Scholastic Unveils New Covers For J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series, In Celebration Of The 20th Anniversary Of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone In The U.S.

New Editions Illustrated by Bestselling and Caldecott Medal-Winning Artist Brian Selznick Coming June 26, 2018

Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, today unveiled new covers for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series as part of its year-long campaign to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the U.S. publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Illustrated by worldwide bestselling author and Caldecott Medal-winning artist Brian Selznick, the new paperback editions will be published in the U.S. on June 26, 2018.

The new Harry Potter covers side by side (Artwork by Brian Selznick. © 2018 by Scholastic)

Rendered in Selznick's stunning signature black-and-white style with jewel-toned type, the seven covers depict thrilling moments and beloved characters from across the series, including Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Albus Dumbledore, and many more. 

When placed side by side, the covers form a dazzling single image that tells the overarching story that begins with Harry's arrival at Number Four, Privet Drive, through the epic conclusion of the Battle of Hogwarts. Sharp-eyed readers will spot intricate details throughout the artwork, such as Hermione's Time-Turner, Harry's Patronus, the maze from the Triwizard Tournament, and the Hogwarts Express steaming toward a new school year with the next generation on board.

Best known for his dramatic hand-drawn illustrations in his award-winning novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick said, "I'm a huge Harry Potter fan (a proud Hufflepuff!) and to be asked to illustrate the 20th anniversary edition covers was an absolute honor. I knew this project came with so much responsibility to the stories, as well as to the readers. I revisited the books and was especially moved by the relationships between the characters in J.K. Rowling's magical world, so I wanted these covers to reflect that. One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the process was drawing seven independent covers that would stand on their own, while making sure that they also lined up to create one single satisfying image. It took dozens and dozens of sketches to get it right, and I am thrilled to share my great love for the books with these new illustrations."

Scholastic published Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the U.S. in September 1998 under its Arthur A. Levine Books imprint with an initial print run of 50,000 copies. To date, the Harry Potter series has sold more than 180 million copies in the U.S. alone, and over 500 million copies worldwide. The books are published in over 200 territories in 80 languages and have been made into eight blockbuster films.

⏩ To mark the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Scholastic is planning major events throughout the year including celebrations at bookstores, libraries, schools, and festivals around the country.

The Wizarding World will have one of its busiest years ever in the U.S. with the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child coming to Broadway on April 22nd; the British Library's exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic opening at the New-York Historical Society on October 5th; and the film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, opening in theaters on November 16th.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (image via Paste Magazine)

In addition to the newly-designed Harry Potter anniversary editions releasing this summer, with a collectible boxed set designed by Selznick to follow in September, Scholastic will also publish J.K. Rowling's original screenplay for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in conjunction with the release of the film, as well as books tied to the New-York Historical Society exhibition. 

Arthur Levine, the publisher of Arthur A. Levine Books says, "Twenty years ago we introduced American readers to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, and for this anniversary moment we want to celebrate just how vital and relevant her storytelling is still today. The wonder of Brian Selznick's new cover interpretations is that he makes us see these beloved characters as if we're just meeting them – and indeed we hope a new generation does exactly that."

Since 1997, the world has been captivated by the magic of the Harry Potter stories from J.K. Rowling. When Harry Potter learns on his eleventh birthday that he is, in fact, a wizard – he is quickly swept up into the spellbinding world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry alongside new best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. As the three friends get to grips with Levitation Charms, and the rules of Quidditch, one of the darkest wizards of all time, Lord Voldemort, returns to threaten the very future of the wizarding world. 

J.K. Rowling has also written three companion volumes in aid of charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (in aid of Comic Relief and Lumos), and The Tales of Beedle the Bard (in aid of Lumos). In 2012, J.K. Rowling's digital company and digital publisher Pottermore was launched, a place where fans can enjoy the latest news from across the wizarding world, features and original writing by J.K. Rowling.

Brian Selznick is the Caldecott Medal-winning creator of the #1 New York Timesbestsellers The Invention of Hugo Cabret, adapted into Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning movie Hugo, and Wonderstruck, adapted by celebrated filmmaker Todd Haynes, with a screenplay by Selznick; as well as The Marvels. His books have garnered countless accolades worldwide, and have been translated into more than 35 languages.

