Book Description

What you need to know about The Hidden Key to Harry Potter:

1) It is the first critical study to unlock the inner meaning of Harry Potter by treating the series seriously as literature along the lines of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.

2) It is the first exposé to identify Joanne Rowling as a Christian who consciously writes Christian Fantasy in the tradition of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien.

3) It is the first full-fledged effort to predict Potter’s future course in detail – an audacious and thought-provoking adventure offered to fellow enthusiasts.

4) It is the first Muggle textbook suitable for use at Hogwarts – bringing humor, fun, and WOW! excitement to the "serious" business of Pottermania.

Low Road critics have panned the bestselling Harry Potter novels as "the literary equivalent of fast food" and as a gateway to the occult. But no one has explained the worldwide popularity of Ms. Rowling’s fiction or read it as one would read Tolkien, Hemingway, or Shakespeare. The Hidden Key takes the High Road to understanding Harry Potter’s success, through an exploration of the series’ structure, themes, and symbolism.

The astonishing conclusion of this investigation is that Ms. Rowling, demonized by some Christian critics because of the magical setting of her books, is ironically writing the most charming and challenging Christian fiction for children since Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. The Hidden Key demonstrates that all the Potter books teach Christian doctrines - sometimes with subtlety, often baldly - in their plot, imagery, and character development. Lambasted by critics who have not read her books closely or are unfamiliar with traditional Christian literature, Ms. Rowling’s genius has been overlooked despite her books’ success.

A lover and teacher of the Great Books – including the great children’s books he reads his seven children – Mr. Granger applies his knowledge of classical philosophy and Christian traditions to reveal the secret message that explains the magic power of Harry Potter.

Find out these secrets inside:

* What is the hidden key to Harry Potter?
* Is Harry’s magic dangerous – or quite the opposite?
* What is the evidence that Rowling is a Christian novelist?
* Is the author an "Inkling"? How have we been so bamboozled?
* Who is the real-world model for Gilderoy Lockhart?
* Who is Harry, really? Why does Lord Voldemort want him dead?
* Will Wormtail kill Voldemort as Wormtongue killed Saruman?
* What may happen in the upcoming Potter books?
* How does it all end? – an UNAUTHORIZED prediction. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Harry Potter for adults
If you are one of the many adult fans of J.K. Rowling's books I am sure that you would find The Hidden Key to be a fascinating read.

I would also highly recommend this book to you if you have no intention whatever of reading the Harry Potter series but are interesting in understanding what all the fuss is about. It is the best attempt I have seen to account for the unprecedented worldwide phenomenon that the books have become.

Granger takes the Harry Potter books seriously as literature, and the depth of analysis is remarkable. However it is done with such enthusiasm and humour that it is also a very enjoyable read.

I'd always suspected that there was more to these books than met the eye, and Hidden Key puts the complex weave of plot, symbolism and allusion under the microscope to reveal its intricate structure. As well as a detailed analysis of the four books so far published there is also some intriguing speculation about where the next three might go.

This book gives us the chance to be informed about and involved in a remarkable literary event as it unfolds, don't miss the opportunity!

"Hidden Key" a great guide!
John Granger's easily accessible style breaks down the hidden meanings behind everything from names to major recurring themes for anyone willing to read into the series beyond plot twists. For Christians who are looking to validate themselves for reading the novels so misjudged by some, look no further! After reading this book I was able to convice my strict father to see the good in the Harry potter books, somtimes ignored in light of the magic which Rowling uses as a backdrop. For non-Christians, this book will give you an interesting and fully-argued view into the series that may change your perspective on Rowling's novels. After reading this book, I enjoyed reading "Order of the Phoenix" so much more than I would have by catching some things I would not have recognized as meaningful.

Current review for a pre Order of the Phoenix item.
Firstly The hidden key to Harry Potter is a good book to buy, for understanding of the whole series. Unfortunately, the book was published before Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was published, and since that book is about to be re-published in paperback it goes that much of the information in John Granger's book could be updated. And of course, Harry Potter and the Halfblood Prince, the 6th volume of the series of seven books, has already been started.

