Time magazine has a new article with Harry Potter artist Mary GrandPre.

What was it like to go back and draw Harry as an 11-year-old [for the upcoming anniversary edition] now that his story has finished unfolding?

It was really a nice opportunity. As Harry grew, I always wished I could go back and make a new piece for each book. So when the anniversary cover idea came up, I was really excited to do that. It’s like getting to do a new portrait of this old soul you really know.

Do you think you could render Harry at age 30, or age 60?

Sure. It takes time to draw and redraw, and to study his facial structure. The more I draw Harry, the more acquainted I become with him in my head. I try to use each previous drawing as a map for the next one. I need to start drawing to know what he’d look like. [Plus, J.K. Rowling] is such a visual writer. I’ve always looked to her writing as the main inspiration for the drawings. For a storybook or cover illustrator, the first responsibility is to draw from the writing. She makes it really easy because she’s so descriptive.

Did the movies affect your conception of what the characters looked like?

I stayed away from watching the movies. Now that the series is done, I’m watching them. I can enjoy them now, because I don’t have to worry about them messing up my mind.

Hey folks! Just wanted to remind you all about the new contest that I posted about on the 16th. To enter the contest, click here to download a template or use the online form. Winners will be published in the special book and “the national winners aged over 18 will also win an Arvon Writing Course and winners under 18 will receive a £500 Waterstone’s voucher.”

You must send in your entries before June 19th.

Hermione Granger is #2 on Entertainment Weekly’s list of Attack of the Braniacs 18 Movie/TV Whiz Kids!

HERMIONE GRANGER
Played by Emma Watson
Harry Potter series (2001- )

Emma Watson’s know-it-all and best friend to Harry Potter isn’t just book smart she’s dang clever. How many times has she been the one to save Harry and Ron and countless other students from pressing danger? She conjured fire to ward off the Devil’s Snare, surmised correctly that Professor Lupin was a werewolf, and started Dumbledore’s Army, to name a few of her most outstanding moments. –Tanner Stransky

Thank you SnitchSeeker!

J.K. Rowling has written an 800-word prequel to the Harry Potter series which will be auctioned off as part of English Pen.

The handwritten short story, featuring the fictional wizard’s father James and his friend Sirius Black in their younger years, fills both sides of a piece of A5 card and is signed by the author.

Jo states that she does not intend to write an entire story around the prequel. The plot of the story is being kept secret. A copy of the story will be available for everyone to read online the day after the auction takes place on June 11th, at Waterstone’s bookstores and on their official site.

Thank you SnitchSeeker!

Amazon has announced the winner for their Beedle the Bard contest!

Amazon customers have spoken, and you have chosen Rhiannon D. of Australia as the winner of the Beedle the Bard Ballad Writing Contest, sending her and a friend on a trip for two to London, England and a weekend with The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

A word from Rhiannon:
“I am so thankful and honored for all the votes I received from Amazon customers in this contest. I’m flattered that they felt my entry was worthy enough to win this fantastic prize, said Rhiannon. “I can’t believe I get to read this special book, and can’t wait to spend a weekend with Beedle the Bard!”

This September is the 10th anniversary the release of Sorcerer’s Stone  in the United States! They announced that a Special Anniversary Edition which features a beautiful new cover illustrated by Mary GrandPre and “exclusive bonus material from J.K. Rowling.” will be released on September 23rd and will be $30!

Mary GrandPre said, “It’s a real treat for me to get another chance to visually bring Harry back to his fans in not only a new scene, but in a new light. Going back to draw the first cover for the anniversary edition was an opportunity for me to show another side of Harry… a vulnerable side. Having come to know and love Harry the way we all have, after experiencing the whole series, I think we can appreciate him even more on an emotional level.”

See the back and front cover art HERE on Scholastic’s site. Read the full press release by clicking MORE.