Scholastic has revealed today that it will be releasing 15th Anniversary Editions of all seven Harry Potter books. The books all have new cover art by artist Kazu Kibuishi who said that this experience was “more than a little surreal.” According to the release, each of the seven new covers will depict a distinctive and memorable moment from the respective book. The collection, which will also be released in September as a boxed set, will offer new readers just reaching the age to begin the series a glimpse of J.K. Rowling’s magical world and the epic story they are about to enter. Today they have released the cover for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which may be seen in the gallery!
They have also announced that in November they will be releasing a Hogwarts Library book set which includes Quidditch Through the Ages, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard. As always, sales of the Hogwarts Library will support two charities selected by the author, J.K. Rowling: Lumos, a charity founded by J.K. Rowling which works to end the institutionalization of children, and Comic Relief, a UK-based charity that strives to create a just world free from poverty.
Kazu also stated:
“The Harry Potter covers by Mary GrandPré are so fantastic and iconic,” said Kibuishi. “When I was asked to submit samples, I initially hesitated because I didn’t want to see them reinterpreted! However, I felt that if I were to handle the project, I could bring something to it that many other designers and illustrators probably couldn’t, and that was that I was also a writer of my own series of middle grade fiction. As an author myself, I tried to answer the question, ‘If I were the author of the books – and they were like my own children – how would I want them to be seen years from now?’ When illustrating the covers, I tried to think of classic perennial paperback editions of famous novels and how those illustrations tend to feel. In a way, the project became a tribute to both Harry Potter and the literary classics.”
Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade Publishing, said: “The brilliant artist Kazu Kibuishi offers his unique vision of the world of Harry Potter, making each cover an incredible adventure that will transport new readers just discovering Harry Potter for the first time directly into the rich world of J.K. Rowling’s imagination.”
The BBC have announced today that they will be creating a television show based on J.K. Rowling’s newest book, The Casual Vacancy. The show is expected to air in 2014, with an unknown episode count, and J.K. Rowling comments in the press release and says she thinks BBC is the perfect home for the book.
BBC One and BBC Drama have commissioned an exclusive adaptation of The Casual Vacancy from The Blair Partnership, who represents J.K. Rowling.
The series will be produced through an independent production company operated by Neil Blair, on behalf of The Blair Partnership, and Rick Senat, which shall engage the executive series producer. The deal was struck following discussions between Neil Blair and BBC One Controller Danny Cohen.
J.K. Rowling will collaborate closely with the project, with the number and length of the episodes to be decided once the creative adaptation process has formally begun.
The series has been commissioned for the BBC by Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC One, and Ben Stephenson, Controller of BBC Drama, and is expected to air in 2014.
The Casual Vacancy is already a global best-seller and is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.
The novel is set in Pagford, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war. Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils… Pagford is not what it first seems.
J.K. Rowling says: “I’m thrilled that the BBC has commissioned The Casual Vacancy. I always felt that, if it were to be adapted, this novel was best suited to television and I think the BBC is the perfect home.”
Danny Cohen says: “It is thrilling to be bringing the work of J.K. Rowling to BBC One audiences. J.K. Rowling’s story-telling is of course peerless in its popularity, and I am looking forward to collaborating with her. This project highlights the ambition and scale of BBC One Drama, as well as the ability of modern television to attract the world’s biggest talent and most exciting creative ideas.”
Ben Stephenson adds: “We are thrilled to bring J.K. Rowling’s extraordinary tapestry of modern Britain to the screen. It’s a book of such richness that through humour, social commentary and above all fantastic characters, says something insightful and entertaining about the country we live in.”
Today, Entertainment Weekly have released a trailer for Harry Potter Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey, available on Amazon on December 4th with a pricetag of $600 (retail $1000.) This special eight book set will be limited to 3000 copies worldwide with seven of the books being created specifically for the set. The trailer illustrates why the set is worth so much and may be watched below (thanks to SnitchSeeker for the embeddable version):
Seven of the volumes were created expressly for this collection and delve into different aspects of the filmmaking, showing how the team designed locations, graphics, costumes, creatures, and special effects. A book of the paintings of Hogwarts showcases the exquisite artistry of each. A keepsake book filled with snapshots and personal photos looks at the lasting relationships between cast and crew. The eighth volume is a cloth-bound edition of the New York Times Best-seller, Harry Potter: Page to Screen. All of these precious objects are housed in a collectible box that looks like it came from Diagon Alley. Arriving at your doorstep with a numbered certificate of authenticity, this limited edition is the ultimate collectible for any wizard or Muggle.
This collector’s edition includes:
• A cloth-covered case, styled to look like a shelf from a shop in Diagon Alley
• A cloth-bound edition of Harry Potter: Page to Screen
• Seven additional volumes detailing the Harry Potter creative team’s ten years of extensive efforts:
* The Creature Shop Compendium: Flora and Fauna from the Harry Potter Films
* Environments Envisioned: Building Fantastic Sets and Scouting Dramatic Locations
* A Guide to the Graphic Arts Department: Posters, Prints, and Publications from the Harry Potter Films
* Movie Magic: Practical Props and Exciting Effects
* The Paintings of Hogwarts: Masterpieces from the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Sets
* Ten Years Later: Life on Set with the Harry Potter Cast and Crew
* Wizard Wear and Muggle Attire: Costuming the World of Harry Potter
• A replica of The Monster Book of Monsters film prop
• A gilded portfolio of five frame-able prints of original Harry Potter concept art
J.k. Rowling has released The Tales of Beedle the Bard as an eBook to benefit her charity, Lumos, which raises money to help children living in large institutions. The book is available from the Pottermore Shop and is selling for $5.99.
From the press release:
About Lumos
Eight million children globally live in large institutions that deny them individual love and care, can damage their brain development and destroy their understanding of right and wrong.
Less than 10% of these children are orphans. Most have families who love them and want them, but they are separated because of poverty or discrimination. When they grow into adults, they struggle to cope in society. Research shows they are:
10 times more likely than their peers to be involved in prostitution
20 times more likely to have a criminal record
500 times more likely to commit suicide
Lumos works at every level, from international decision makers to individual children, to transform outdated systems. Institutions are replaced with family and community based services, so that all children can have a real chance of a childhood and a future.
Pottermore has been updated with the last chapters of Chamber of Secrets so fans can complete the story.
The last chapters of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets have arrived on Pottermore, with Chapters Twelve to Eighteen now ready for you to explore on Pottermore.
Experience Professor Lockhart’s Valentine’s day festivities, survive the spiders in the Forbidden Forest, and of course, confront what’s hidden within the Chamber of Secrets.
As well as these latest Moments, there is also new exclusive content from J.K. Rowling on subjects including ghosts and the history of the Chamber of Secrets.
J.K. Rowling’s book publishers, Little Brown and Company have released the full video of her chat with Ann Patchett in New York City at Lincoln Center from Tuesday night. Parents please be aware that there is strong language in the video.
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