The book is dotted with tables that illustrate eloquently what the author is talking about, but while I was re-reading the book recently, it was all I could do (like not having a biro handy at the time) to stop myself adding another column or row to these tables for relevance to OOTP. I felt like drawing over the book with my opinions of how relevant each remark was to the 5th book of the series.

To do the book justice, I think many of the observations about the whole series are spot-on. John Granger makes some very astute observations. He foresees, for example, Percy Weasley's estrangement from his family in book 5, and much else besides. But it would be unreasonable to expect the author to upgrade the book to a second edition on the strength of the accuracy of observations about the contents of the already published and read Order of the Phoenix. There is another in the series imminent which would leave even the completed 2nd edition out of date.

Therefore I suggest that people who buy the book for all the value it represents in analysis, should not expect to keep the book unused on the bookshelf for later donation to a library. Instead, buy the book in the full knowledge that the buyer will write over it, add to anything not included, adjust to the buyer's readings of later books, rewrite the book on the buyer's own terms, and generally have fun with it.

Good luck.

Disappointing
This book was a huge disappointment. First, the author does not use correct spellings (i.e. Flu powder instead of Floo powder). He then goes on to mislabel the town where Harry and his parents lived before they were killed (Godric's Place instead of Godric's Hollow). I know this seems like nitpicking, but if you are going to write a book like this, all the small details should be correct. As far as the predictions go...well, you would be much better off reading The Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Walters. I was thoroughly under whelmed by this entire book.

Solid analysis coupled with a very personal interpretation
Granger provides some excellent insight and delivers it with a good sense of humor. He is to be commended for focusing on the books themselves (books 1 - 4) rather than on prediction making or the over-documented "Harry Potter Social Phenomenon." His 'Harry Potter 101' chapter and his analysis of the themes of Death and of Choice are excellent.

Unfortunately, his very personal and emphatic religious interpretation of the series does limit the universality of his analysis. If you find daily living to be rife with Christian symbol you'll probably enjoy this book as much as many other Amazon reviewers have. If not, you may be frustrated by its limitations.

Much of the symbolic interpretation and character name derivations are simply unsupportable and there's a marked tendency to view the Potterverse in shades of pure black and white. A deep connection between J.K. Rowling and the Inkling authors is assumed rather than successfully argued. Confusion between Shakespeare's Hal and Hotspur is a particular embarrassment.

Rigid point of view not withstanding Granger has invested some very serious thought in this Harry Potter review. For the non-Christian reader some parts will be a slog but the open-minded reader of any faith (or none) will come away with some valuable insight. ... Read more

Book Description

Harry Potter is loved throughout the world-so is his creator. Joanne Kathleen (J.K.) Rowling is a true wizard, a woman who has the ability to recall vividly her days as a child and capture those wild, wonderful, difficult times-an ability that helps make her creation, Harry Potter, seem so real. In this revealing look, fans of the Harry Potter series will get to see their favorite author as they never have before. From a child with a wonderful imagination who didn't quite fit in, to a single mother with almost overwhelming responsibilities, the J.K. Rowling story is a wonderful chance for adults and children to enjoy a heartwarming, magical story...together.Inside are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions: * Where did the idea of Harry Potter come from?* What was J.K. Rowling like when she was younger?* What is it like to be J.K. Rowling's daughter?* Which of the characters does J.K. Rowling most identify with?* What was the Hogwarts Express tour like?* Where does the name "Harry Potter" come from?* What is J.K. Rowling's simple rule about writing?* And much more! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

More to her life than just Harry
I bought J. K. Rowling: the Wizard behind Harry Potter hoping for a book that would tell me a little bit more about the life of J. K. (Joanne Kathleen) Rowling. However, I did not find it here.

Marc Shapiro, the author of this unauthorized biography, seemed to point every part of Rowling's life to Harry. He didn't bother to go into detail about Rowling's childhood friends, just mentioned them to point out that Rowling had gotten the idea for Harry's name from theirs. Though he did go into great detail about Rowling's writing habits, as well as the publishing deals she recieved, he left out the other part of her life- the life without Harry.

There is so much of Rowling's life that was left out in this biography, because there was no relevance to the books that made her famous. Though the book was informative, it was not at all what I had hoped. I think that the author should rethink his approach to biographies. This was supposed to be a story about Rowling's life, not about Rowling's writing.

