Scholastic Inc. is introducing one of the world’s most famous literary franchises to a new generation of readers. Today marks the release of new paperback trade editions of Harry Potter series, which will feature illustrations by Kazu Kibuishi, who is best known for his popular Amulet graphic novel series. Hard as it may be to believe, it has been some 15 years since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was published in the United States.
Kibuishi’s covers feature a key moment from each book that breaks away from the familiar illustrations in U.S. editions by Mary GrandPré. For the newly illustrated Sorcerer’s Stone, Dumbledore and a young Harry walk through Diagon Alley to shop for magical objects such as wands and cauldrons. Kibuishi’s illustrations utilize large swaths of color as GrandPré did, while incorporating influences ranging from Japanese manga to fantasy epic comics like Jeff Smith’s Bone.
The release coincides with Potter-themed celebrations at 15 public libraries across the country, which were chosen by Scholastic to also receive free books signed by Kibuishi.
And, don’t miss this newly released video of J.K. Rowling from an upcoming “Good Morning America” interview. The author reveals the character from the Harry Potter universe she misses the most, and why she’d like to chat with a certain wizard.