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As readers will recall on Tuesday, July 7th, Scholastic, the US publishers of the Harry Potter series, will at long last release a paperback edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. As part of the event, the main Scholastic Store in Soho, New York City will be the site of a release party. Starting at 10:00 am there will be Harry Potter trivia, potions and wand making events, plus fans c... Read the rest of this post

Another good friend and faithful follower has written to us. She's Warnell, a librarian, and she also has a Harry Potter Giveaway:

janasbooklist.blogspot.com

You rock!

Thanks. So do you! Here's another chance to win paperback copies of the 5th, 6th, and 7th Harry Potter books. Go to that site and read the simple rules for her contest. Good luck, guys!! (Don't forget Ms. Yingling also has a Harry Potter Giveaway at Ms Yingling Reads)

BTW, if you guys can get away this afternoon, come to the Last Olympian Party here at Imaginon at 2pm (Is this short notice? Maybe--but I wrote about it a couple of weeks ago) If you've read any of the Percy Jackson books or just have an interest in Greek mythology, come on!

Carl

Hey gang, it's the Great and Forgetful CARLMAN. I got a comment yesterday from Kurtis Scaletta, our good friend and author of that terrific book Mudville. He wrote and said that I had forgotten to mention the fourth Tripod book:

I was a big fan of those tripod books as a kid, and had trouble finding them again for the longest time. Was really glad when they came back into print! There's actually a fourth one, as well, a prequel called When the Tripods Came.

Thanks for reminding me, Kurtis. HOW could I have forgotten? These books are great. I'm into the second one, The City of Gold and Lead, and it rocks and rolls!! I want to read all four of them now.

In other news, Ms. Yingling, another good friend and Honorary Guy, says that she has a Harry Potter giveaway contest on her site. Here's the scoop; go to her blog, Ms. Yingling Reads, click on the picture in the Harry Potter Giveaway, and you will see the simple rules. Scholastic is issuing the 5th, 6th, and 7th HP in paperback and if, you enter her contest, you have a chance to win all three!! Sounds like a great deal to me! Go for it, guys!

Scholastic, the US publishers of the Harry Potter novels, have updated their website with a lovely new poster called "Celebrating Harry Through the Years." The poster, available for download via this link (PDF), features a montage of artwork by Mary GrandPre as well as photos of each of the seven books in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Also on the sit... Read the rest of this post

The Tales of Beedle the Bard written by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling have been nominated this year at the Galaxy British Book Awards.  Beedle the Bard is on the shortlist for "Children's Book of the Year," along with a few others including: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer,  Captain Underpants & the Preposterous Plight by Dav Pilkey, Artemis Foul & The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer, Horrid He... Read the rest of this post

Scholastic, the US publishers of the Harry Potter novels, will be releasing a new box set of the series this summer. This new collection, which you can see here in our galleries, is available for pre-order via Barnes and Noble, as well as Walmart.  Included in the collection are the set of US paperback editions of books one through seven, with the box to feature the Deluxe cover from Harry Pott... Read the rest of this post

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the most borrowed book in the UK, according to new figures released from the Public Lending Right Agency.  The Bookseller reports that the Seventh Book in author J. K. Rowling's series has been borrowed a total of 108,775 times from libraries in the UK.  Deathly Hallows was also the most borrowed book under the children's titles list, followed by the Sixt... Read the rest of this post

Aintitcool.com has released a new, and very lengthy interview with actor Jason Isaacs. In this very indepth piece, Jason confirms again that he has a very small cameo as Lucius Malfoy in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ("a moving painting for a frame"). In this wide ranging, frank and often very engaging interview with this gracious actor, Jason Isaacs also comments on his p... Read the rest of this post

The first images and reports from the special party held in Edinburgh, Scotland by author J.K. Rowling for the release of The Tales of Beedle the Bard are now online. You can see early images here via Getty, while Reuters has some details from a question and answer session at the event. Jo said she was afraid of spiders, just like the character of Ron Weasley. Jo said: "What's funny is, as you ... Read the rest of this post