Poorly Written Drivel
I was unable to finish this book due to the glaring errors and poor craftsmanship. I should have realized that any author who listed People magazine as a model of respected journalism was not to be trusted; still, I let my curiosity get the best of me. Finally, I determined that I could, in fact, be reading ONLY what could be described as an UN-authorized biography; and a re-read of the front cover of the book confirmed my desperate diagnosis. Not to put too fine a point on it, but this book stinks; it reads like a ghastly farce of a paper cut-n-copy fan-zine. I should like to see what a more capable author (not to mention editor and proofreader) would do with such interesting material.

Major Errors
I belive that the man who wrote this book did not read the books at all or he did not know what he was doing.On the second time of reading it. I read that the bank was ran by owls.How can owls run a bank?I was taught by a published writer it is best to make sure the book is free of grammarical errors so it apears to be professional.I wonder did he edit the book or have an editor edit them?

Behind J.K. Rowling
An amazing and strange author wrote J.K. Rowling The Wizard Behind Harry Potter. Marc Shapiro wrote this interesting unauthorized biography. The book was published in 2000 but did you know that dreams could actually come true? That is what J.K. Rowling The Wizard Behind Harry Potter actually tells.
Joanne Kathleen Rowling ( J.K. Rowling ) wrote the adventures of Harry Potter. When she was a child she loved to write! She then wrote the Harry Potter books and finally became a published author like she always wanted to.
I thought the book was boring in the first chapter because I already knew things about Harry Potter. The book then became interesting and memorable. I think it's very interesting to know about the author. I think an author wouldn't have difficult problems in life. That's not true because J.K. Rowling did have bad problems in life. The book is memorable because I learned about the author of Harry Potter. Harry Potter is one of my favorite books that I like to read.
I liked how Marc wrote about how J.K.'s life is not that good. She doesn't have a husband but she does have a daughter. Marc wrote about Joanne's younger stories that were very neat to learn how she wrote when she was younger. I dislike how Marc wrote about her cat purring. That was extremely unintelligent, it made no sense to write that in the book.
The book ensures that dreams can come true. It did for Joanne, so it can for anyone. All Joanne wanted to do was become a published author and she did in 2000. The book suggests that you should never give up on a dream. Your dream could actually become reality. So never give up on your dreams!
I really enjoyed reading J.K. Rowling The Wizard Behind Harry Potter. It gave me more motivation on my dreams. I can do anything if I reach directly toward my dreams.
I think people who read the Harry Potter books should read this biography. You get to actually learn about the author and know how she came up with Harry Potter in the first place. I enjoyed reading this book and learning about Joanne, the author of my favorite series.

Hmmm... I think someone didn't do their homework
I liked this breif bio but I found a lot of inaccuraces. I was little disgusted by the fact that the author did not do their homework before setting out to write it. Otherwise a nice breezy read. ... Read more

Book Description

The Russian edition of the fourth book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.Now Russian speakers and students of Russian can enjoy all four books in Potter se ries in Russian translation. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is about a boy named Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione. This book has loads of surprising things happen to them. The climax of the book is exciting when he runs into someone that he really isnt suspecting to see or meet. Harry has some problems this year when he gets there. He get entered in a triwizard cup by someone unknown. Then he has Rita Skeeter a paper reporter for the wizarding world writing bad things about him in the newspaper. He starts getting through the tasks pretty well intell he gets to the triwizard cup when something wierd happens to him. Harry get into dangerous situation. Will he Survive?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a great book to me because I like lots of action in my books. So if your looking for a lot of action this is the book for you. I also think this story setting makes the book very interesting as well. Mostly because its interesting to reading about the a magical fantasy world. I would definatley recomend this book to anyone who likes action filled books.

HP4 (RUS)
I really liked the story. The translation was great and just as funny as the English version. I reccommens it to everyone who can read in Russian.

