Today Scholastic has announced a new venture: “Scholastic Reads,” a bi-weekly podcast, about the joy and power of reading, the books they publish for children and young adults, and the authors, editors, and stories behind them. Scholastic will explore topics important to parents, educators, and the reader in all of us. Listen to a preview talking about the security for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows here.
Suzanne McCabe (left), Scholastic Editor-at-Large and host of the new podcast, “Scholastic Reads,” chats with Scholastic Editor Cheryl Klein (right), about her harrowing experiences trying to keep the “Harry Potter” manuscripts top secret. “Scholastic Reads” is a new biweekly podcast all about children’s books and the joy and power of reading, featuring in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of children’s publishing. Listen now: http://www.scholastic.com/scholasticreads (Credit: Scholastic)
From the press release:
“Scholastic Reads,” a new podcast about children’s books and the joy and power of reading launches today with a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter series as told by Cheryl Klein, the continuity editor for the 6th and 7th books in the series. This new, biweekly podcast from Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, will feature in-depth interviews with bestselling children’s book authors and illustrators, editors and experts, who will provide their insights about writing, publishing and trends in children’s books – as well as their personal book recommendations in “ask an editor” episodes. Suzanne McCabe, Scholastic Editor-at-Large, hosts “Scholastic Reads.”
“From the magic of the Harry Potter series to insider stories from the world of children’s books and publishing, our new podcast series is perfect for anyone who loves to read, as well those who want to inspire children to discover the power and joy of reading,” said Suzanne McCabe, Editor-at-Large, Scholastic and host of the “Scholastic Reads” podcast. “We plan to offer listeners behind-the-scenes insights, book recommendations and much more from the Scholastic family of YA and children’s book authors, illustrators, editors and experts who are passionate about great stories and the power of books to ‘Open a World of Possible’ for children.”
Upcoming “Scholastic Reads” episodes include:
Podcast Episode #1: The Magic of Harry Potter: What sets the Harry Potter series apart from other popular children’s series? How did it become the most recognizable in all of children’s literature? Cheryl Klein talks about her work as continuity editor on the series and shares harrowing stories about keeping the final manuscripts secret. Literacy expert Pam Allyn, Founding Director of LitWorld, weighs in on how Hogwarts and the lessons Harry Potter teaches us can be valuable for educators.
Podcast Episode #2: Kids’ Books Holiday Hotline: Giving the gift of reading can be difficult, especially when you have a reluctant reader on your holiday shopping list. Children’s literature experts David Allender and Preeti Chhibber of Scholastic Reading Club answer parents’ trickiest book-buying questions.
Podcast Episode #3: Every Child a Super Reader: Literacy experts Pam Allyn, Founding Director of LitWorld, and Dr. Ernest Morrell, Columbia University Professor and former NCTE President, talk about their new book, Every Child a Super Reader, and how parents and teachers can develop students’ seven key strengths to transform them into “super readers.”
Podcast Episode #4: Book Trends of 2016: What are the big trends in children’s books for 2016? Children’s literature experts David Allender and Preeti Chhibber of Scholastic Reading Club share their projections for the New Year.
Some exciting news for Potter fans around the world today. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter audiobooks are now available for purchase at audible.com, audible.co.uk, audible.de and audible.com.au. The recordings showcase captivating performances by Stephen Fry (in the UK and the rest of the world), Jim Dale (in the North American version) and Felix von Manteuffel (in the German version). Audible is the sole subscription-based service to offer the Harry Potter series as digital audiobooks.
“We are thrilled to offer our customers the opportunity to enjoy the Harry Potter audio catalogue seamlessly through the Audible service,” said Andy Gaies, Audible Chief Content Officer. “J. K. Rowling’s celebrated series is firmly entrenched in the literary pantheon, but when the first Harry Potter novel was released in 1997, smartphones were yet to become the ubiquitous listening devices they are today. Now fans of this bellwether series have an effortless and affordable way to enjoy them in audio.”
“The breathtaking performances of Stephen Fry, Jim Dale and Felix von Manteuffel transform Harry Potter’s adventures into immersive and truly transporting new experiences—even for those who have already read the novels,” added Gaies. “We look forward to bringing more listeners to this richly imagined universe.”
Pottermore, the digital entertainment, news and e-commerce company from J.K. Rowling, is the publisher of the Harry Potter digital audiobooks. The Pottermore Shop, the company’s digital retail arm, will continue to sell the Harry Potter digital audiobooks.
