family as you will see below!

No higher recommendation can I give than to say it’s a must – you would rather buy this than eat your next meal and most definitely for any family or friends who deserve a sumptuous gift, you would be on a winner with this in their Christmas stocking.

I cannot thank Bloomsbury (and Sonia) enough for allowing me to wallow in the Wizarding World so often – I appreciate it so very much.

PS: re: “treasure it for years to come” – I went to the Bloomsbury website to check I had all the necessary details and see they had said the same thing! (well to say it independently I’m sure confirms it!).

Don’t panic!! I have more shelf space!! (and if I didn’t I’d buy another bookshelf!)
Dec8

Harry Potter Christmas Bliss!

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Well didn’t I feel so special when the lovely Bloomsbury Australia folk sent me these – knowing full well my HP obsession! And they will make the most highly-sought after Christmas gifts for any PotterHead in your circle too!!

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: MinaLima edition

By J.K. Rowling
Illustrator: MinaLima

Published:20-10-2020
Format:Hardback
ISBN:9781526626585
Imprint:Bloomsbury Children’s Books
RRP$49.99

Even the Kid (not a HP fan – where have I failed???) thinks this is just superb! It’s the Philosopher’s Stone as you’ve never seen it before with simply stunning papercraft embellishments throughout as well as stylish bordered pages, full colour illustrations and arguably the most handsome binding I’ve ever encountered.

My able assistant agreed to show you just a couple of the enchanting surprises. First the entry to the Grynffindor common room – swing the Fat Lady’s portrait out to reveal the interior of the cosy room we all wish we could visit.

Next up this amazing fold out of Diagon Alley – have you got your sickles and galleons ready to spend? Just tap the right brick – away you go!

I suppose you could buy it for a child of your acquaintance – but really I think it will be we adults who will revel in this the most!

Christmas at Hogwarts: a movie scrapbook – Warner Bros

Bloomsbury Children’s Books

November 2020

ISBN: 9781526628244

RRP: A$29.99 NZ $32.99

Another perfect Christmas gift filled with not only glorious stills from the movies including Harry’s first Christmas at Hogwarts, in The Burrow and the holiday spent in Grimmauld Place but with the most delightful inserts of various kinds: stickers, bookmarks, sketch designs of costumes, concept illustrations as well as other insights.

There are reflections from both the actors and film makers along with special informational pieces on decorating and festive traditions in the magical sphere. Christmas as celebrated by the witches and wizards we’ve come to love like family is a bright and beautiful experience and it would be a very hard-to-please recipient who wouldn’t treasure this for their HP collection.

Needless to say these are staying right on my HP shelf which is fast becoming fuller and fuller – and very likely will continue to do so!!!

But do rush out and buy these for someone you love – trust me, they will be so filled with joy! Thank you again to the lovely Sonia from Bloomsbury who knows me so well!! What a fabulous gift with which to end a year of reviewing for this wonderful publishing company!!

PS – I’m already planning our Harry Potter Night event for the start of Term 1 2021! Let the magic continue to sparkle!