Mam pierwszĿ czĿſĿ... Kiepsko wydana...
Tym bardziej, że sprzedawajÄ... inne egzemplaże na Ukrainie! To okropieństwo, że takie wydawnictwo jeszcze popiera plagiaty Potterowskie!
I mean... This publish its no good. When I read that book in Russian (I come from Poland) I was angry! Thirst book "Garri Pottzer i filosofiskii kamen" was publisht in Ukraina in much better paper and translate.

Wonderful book. Awful translation.
The 4th part of Harry Potter is the best one. But this translation is... Well, it isn't just bad - it is awful. A lot of mistakes. Really great number. It seems that translators (5 or something) don't have Russian language as a native one. So read the original - it is much better than this translation.

Harry Potter....In Russian!
Hi, i read the 4 potter books in russian they r great, the translation is direct! ... Read more

Book Description

Media in the Make-Believe Worlds of Children offers new insights into children's descriptions of their invented or "make-believe" worlds, and the role that the children's experience with media plays in creating these worlds. Based on the results of a cross-cultural study conducted in the United States, Germany, Israel, and South Korea, it offers an innovative look at media's role on children's creative lives.

This distinctive volume:*outlines the central debates and research findings in the area of children, fantasy worlds, and the media;*provides a descriptive account of children's make-believe worlds and their wishes for actions they would like to take in these worlds;*highlights the centrality of media in children's make believe worlds;*emphasizes the multiple creative ways in which children use media as resources in their environment to express their own inner worlds; and*suggests the various ways in which the tension between traditional gender portrayals that continue to dominate media texts and children's wishes to act are presented in their fantasies.The work also demonstrates the value of research in unveiling the complicated ways in which media are woven into the fabric of children's everyday lives, examining the creative and sophisticated uses they make of their contents, and highlighting the responsibility that producers of media texts for children have in offering young viewers a wide array of role models and narratives to use in their fantasies.

This book will appeal to scholars and graduate students in children and media, early childhood education, and developmental psychology. It can be used in graduate level courses in these areas. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a magical, unofficial companion to the "Harry Potter" series that will help you enjoy the adventures more thoroughly. Learn about the wizard lifestyle, get to know Hogwarts inside and out and discover everything you ever wanted to know about Animagi. Descriptions, definitions, maps, timelines and additional commentary will guide you every step of the way. ... Read more

Book Description

Finally in a Russian translation, the first book in the Harry Potter series (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ). ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Clunky Translation
Unfortunately, the first Russian-edition Harry Potter leaves a lot to be desired. The translation is awkward and stilted, and best skipped entirely in favor of the later Russian editions, which keep more to the spirit of the orginals.

Very poor translation
I am a Russian-English translator, and a fan of the Harry Potter books. A friend gave me the Russian version of the first book, and I was quite interested to see how it went. To be blunt, it is poorly translated, and appears to be the result of the Russian publisher hoping to get something on the shelves as soon as possible. A great deal of Rowling's humor lies in her turns of phrase, and the translator made only half-hearted attempts to convey these, if he made the attempt at all. I frequently wondered about his grasp of the English language. Most baffling to me was that the translator changed Neville's pet toad into a turtle--but only on some pages. I cannot recommend this book even as a curiosity, since that would only encourage the publisher to continue putting out shoddy work.

Harry Potter makes it to Russia
I have been reading the Harry Potter novels for ages, and they will always be my favorite. I first read them in English two years ago, since of the two languages I know, English would have to be my better one. But last year, while visiting my family in Russia, I found and bought the translated version of books 1-4.

In my oppinion, the translation wasn't perfect, and not as good as it could have been. Nothing much was changed, but I found a strange loss of humor. I was more than surprised to find that my friends were also reading these books in Russia, and I'm happy with the translation since it's better than nothing. I suggest if you know or are learning Russian, and have read Harry Potter in another language, that you definately buy this book to compare. It's the first book in the series.

harry potter and the triwizard tournament
a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a ... Read more

Book Description

Joanne Kathleen Rowling (a.ka. J. K. Rowling) had always wanted to be a writer. In fact, she never knew what else she wanted to do with her life. She wandered from job to job before she thought up Harry Potter and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She was ecstatic when Bloomsbury Press offered to publish her book for a few thousand dollars. But the success of the book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone took everyone by surprise. Since then she has gone on to publish four more books in the series with another one on the way. Faced with almost overnight fame and fortune, Jo (as she likes to be called) still stays grounded. She readily admits that the most important thing to her is spending time with her husband and raising their children. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Book for Kids
I really liked reading this book about the author of the Harry Potter books. It tells how she got the idea for Harry Potter. Great pix in the book, too. ... Read more