Behold, the Bard! The Tales of Beedle the Bard, the new book by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has now officially be released! Last night, some fans were able to attend special midnight release parties, such as those in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Scotsman reports that while the parties were not as large as in years past, fans still dressed as their favorite characters and "enjoyed a Hogwarts-st... Read the rest of this post

With just four days left until the release of the new book by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, fans (including this editor) who have pre-ordered their copies of The Tales of Beedle the Bard have started seeing their order status set to "shipping soon" or "dispatching soon." Very exciting business indeed!
On a related note, the LA Times is one of many papers starting to preview the book which go... Read the rest of this post

As reported previously, an exhibition of works by artist Mary GrandPre has now opened at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art in Iowa, and contains highlights of her work done for the US editions of the Harry Potter book series. Today, thanks to TLC staffer Jeff, we can now show you a sample of the many pieces of art in this display, including a first look at an alternative cover for Harry Potter and... Read the rest of this post

Several months ago, we told you that author J.K Rowling would be contributing to a new book honoring the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles for his birthday. This book will benefit the Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts charity. Today, the Guardian has an extract of the piece written by Jo, where she writes about the dramatic forest scene near the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hal... Read the rest of this post

The 172nd episode of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast is now online with the start of our three part series where we examine Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling's The Beedle the Bard stories prior to its release. As always, Sue starts off the show with the latest news, which includes bits of information from the actors about the Deathly Hallows film, Mamma Mia overtaking the Harry Potter film

As Halloween is now upon us, we have a treat for you in the form of a brand new episode of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast.  Our 171st episode kicks off with Sue's News, which includes Scholastic's interviews with a few key people behind the Harry Potter novels, more theme park rumors, a marketing professor's report on the readers of Harry Potter, "Beedle the Bard" publication news, confir

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has been nominated for the Independent Bookseller Book Prize in the Children's book category. The Times reports the winner of this award, "given to the writer of the book most enjoyed by customers of specialist bookshops across the UK," will be announced on Friday.

Along with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, other books nominated include... Read the rest of this post

We have for you tonight the latest episode of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast.  In the 170th edition of the show, we update you on the little redesign Leaky has seen over the past week, as well as bring you the latest news including: Emma's Flare Magazine photo spread, new Harry Potter yarn with sock patterns, new images of Potter merchandise, charitable contributions by Alan Rickman and R

A quick update today regarding the upcoming publication of the new book from J.K. Rowling. As noted by the Bookseller and now seen on the Children's High Level website, a press release indicates that The Tales of Beedle the Bard will be published in Braille "produced in partnership with RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) in the UK and the National Braille Press in the USA." In addi... Read the rest of this post

The Scotsman is reporting today that Harry Potter author will be holding a tea party at the National Library of Scotland for the release of The Tales of Beedle the Bard. This special book, proceeds to benefit the Children's High Level Group charity, will be released on December 4, and "ten local schools will be asked to bring 20 pupils, aged between eight and 11, to the party."  The paper repor... Read the rest of this post

Yes, we have a second entry in the Olympics of Reading. This one's from our old friend cyber kid 303. He's decided to enter the most difficult category, the Marathon--in other words, he reviewed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and some people say reading that book is as long and painful as running 26 miles (right, Bill?). Here's what cyber kid has to say (BEWARE!! There's a spoiler alert, which means that he'll give some things away. DON'T READ AFTER THE SPOILER ALERT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS))

Today brings the release of another translated edition of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," this time in the Czech Republic. Czech news source Rozhlas reported the main release event was held at the Kanzelsberger Bookshop where hundreds of eager... Read the rest of this post

Hooray! The first Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production medalists have been named! As chair of the committee that had the pleasure of choosing the titles, I can say that the decision came after deliberating many wonderful productions. We were amazed that the finest titles also covered a breadth and range of ages and interests. But the truly astonishing fact was discovered only after we had completed the entire process. We all felt the planets aligning when we realized that the author of the first Odyssey winner, Walter Dean Myers, was also the winner of the first Printz Award. It was meant to be.