SOURCE: Scholastic

Related Video:

Cover Reveal: 'The Other Me' By Suzanne van Rooyen [Giveaway Included]

It's with great pleasure that we're hosting today the Cover Reveal for another novel by Suzanne van Rooyen...

Suzanne is no stranger to this corner of the Blogosphere as, not only we have hosted a few Book Tours and Cover Reveals in the past for her previous books, but also, she wrote a very informative article for us (QUILTBAG Protagonists in SF/F YA Literature) that happens to mention... Whovians of the world rejoice!... Captain Jack Harkness, from Doctor Who and Torchwood!

Find out more about her new book and... Enjoy!

Loup Dargent

PS: By the way, there is a Giveaway at the end of this post, with the opportunity to win a $15 Amazon giftcard. Good luck to all of you!

Cover Reveal: 'The Kingdom' By Emily Walker

Today, we've got a rather timely book related post as this Cover Reveal is for 'The Kingdom', a horror novel written by Emily Walker...

But, it's also a horror novel with a an environmental twist as it looks like Mother Nature is fighting back in this story. Wow!

Enjoy!

Loup Dargent

Cover Reveal: 'The Mirror' by Candace L. Bowser

"A betrayal so deep it has transcended 400 years is now haunting Adrianna Bristol. Will she have the courage to break the curse?"

Ah, yes...Today, we're hosting a Cover Reveal for 'The Mirror', a Paranormal Romance/Horror novel written by Candace L. Bowser. So, you might want to read this post from behind the sofa. Just in case, you know...

Enjoy!
Loup Dargent

Cover Reveal: 'Endre' by ST Bende

Today's Cover Reveal is for 'Endre', the second paranormal romance book in The Elsker Saga, written by ST Bende... We have had the pleasure to host a Book Tour stop for 'Elsker' on here before, so that makes this Cover Reveal a welcomed follow up post.

Cover Reveals are like sneak previews of a book's... cover, but there are also bits of info about the book itself and its author. And, today, the trailer for 'Elsker'; is also available for you guys to watch.

Enjoy...

Loup Dargent

Cover Reveal: 'Sleeper' by S. M. Johnston

We haven't had a Cover Reveal for ages, so we were obviously very pleased to be offered the opportunity to host today's one. We were also definitely delighted when we discovered that this Cover Reveal was actually going to be a Sci-Fi related one... It was like killing two birds with one stone (Even so no birds have been killed, or harmed in any way, in the making of this post, of course.)

Yep, in today's Cover Reveal, we're giving you the chance to have a sneak peek at the cover of 'Sleeper', a Science Fiction novel written by S.M. Johnston. The book will be released in December this year so, until we can get our hands on the novel itself (I'm pretty confident we will host a Book Tour stop for it so, don't worry, we will definitely remind you about its release), do enjoy its beautiful cover...

Loup Dargent

Cover Reveal: 'After Summer'

'After Summer' is Hannah Harvey's second book and is due to be released on March 1st 2013.... 

Today, we are hosting the 'Cover Release' for it. So, not only you'll be able to have a peak at its great cover before the book is released, but you'll also have a chance to find out more about the book and its author in the process. Cool, isn't it?

(Oh, and we have re-opened our virtual coffee./tea area especially for the occasion. of course.)

Enjoy!

Loup Dargent

Cover Reveal: The Witch Hunter

Today, we’re hosting our first cover reveal ever! And, we are starting in a big way as our first one is for a book that has got bite and all... Yep, it is a cover reveal for none other than The Witch Hunter itself.

The Witch Hunter is the first book in a new paranormal romance series by author Nicole R. Taylor.

Take a look at the gorgeous cover and let us know what you think...

By the way, while you're here, do feel free to find out more about the book and its author.

Enjoy!

Loup Dargent

About The Witch Hunter

I was born into the world covered in blood, and that's exactly the way I left it.

Ever since, I have been damned to walk the boundary between life and death alone. Unwillingly turned and left to my nightmare, I have seen men commit countless horrors and committed many of my own.

My origins shall remain unknown, my true self hidden. I have been called by many names, but in this life I am known as the Witch Hunter. I have been asleep these past 150 years, until I was awoken by a haunting call