Book Description

'The longer I live, the more I am convinced of the importance of children’s books.' When Robert Bloomfield wrote this in 1817 he could have had no idea of the range of children’s books to come, nor of how in England fantasy would be their outstanding form. In this survey of 400 English children’s fantasies from 1850 to 2000, taking in authors from the well-known Charles Kingsley, C. S. Lewis and J. K. Rowling to the less-known Annie Keary, Edith Elias and Pete Johnson, Colin Manlove shows just how good their books often are as literature. He combines new interpretations of individual works with explanations of how and why their character changes over time, reflecting their different cultural settings. This book is intended both as a critical companion for children’s literature courses, and as a stimulus for the general reader and students at all levels. Selected by the editors of CHOICE as an Outstanding Academic Title for 2003. ... Read more

Book Description

In their imaginations, children travel the world when they read such books as Madeline, A Bear Called Paddington, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Little House on the Prairie. Make these imaginary journeys a reality for your children with visits to the actual settings of these and dozens more of the best-loved tales in children’s literature. Storybook Travels is the ultimate guide for book-loving parents in search of vacations the whole family will enjoy. Let Storybook Travels be your family’s companion on unforgettable excursions, including:

A magical walk through London looking for the mysterious spots young Harry frequents in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

A fun-filled visit to the Plaza Hotel in New York City, reliving the charmed existence of Eloise

A busy day in the tiny Tuscan village of Collodi, watching a puppet show, exploring a hedge maze, and enjoying other activities in homage to The Adventures of Pinocchio

A scenic trek following the same trail created by Brighty the Burro, a real-life hero whose story is told in Brighty of the Grand Canyon

A wonderful sojourn in Paris and surrounding areas, visiting museums, eating at typical French cafés, and spotting the famous water lilies at Monet’s home in Giverny, all celebrated in Linnea in Monet’s Garden

An afternoon of barbecue and music at the Chicago Blues Festival, in the imaginary company of Yolonda and her harmonica-playing little brother, the stars of Yolonda’s Genius

With itineraries for more than thirty locales in North America and Europe, Storybook Travels explores destinations near and far, rural and urban. Whether you want to plan a trip that will mean as much to you as it will to your children (or grandchildren), are looking for ways to enrich already-planned trips, or want to bring to life the fondly remembered books of your own childhood, Storybook Travels is your guide to one enchanting journey after another. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Thank you
Thanks to authors Bates and Latempa for their delightful and intelligent approach to traveling with kids. We have used books such as Linnea in Monet's Garden, Eloise in Paris, and the Madeleine books in our travels to Paris, but what's impressive about this book is the way the authors have drawn on so many other children's classics as a backdrop for family travel. I write about family travel myself and highly recommend this book --it's a good read whether you are packing to go, or just happy as an armchair traveler.

An inspiration
This book is a great jumping-off point for family vacations in the US or abroad. It will inspire you to travel AND read with your family!

fabulous guide to family literary travel
Thirty international locales from books aimed at 3- to 13-year olds are described. Each descriptive chapter includes a few sentences summarizing the overarching experience (with location and age information); a one to two page summary of the book; several pages relating an actual visit by an adult(s) and child(ren); and, one to several pages detailing the specific location(s) involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers and web sites. Also included are a list of twenty-five other literary travel possibilities, including Call of the Wild and Peter Pan, and an index to titles.