Universal Orlando Resort have announced the line up for the 2016 Celebration of Harry Potter! This year, which is the event’s third, will see some past guests as well as new ones that are sure to excite fans! Matthew Lewis and Evanna Lynch will all be returning to the event! Bonnie Wright, Rupert Grint and Katie Leung will also be joining in on the fun from January 29th – 31st.
Access to “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included with regular theme park admission or with an annual pass, with admission to certain activities being granted on a first-come, first-served basis. While most of the activities for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will be open to all Universal Orlando park guests and will take place at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida theme parks, guests who purchase the exclusive event vacation package will enjoy certain special benefits and reserved sections for the panels and demonstrations.
Full details from the press release are as follows:
HARRY POTTER EXPO (Universal Studios Florida theme park) The Harry Potter Expo will be held inside a Universal Orlando soundstage and will be open to guests throughout the weekend. The expo will include the following booths and exhibits that will give guests deeper insight into the global phenomenon that is Harry Potter:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London offers visitors the chance to relive the magic through the eyes of the filmmakers who brought the Harry Potter film series to life. Visitors can step on to authentic sets and admire the real props and costumes used during filming at the series’ production home in England, UK.
The Studio Tour is bringing an interactive taste of the experience to ‘A Celebration of Harry Potter’ 2016, giving you the chance to see the incredible behind-the-scenes talent that went into creating the iconic film series.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Sorting Hat Experience
Are you a Gryffindor or a Slytherin? A Hufflepuff or perhaps a Ravenclaw? At the beginning of each school year the Sorting Hat places new Hogwarts students into a house, and now you too have the opportunity to get sorted in a Great Hall setting inspired by the blockbuster films.
Step inside the Expo and the red carpet is rolled out welcoming you to an area celebrating the global impact Harry Potter: The Exhibition has had during its 7-year, 13-city tour, including an exclusive Quidditch inspired photo opportunity.
MinaLima
Graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima worked for ten years on the Harry Potter films, creating countless unforgettable graphic props, some of which will be on display including iconic pieces such as The Marauder’s Map, Daily Prophet and Hogwarts school books. Since working on the films, they created the MinaLima Store selling authentic reproductions of the film artwork with limited edition art prints and stationery. They are currently in production on the new feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Pottermore from J.K. Rowling
Pottermore is the digital heart of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World and if discovering more about her magical universe excites you, Pottermore has a surprise in store for fans attending this year’s Celebration of Harry Potter. And keep your eyes peeled for their new Pottermore Correspondent (Rita Skeeter she certainly isn’t), who’ll be there hunting out exclusive scoops and bringing you updates on pottermore.com from the weekend’s activities.
Scholastic
Celebrate Harry Potter at Scholastic’s booth by sharing a message about what Harry Potter means to you. Color in a magical page from our brand-new Harry Potter coloring book. Be sure to enter daily raffles for a chance to win a copy of the new illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, a box set of all seven Harry Potter books, or a Harry Potter coloring book. Collectible giveaways are available for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
To join the conversation, use #HPCelebration. For more information about the event, tickets and available exclusive event vacation packages, visit www.universalorlando.com/celebration.
“A CELEBRATION OF HARRY POTTER” PANELS AND DEMONSTRATIONS (Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida theme parks)
Demonstrations and Q&A sessions will be available featuring Harry Potter film talent and crew, with special panels and demonstrations for kids. Admission into panels and demonstrations will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Specific times will be released at a later date.
Behind the Scenes: Harry Potter Film Talent Discussion
Enjoy a fascinating and interactive Q&A session featuring some of your favorite actors from the Harry Potter films. Discover what it was like to work on the most successful film franchise in history.
Behind-the-scenes of the Harry Potter props with Pierre Bohanna
Ever wondered how long it takes to make a wand? Or where the inspiration for the hundreds of wand designs in the Harry Potter film series came from? Warner Bros. Studio Tour London presents head prop maker for the films, Pierre Bohanna, who will answer these questions and more. Once you’ve discovered how they were made, raise your own wand as Death Eaters invade the stage to demonstrate how battle scenes were brought to life.
The Global Impact of Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Join us in celebrating the touring attraction that’s visited 13 cities in 9 countries and hosted almost 4 million guests. Harry Potter: The Exhibition is in a unique position to reflect on the global impact of the franchise. Get an exclusive look at the exhibition’s creation and the excitement it continues to deliver to fans around the world. Panel will include exhibition creators, film producers, and film actors who have participated in the openings.
