Wizarding Wonders – 13 magical suggestions for a summer reading list

in Harry Potter, Merchandise, Movies

With most wizarding and muggle schools enjoying a summer break, finding activities for young ones can be challenging.  Summer reading is a great alternative (or addition) to distracting devices and hypnotizing screens.

Introducing, or re-introducing, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter onto the summer spell lists can provide perfect enchanting escapes.  Newly illustrated editions of the original series and movie tie-in tomes ensure a multitude of magic to choose from.

Immersive illustrated incantations

When the Boy Who Lived first arrived in 1997, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” contained only a handful of illustrations.  Almost two decades later in 2015, rich colorful images enhanced this spell-binding story. With each following year, books two and three soon followed.

Apparating into the pages of these oversized novels is the perfect way to revisit (or introduce a young muggle) to Harry Potter.  Therefore, Harry Potter Illustrated editions top the list of summer reading requirements.

1. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The Illustrated Edition” is available from Amazon.  Book one, in print version, will require $25.98 in muggle money.

2. “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition,” costs $27.47 when purchased from Amazon.

3. “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: The Illustrated Edition,” the third book of J. K. Rowling’s fantasy tales, runs $28.79 and can also be found on Amazon.

Each edition contains the same spelltacular story penned by J.K. Rowling.  Jim Kay’s imaginative interpretations fill the pages with colorful pictures.  Volumes 1-3 materialized in October of their year of release (2015, 2016, 2017).  However, due to much more story content, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: The Illustrated Edition” will not arrive until October of 2019.

More mischief to manage

In addition to Harry Potter’s adventures (books 1-7), additional summer reading and revelations await curious would-be-wizards of all ages.   From side stories and Hogwarts “school books” to coloring books and pop-up books, the cauldron is full of surprises.

4. Harry Potter “Hogwarts Library” contains three essential and enlightening elections.  “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” “Quidditch Through the Ages,” and “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” fit nicely into the green Hogwarts Library slipcase.  This trio of “text” books retails, in the muggle realm of Amazon, for $31.08.

5. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” has also received a revision.  This larger and fully illustrated edition continues to shed light upon the strange beings which inhabit the realm of witches and wizards.  Purchase a copy from Amazon.  A portion of the $22.74 price will be donated to charity:

“Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to Comic Relief and J.K. Rowling’s international charity, Lumos, which will do magic beyond the powers of any wizard. If you feel that this is insufficient reason to part with your money, one can only hope that passing wizards feel more charitable if they see you being attacked by a Manticore.” -Amazon

(Note: a similar edition of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” is due to arrive in October 2018.)

6. “The Best of Harry Potter Coloring: Celebratory Edition” offers a relaxing way to escape while adding color to images from Harry Potter’s world.   This highly detailed line art volume can be found on Amazon for $11.59.

7. “Honeydukes: A Scratch and Sniff Adventure” offers an aromatic adventure into Hogsmeade’s infamous sweet shop.  Chocolate Frogs, Cockroach Clusters, Fizzing Whizbees and more tease the nose in this $10.98 hardcover read found on Amazon.

A pair of pop-up peculiarities

A curious case of muggle-made magic, pop-up books bring scenes to life in a most enchanting manner.  Adding these 3-dimensional wonders to a summer reading list is sure to amuse any Harry Potter fan.

 

8. “J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World: A Pop-Up Gallery of Curiosities” brings new depth to the magical mysteries of Harry Potter’s realm.  Enjoy items from flying cars to sorting hats, and a few other surprises.  Amazon has this great gallery available for $18.07.

9. “Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Book” allows Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, and more come to life with amazing 3-D detail.  Featuring folded fun from Andrew Wiliamson, concept artist to the Potter film franchise, this movie-based book is a must-have for Potter and pop-up book fans.  $28.42 is the selling price from Amazon.

Movie magic memorabilia

Lighter summer reading resides within the pages of these film fed volumes.  Some contain removable media to enjoy.

10. “Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films: Diagon Alley, and Beyond” is more than just destination details from the Harry Potter movies.  Added adventure arrives by exploring the removable poster, a map of Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts painting guide. Learn behind the scenes insight into these magical and mysterious enchanting establishments.  Available from Amazon for $30.59.

11. “Harry Potter: The Character Vault” provides profiles on prolific personalities from the Wizarding World.  Dive into details describing concept to creation of these characters and their accoutrements from the Harry Potter movies. “Harry Potter: The Character Vault” can be delivered from Amazon for $24.28.

12. “Harry Potter: The Artifact Vault” shares stories on various creations crafted for the Wizarding World motion pictures. From potion labels to Quidditch equipment, all the artifacts arrive in this terrific tome. Amazon sells this vault of treasures for $24.52.

13. “The Case of Beasts: Explore the Film Wizardry of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a “suitcase” of surprises Newt Scamander’s American adventures.  Packed with vivid illustration and additional removable media, exploring this treasure trove of magic is a great way to spend a summer afternoon.  These movie mementos will cost $21.67 when purchased from Amazon.

Summer reading, by way of any these 13 Harry Potter powered diversions, is a perfect pastime of enchantment and excitement.  Find a magical balance between the stimulation of imagination that reading brings and the adventure of electronic experiences.  Reading enhances learning skills and makes for a spellbinding escape perfect for muggles of all ages.

Source and images: Amazon

in Harry Potter, Merchandise, Movies

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