The winner:

Jazz. By Walter Dean Myers. Narrated by James “D-Train” Williams and Vaneese Thomas. 43min. Live Oak Media. CS, $25.95 (9781430100195); CD, $28.95 (9781430100225).
“Jazz,” a production of Live Oak Media, takes the readalong to new heights as James “D-Train” Williams and Vaneese Thomas perform the work of Walter Dean Myers. Original music accompanies each poem's performance, resulting in a rhythmic representation of mood and tone. Separate tracks for the selections and lively inclusion of a glossary and timeline create a dynamic audiobook; part poetry, part nonfiction, and wholly authentic.

The Honor audiobooks:

Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary “Jacky” Faber, Ship’s Boy By L. A. Meyer. Narrated by Katherine Kellgren. 8hr. Listen & Live Audio. CD $37.95. (9781593160944).
Katherine Kellgren’s vocal athleticism takes listeners from the filthy streets of eighteenth century London to the high seas in Meyer’s fast-paced novel about a girl who stows away as a cabin boy.

Dooby Dooby Moo. By Doreen Cronin. Narrated by Randy Travis. 13.36min. Weston Woods/Scholastic. CS $24.95 (9780545042833). CD $29.95 (9780545042819).
Music and barnyard chatter enhance Randy Travis’ performance of Cronin’s comic tale of talented farm animals gone wild.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. By J. K. Rowling. Narrated by Jim Dale. 21hr. Listening Library. CS, $90 (9780739360408; CD, $90(9780739360415).
Jim Dale masters and maintains voices for all genders, ages, species, and emotions created by author J.K. Rowling in this final Harry Potter adventure.

Skulduggery Pleasant. By Derek Landy. Narrated by Rupert Degas. 7.5hr. HarperChildren’s Audio. CD, $27.95 (9780061341045).
Rupert Degas fleshes out a cast of characters including a “tweenage” girl, nefarious villains, and a skeleton detective. Music and sound effects mirror the mood of this bone-rattling mystery.

Treasure Island. By Robert Louis Stevenson. Narrated by Alfred Molina. 7hr. Listening Library. CD, $55 (9780739350836).
Stevenson’s pirate classic elegantly unfolds as Alfred Molina’s panoply of accents and the soundscape of the sea place listeners aboard the Hispaniola.

Listen and discover the best in audiobook literature.

Jim Dale has been nominated for a Grammy for the audio recording of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The category is Best Spoken Word Album for Children (category 78 of a very long list).

I'm thrilled because I'm a huge fan of Jim Dale, but also because I think the audio book is particularly wonderful. I have the Harry Potter audio books memorized (Really, I do. I'm not kidding. Quiz me.) Deathly Hallows kicks it up an extra notch, and even surpassed Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (which I thought was the best until I heard #7.)

There are numerous times in the 7th book where the characters drink Polyjuice potion and transform into other people. Jim Dale manages to keep all these occurrences straight (something that gets quite confusing in the print version) by creating new voices for the Polyjuiced characters. Even better, he adds a bit of the original character's voice. For example, if Hermione was impersonating Bellatrix... the voice would sound both like Bellatrix AND Hermione. It's very impressive and very helpful.

Congratulations, Jim!

Welcome back to another round of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows chapter analysis.
Regular readers should note that there's been a slight change of policy.... from here on the chapter descriptions contain spoilers for the entire book, not just the chapters they refer to.

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Chapter Eleven: The Bribe

Picture: Lupin looks almost skeletal in this picture. Is it the candlelight? Also, if you look really closely, you can see a tiny picture of Harry in the newspaper under Lupin’s hand.

Chapter title: Very intriguing. It had me wondering throughout the whole chapter what on earth the bribe was going to be about.

Most memorable:

-Lupin appearing just when Harry, Ron and Hermione were so desperate to see a friendly face.

-The surprise of Harry being implicated in Dumbledore’s death.

-That Rufus Scrimgeour protected Harry even while he was being tortured. I give him a lot of credit for that.