Graphic Design for the Harry Potter Films with MinaLima
Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, from the graphic design studio MinaLima, will share insights into their role as graphic prop designers, and how their paths crossed at the WB film studios while working for 10 years on the Harry Potter movies. They will discuss and show some of the iconic props they created for the Harry Potter films, including The Marauder’s Map, the Daily Prophet, and The Quibbler, amongst others. Still immersed in all things Harry Potter, they will also talk about their involvement in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, for which they designed all the street and store graphics. During the panel they will welcome questions from the audience.
This year’s “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will also include kids’ demonstrations and interactive experiences such as a ‘Dance Like a Beauxbatons and Battle Like a Durmstrang’ experience, as well as Harry Potter film trivia.
Bloomsbury Children’s Books are very excited to announce A Night of Spells as the theme for Harry Potter Book Night 2016. 2015 was the first year for the event, and it was held on February 5th. This year the event will be on the 4th of February and you have until November 23rd to request a printed kit to hold your own event (limited to 4000 printed kits.) Downloadable kits will still be available after that date.
Whether it is the disarming Expelliarmus or the dreaded Avada Kedavra, spells are at the very heart of all of the Harry Potter books, making them a perfect focus for the second Harry Potter Book Night.
With an updated event kit themed around spells and lots more exciting elements yet to be announced, once again fans of all ages will have the chance to celebrate J.K. Rowling’s wonderful novels – and pass the magic on to young readers who haven’t yet discovered these unforgettable books.
[…]
Next year’s event promises to be even bigger and better as international publishers join in the celebrations to bring Harry Potter Book Night 2016 to fans all over the world, making it a truly global event.
So, make a date in your diary as Harry Potter Book Night returns for a second year on Thursday February 4th 2016.
Sign up at www.harrypotterbooknight.com to make sure you’re one of the first to hear all the latest Harry Potter Book Night news. If you’ve already registered, you will carry on receiving our exclusive news bulletins.
And remember to share your ideas and plans for Harry Potter Book Night on Twitter and Facebook using #HarryPotterBookNight
As we’ve posted a few times over the past months, Bloomsbury released a deluxe illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with art by Jim Kay. The book was officially released in the UK yesterday and is available for £150 at Bloomsbury’s website. It appears that the book can be shipped worldwide, which is good news for fans in the US and other countries who would have to wait until March 2016 when it will be available at other stores.
The deluxe illustrated edition of J.K. Rowling’s timeless classic will feature an exclusive pull-out double gatefold of Diagon Alley; intricate foiled line art by Jim Kay on a real cloth cover and slipcase; gilt edges on premium grade paper; head and tail bands and two ribbon markers. It is the ultimate must-have edition for any fan, collector or bibliophile. This edition will be sold exclusively from the Bloomsbury.com website until March 2016 when it will be made available to retail outlets.
This special edition is an utterly enchanting feast of a book and something to treasure for a lifetime. Brimming with rich detail and humour, Jim Kay’s dazzling depiction of the wizarding world and much loved characters will captivate fans and new readers alike. In oil, pastel, pencil, watercolour, pixels and a myriad of other techniques, Jim Kay has created over 115 astonishing illustrations.
Yesterday, Robert Galbraith, aka J.K. Rowling, gave her first UK interview as her pseudonym as part of the BBC Radio 2 Book Club, discussing her latest novel Career Of Evil. In the interview, J. K. Rowling as Robert talked about her inspiration for creating a pen name, her crime writing influences and more. Before we get to the interview, and for those of you who enjoy the series and want to take an in-depth look, do check out The Strike Files, a brand new podcast made by our friends Zack Luye and Melissa Anelli!
A few highlights from the interview may be read below.
Robert Galbraith aka JK Rowling on upcoming projects and her latest novel Career of Evil: ‘Definitely the darkest of the series so far. It’s the only book I’ve ever written that has literally given me nightmares… But I really enjoyed the crafting of the book.’
There’s more to come for fans of all ages: ‘I’m not going to give you an absolute date because things are busy enough, but I will definitely write more novels as JK Rowling. I have so many ideas. I have written part of a children’s book that I really love so there will be another children’s book and I have ideas for other adult books… I sometimes worry I’ll die before I’ve written them all out. That’s my mid-life crisis.’
But she isn’t writing under any other names for now: ‘Trying to run more than one pseudonym is a fool’s game, I wish Robert had lasted longer because it was a lot of fun.’
— 
