A Magical Year takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the seasons at Hogwarts. Jim Kay's incredible illustrations, paired with much loved quotations from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels, bring to life all of the magic, beauty and wonder of the wizarding world.
This is an irresistible gift book for anyone who has ever been captivated by the Boy Who Lived. Each day features a favourite anniversary or meaningful memory from the Harry Potter novels. All around, Jim Kay's scenic artwork and decorative painter's marks bring that moment to life in breathtaking detail. His unique interpretation is both captivating and transporting - picture frozen icicles glinting on the snowy towers of Hogwarts, the dancing eyes of Professor Albus Dumbledore, or the infectious hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley. Inside, a selection of his most iconic illustrations are joined by previously unseen pencil sketches and preparatory pieces, offering a unique and fascinating insight into the artist's sketchbook.
Jim Kay's dazzling depiction of the wizarding world has been enchanting readers since the publication of the groundbreaking Illustrated Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2015. Now, as he continues to illustrate the stories, both lifelong fans and new readers can explore that world further. The Kate Greenaway Medal winner's bewitching character studies, sweeping landscapes and beautifully observed pencil details reveal the skill and process of an artist working at the peak of his powers.
This is the perfect gift to give at birthdays and Christmas, to share at bedtime or to make a friend smile. A Magical Year brings together Harry, Ron, Hermione and a host of other beloved characters in a glorious illustrated compendium that readers everywhere will cherish for years to come.
J.K. Rowling is the author of the enduringly popular Harry Potter books. After the idea for Harry Potter came to her on a delayed train journey in 1990, she plotted out and started writing the series of seven books and the first,
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was published in the UK in 1997. The series took another ten years to complete, concluding in 2007 with the publication of
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The Harry Potter books have now sold over 600 million copies in 85 languages, been listened to as audiobooks for over one billion hours and made into eight smash hit movies. To accompany the series, J.K. Rowling wrote three short companion volumes for 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.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them went on to inspire a new series of films featuring Magizoologist Newt Scamander. Harry's story as a grown-up was continued in a stage play,
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which J.K. Rowling wrote with playwright Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany, and which is now playing in multiple locations around the world. She is also the author of a bestselling crime fiction series, and two stand-alone children's novels,
The Ickabog and
The Christmas Pig. J.K. Rowling has received many awards and honours for her writing, including the OBE and Companion of Honour, and a Blue Peter Gold Badge. She supports a wide number of humanitarian causes through Volant and is the founder of the international children's care reform charity Lumos. J.K. Rowling lives in Scotland with her family. To find out more about J.K. Rowling visit jkrowlingstories.com.
Jim Kay won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2012 for his illustrations in A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. He studied illustration at the University of Westminster and since graduating has worked in the Library & Archives of Tate Britain and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. After producing a one-man exhibition at Richmond Gallery he was approached by a publisher and his freelance illustration work began. Jim has produced concept work for film and television, and contributed to a group exhibition at the V&A museum in London. He now lives and works in Northamptonshire with his partner.
You can find out more about Jim at ww.jimkay.co.uk/.