-Ron’s fierce allegiance to Hermione.

-That Harry and Hermione address their former teacher as Remus. They are starting to sound like adults.

-Lupin’s misery, and his seeming lack of love for Tonks.

-Harry’s argument with Lupin. I was pretty shocked that Harry would say these kinds of things to one of his mentors, but I also agreed with him and was glad he took a stand. It was a more productive kind of righteous anger than Harry’s angst in Book 5.

-Umbridge has the locket? I got chills just reading that.

Funny:

-Ron turning the lights on and off without really paying attention. I know I would do this if I had a Deluminator… I wouldn’t be able to stop fidgeting with it.

Worth pointing out:

-The Deatheaters aren’t staking out the house because they think Harry is inside… they’re appearing because Harry and Hermione keep saying Voldemort’s name.

Question:

-Just how big is Lupin’s cloak? It seems that he keeps a lot under there… four bottles of butterbeer, a newspaper, etc. Sounds a bit like Hermione’s beaded bag.

Favorite quote:

Mundungus tries to defend his actions the night that the Order of the Phoenix moved Harry to the Burrow.

Mundungus: “I panicked, okay? I never wanted to come along, no offense, mate, but I never volunteered to die for you, an’ that was bleedin’ You-Know-Who come flying at me, anyone woulda got outta there, I said al along I didn’t wanna do it-“

“For your information, none of the rest of us Disapparated,” said Hermione.

“Well, you’re a bunch of bleedin’ ‘eroes then, aren’t you?”

(Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Scholastic hardcover, pg. 220.)

In Discussion Question Five I asked what you envision as the future of the Harry Potter cast of characters. I got asked what my opinion is (which I'm always happy to give =). I gave it some thought.... see below.

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I want to start with what J.K. Rowling said about the future of the major characters. (My source here is the MSNBC interview that was recorded the weekend the book was released.) Harry gets a job as an Auror, roots out the corruption in the Ministry and eventually becomes head of the Auror office. Ron assists Harry in the Auror office, although in the July 30th Bloomsbury webchat J.K. Rowling says that Ron helps run Weasley Wizards Wheezes. And Hermione is a lawyer working in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

What do I think?
I have a hard time believing that Harry works his way up to the head of the Auror office. Yes, I know that it's what he always wanted to do. And yes, the Ministry is now run by Kingsley Shacklebolt, so it's a different place than it was in Book 7. But still- I can't imagine Harry starting at the bottom on the career ladder. Here's why:

In that powerful moment when he stood with two wands in his hand and Voldemort lay defeated at his feet... Harry became a superstar. True, he had always been famous, but that was for something he didn't remember and had no active role in. Harry was very involved and very aware of finishing off Voldemort. And almost the entire wizarding world witnessed that crucial moment. I think that's the stuff legends are made of... and I just don't see Harry taking an entry level job after that. To me, it would be more realistic if he was immediately appointed to a more prominent role... or found a different career entirely separate from the Ministry. But I don't see him working his way up the ladder- because I think he's already at the top. This would be like J.K. Rowling submitting manuscripts and query letters to publishers for her next book- instead of being besieged with offers to publish anything she wants.

Also, I think there's an odd dichotomy about Harry actually becoming an Auror. He says in the fith book that it's what he really wants to do... but in the sixth book he's very dismissive about the profession. When he talks to Rufus Scrimgeour, Harry implies that having a guard of Aurors wouldn't be very helpful. I don't think he respects the position very much... he just doesn't have any other career plans.

And Ron... well, I just don't see him working in the Auror office. I see him being much more comfortable in a joke shop. Also, I think if Ron and George were business partners, George would finally respect Ron as an equal. For Ron to help run the family business after the devastating loss of Fred would be a very noble thing to do. Plus it would be a lot of fun... and I think Ron is more into fun than into battling dark wizards.

Hermione... yes, I could see her as a lawyer. She's a genius, and I think she would use the law to help people as much as possible. I could also see her as a professor... or possibly the Hogwarts headmistress when McGonagall retires.

I'm still thinking about the other characters.