This year I plan to re-read the Harry Potter books. It has been a while since I have read them and I have forgotten many of the small details – details that the children in my class this year speak about. To begin my journey into J. K. Rowling’s magical world, I began with the illustrated version of The Philosopher’s Stone.

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Blurb: 

Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley–a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry’s room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn’t had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry–and anyone who reads about him—will find unforgettable.

My thoughts:

I loved re-reading this story and enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. I enjoyed the wizarding world that Rowling created – and the wonderful characters that populate it. The story is so much more than a story about magic, isn’t it? it is one about acceptance, prejudices, teamwork. It is about change and new experiences, about being the best you can be.

What I loved about the illustrated edition were the paintings by Jim Kay. I admired them while I was reading the text, and would often spend some time looking at the details in the illustrations. So many beautiful pictures! I could not help thinking that more Fantasy novels should be illustrated. I love that this picture book does not stop at 20 pages – instead it continues throughout the novel. Yes, the complete novel. I was concerned that the illustrated edition may be abridged but it is not. Something I am thankful for.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a wonderful start to the series. And the illustrated version is a perfect way to introduce Harry’s story to children.

I give this novel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2019

(This novel was the 5th in my book pledge for 2019)