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.
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)
I’m currently reading the illustrated edition (and doing a HP reread this year!) it’s so gorgeous!!
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It is and I look forward to reading the second one in February. I am also re-reading the Harry Potter story this year and interspersing my re-read with other novels.
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Same! I’m doing the #Potterheadreadalong19 so it’s a book a month for the HP reread!
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Me too. Though I do not see much discussion about it on Twitter or Instagram 😦
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I know I saw there would be a post on Wed about it? But otherwise it’s been quiet since the first quiz. Life must be busy!
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Very neat share! Like these illustrations
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They are amazing. He is such a talented artist.
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I read all of these books and enjoyed them. Greg also read them all a few times and then moved on to Tolkien. He is now reading Wheel of Time.
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They definitely are wonderful (but Tolkien still wins in my opinion). I am going to enjoy re-reading the stories.
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Yes, Gregory agrees with you. I prefer Harry Potter myself.
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😀
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