Scholastic Announces 10th Anniversary Edition of Sorcerer's Stone

Scholastic, the U.S. publisher of the Harry Potter books, announced last week that they are issuing a special 10th anniversary edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone that will contain new material from J.K. Rowling. The details of what new material is included is still unknown.

As part of the anniversary edition, the book will also contain new artwork by Mary GrandPre, the artist for all of the Potter books. Ms. GrandPre recently did a great interview with Time Magazine, where she discussed this anniversary piece and illustrating the beloved Harry Potter series. She says that drawing for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was her favorite and she relished the opportunity to revisit Harry for the 10th anniversary edition saying, “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.”

I for one am really looking forward to getting a copy of the 10th Anniversary Edition. Though Sorcerer's Stone doesn't rank at the top of my favorites of the seven books, I very much enjoyed it. I owe that first book so much, for it transported me into Harry's magical world for the very first time and took me on a 10 year journey that I will never forget.

Can't wait!

You can pre-order your book on Amazon today!

New Photo from "Half Blood Prince"

Hello Friends!

It looks like a new photo from the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince movie has surfaced online tonight. The photo is of Professor Snape, Draco, and Filch at some kind of gathering, or party. My guess is that it is a scene from Slughorn's Christmas party, which will indeed be shown in the film. Half Blood Prince hits theaters on November 21st.

We are still waiting on the trailer!! Hurry already!

Trailer Woes

For weeks the rumor mill was stirring over news that the much anticipated Half Blood Prince trailer would be in the Prince Caspian movie. Alas, it was not. All signs pointed that way after the week ended with no confirmation from Warner Brothers, not to mention the millions of fans who purchased tickets to see Prince Caspian on its first day of release, only to be disappointed because they couldn't catch the first glance of the new Harry Potter movie.

Many have began to speculate what summer movie, if any, will feature the movie trailer. The new Indiana Jones film, which hits theatres tomorrow, seems to be the obvious guess among Potter fans; however, I disagree. Trailers are usually paired with films that are similar to the movie being promoted. Though I can understand why many would guess the new Indy movie, it just doesn’t fit with the tone of Harry Potter. My guess is that it will be released with Kung Fu Panda on June 6. It is a great family film, which, after all, is the category that Harry Potter films reign over. Not only does the genre fit, but it is evident that Warner Brothers usually sticks to this type of marketing. If you remember, the Order of the Phoenix trailer was released with Happy Feet back in 2006.

Coincidentally, on the day the trailer was supposed to be released, a mysterious new photo emerged from the Half Blood Prince movie. (This is probably from the movie since Harry is shown wearing the same outfit he was in previously released photos). It is a photo of Harry looking into a drawer. How enigmatic?

What part of the movie is it in? Where is he? What is looking for? So many questions…and only one photo to answer it all! To bad we don’t have any more details, LIKE THE KIND THAT WOULD APPEAR IN A TRAILER!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, I’m upset. I was really looking forward the trailer.

And I’m so sick of these photos being leaked! This photo says ABSOLUTELY nothing! Wow, he’s looking into a drawer! So what! It’s probably from a scene that’s going to get cut from the film anyway! I mean, it's great that we are getting shots of the new movie, but it's not enough. Just give us what we want! Release the trailer, please!!!!!

11.5", Holly, Gryffon Feather

Have you ever wondered what type of wand you would have? I certainly have. I recently became the master of a new wand, after an accident claimed my first one (all the Spellotape in the world couldn't have fixed it, really!). I’ve never felt completely settled with it, even this new one, as I have never been aware of its unique and defining characteristics. What type of wood is it? What is at its core?

My post today is meant to alleviate that problem. I have found a website online that figures out what type of wand you possess by simply answering a few questions. You can take the quiz at http://www.diagonalley.5u.com/ollivanders/index.html.

And drum roll please…

My wand is a 11.5'', Holly, Gryffon Feather - "Holly is the strongest of the protective woods. It is used to guard against evil in fact Holly means "holy". Holly wands excel at combat, defense, and protection spells. It is also useful in glamour's and warding. This wand tends to pick an owner who's brave and pure of heart, not to mention has a high intelligence. Holly's personality is Determined.

The gryffon originated in Greece, having the head and front legs of an eagle, but the hind quarters of a lion. Gryffon feathers are used in wands of wizards or witches who posses great strength whether physically, magically or emotionally. These wands are especially good for both offensive and defensive magic."

This would be a good time to note that Harry’s wand is made out of Holly, but, as we all know, he has a single phoenix feather in his 11” wand. Another bit of trivia for you – Harry’s wand is the ONLY wand made of Holly in the entire series that we know of. How cool is that?!

The only problem with this test is that it doesn’t calculate you’re wand’s flexibility as one of the six possibilities: Inflexible, Swishy, Springy, Pliable, Bendy, Supple. Knowing my wand, however, and after using it, I’m going to conclude its flexibility as “bendy.”

As Mr. Ollivander mentions in Deathly Hallows, “Wandlore is a complex and mysterious branch of magic." So, any insight we get on figuring out what type of wands we posses, through a simple quiz, is totally awesome and very much appreciated.

Go on, take the quiz and find out which wand has chosen you.

New Description of HBP Teaser Trailer

New rumors have been emerging for the MUCH-anticipated teaser trailer of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. The great folks at the Leaky Cauldron posted this:

“While there have been several floating around on the net in the past few weeks, TLC has received a description that is of some merit. The report says again that the trailer is still tentatively attached to Prince Caspian/Narnia on the 16th, and that the trailer will clearly show the darkening tone of the series, "with footage of the attack on the Burrow" as evidence of this. Reportedly, trailer shots will include a taunting Bellatrix, Draco on the train, Slughorn, Snape in a pivotal moment, Dumbledore in the cave, and clear evidence of the developing Harry/Ginny relationship. There are also quick glimpses of Quidditch, the Trio, and a bit of humor from Ron. Please note: As exciting as this sounds, please keep this very much in the rumor category for now. "

I definitely sense a trailer coming really soon. I hope that WB will put an end to this lull period and at least release photos from the trailer and/or any new production shots. Anything!

A Sad Day For This Potter Fan

I have been anxiously awaiting the results of Amazon.com’s Beedle the Bard contest. Sadly, I found out earlier today that I was not one of the semi-finalists and, therefore, will not be flying to London to spend a weekend with The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

It’s really hard for me to write this post; however, I know that I must. Winning this contest may have very well been the most important thing that ever happened to me; however, I will never know what that feels like. I have lost. Though the semi-finalists vying for the top prize all submitted fantastic entries – all worthy of winning – I cannot help but feel that mine was the BETTER ENTRY! Actually, I should say ENTRIES. I wrote 3 entries – one for my guy friend and one for my sister, both of whom didn’t take the contest or my deep interest in winning seriously enough to even think about helping me out. I had to do it for them!! And, what's worse, is that I had three chances to win, and I still couldn’t pull it off.

I'm upset. Saddened by the results.

Alas, it is time to move on. There shall be other contests, other prizes; however, a part of me feels that this one was “the one,” and having lost makes me feel like I should abandon my deep affection for the wonderful world of Harry Potter and limit my appreciation for the work to a more simpler level; this way, I won’t be so upset over losing a contest as AMAZING as this in the future.

It is a sad day indeed…

11/19/2010

Hello Muggles! Again, apologies for the rather lengthy hiatus.

Here’s a date for you…11/19/2010

That is when "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I” will be released.

Aahahhaaaaaaaa! I know!

Though it was known that the first part of the final film was going to hit theatres in 2010, it’s nice to have the date confirmed. Mark you calendars everyone! "It's gonna be a bumpy ride!"