I already own a hard cover copy of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” I also own a hard cover U.K. copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, so one might ask, do you really need a third hard cover copy of the same book? The answer, yes.
Published October 6th 2015, this copy of “Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone” is a harmonious combination of J.K. Rowling’s excellent storytelling and artist Jim Kay’s illustrations.
Beautiful does not begin to describe the art work in the book. Some of pictures are silly, some are wildly imaginative, and others tug at the heart strings.
What is wonderful is that the pictures aren’t based on the movie depictions, nor are they based on the Wizarding World theme park, and they are not based on the video games. The pictures are based purely on Jim Kay’s imagination, and his interpretations of J.K. Rowling’s words.
His illustrations of Diagon Alley perfectly capture the fun, quirky, magical chaos of the store fronts. It’s my favorite interpretation of the magical shopping district thus far.
The book includes an illustrated excerpt from Newt Scamander’s Guide to Trolls, as well as a guide to the various shapes, sizes, and colors of dragon eggs from Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit.
My favorite pages include the picture of Hagrid and Harry sailing across the water in a row boat. Jim Kay does a brilliant job capturing Hagrid’s enormity and child-likeness.
Another favorite is the image of Harry and Dumbledore sitting together on the floor, discussing the Mirror of Erised. Caring and concern sparkle in Dumbledore’s eyes. One could easily imagine how lovely it would be to sit and have a heartfelt chat with The Headmaster.
This book is a must have for all Potter obsessed fans. So, though I already own two copies of the first Harry Potter novel, this third, illustrated edition, is at the top of my holiday wish list, and as Jim Kay plans on illustrating all of the books in the series, they will most likely be at the top of many fans’ wish lists for years to come.
You can order your own copy here.
I never knew trolls liked kittens until I read the book. Haha!