The books and sites included are:

The Adventures of Pinocchio, Tuscany, Italy
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Hannibal, Missouri and environs
And Now Miguel, Taos, New Mexico
Anne of Green Gables, Prince Edward Island, Canada
A Bear Called Paddington, London, England
The Black Stallion, Belmont Park, Long Island, New York
Brighty of the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Child of the Owl, San Francisco, California
Eloise, New York City, New York
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York
Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates, Haarlem Amsterdam and environs
Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone, London, Windsor and Durham, England
Heidi, Graubunden, Switzerland
Hill of Fire, Paracutin Volcano, Michoacan, Mexico
Island of the Blue Dolphins, Channel Islands National Park, Ventura, California

Kidnapped, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Linnea in Monet's Garden, Paris and Giverny, France
Little House on the Prairie, De Smet, South Dakota
The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge, New York City
Little Women, Concord, Massachusetts
Madeline, Paris, France
Make Way for Ducklings, Boston, Massachusetts
Maybelle the Cable Car, San Francisco, California
Paddle-to-the-Sea, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Hamelin, Germany
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Portland, Oregon
Song of the Swallows, San Juan Capistrano, California
The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Lake District, England
The Watsons Go to Birmingham -- 1963, Birmingham, Alabama
Yolonda's Genius, Chicago, Illinois

You can tell moms wrote this book. It's entertaining AND practical. The material is fascinating, well written, and tells you everything you could want to know (except maybe where the bathrooms are located). The contact information makes this an invaluable resource. I hope the authors will continue to write more of these wonderful family travel guides.

Highest recommendation.

GRANDPARENT OF 10
MY GRANDCHILDREN ARE JUST GETTING OLD ENOUGH TO TRAVEL, AND THIS BOOK GIVES ME A GUIDE TO MANY CHOICES OF WHERE WE CAN TAKE THEM (A FEW AT A TIME!) IT'S GREAT TO HAVE A PROJECT WHEN PLANNING A TRIP, AND IT WILL GIVE ME A SOURCE OF CONVERSATION WITH THEM AND A WAY OF DISCOVERING WHAT BOOKS THEY REALLY ENJOY. READING SOME OF THESE SUGGESTED BOOKS WITH THEM AND MAKING JOINT DECISIONS WILL ALSO BE FUN--THE BOOK IS SO WELL WRITTEN AND INFORMATIVE IT MAKES THE IDEA OF SEEKING OUT LOCATIONS OF BOOKS WHICH HAVE SET OUR IMAGINATIONS SOARING IN OUR CHILDHOODS, AND THEIRS, VERY SPECIAL. THE ITINERARIES ARE ALL THERE, AND TOURIST OFFICES,WEB SITES, RESERVATION NUMBERS---AND IT'S HONEST--NO FLOWERY DISCRIPTIONS OF EVERY LOCATION--I LOVED IT!!!!!!

A book for all parents, grandparents and kids
"Storybook Travels" is an easy read; so well written and interesting. Each chapter is devoted to a children's classic and related locale; easy reference when checking out books to read and travel destination possibilities.

Every parent and grandparent should have this book for ready reference. Traveling ideas and tips for traveling with children are invaluable. And for many, the identified books will help them know what their children should be reading.

Children's librarians and teachers should also have this book on their reference shelf. Children's storytime tellers could use this book to augment their presentation of these classics. Real world experiences help the young reader relate to the written word.

Hopefully, these authors will continue their travels to acquaint us with today's locations of more children's books, young adult and adult books. Traveling can only be enhanced if one can match the real world with the literary world. ... Read more

Book Description

This is one of a collection six coloring books that will take fans into the world of the first live action Harry Potter movie. Each coloring book from this series comes with a special "extra" item and includes a cut-out character on the back. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The book
It is a good couloring book and has cool pictures and a cool glowing wand! ... Read more

Product Description

This folio featuring the hit music by John Williams from the new blockbuster film also includes color photos from the motion picture and more! Titles are: Diagon Alley * Family Portrait * Harry's Wondrous World * Hedwig's Theme * Hogwarts Forever * Nimbus 2000 * Quidditch * Voldemort. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

good music but poorly made
I really like this book, I really do, but my complaint lies with the fact that it was very poorly made. When I got my book home to start using it, it broke along the spine, right down the middle. The second music book (for the Chamber of Secrets) was made far better. Buy this with caution; don't expect it to hold up.

Very good music
I bought this just so i could play the theme song. However, after i masterd that, i foudn that teh bok contained many other good songs. The only problem some people may have with the music is that it is rather difficult. It is for someone who has had at least 3-4 years of piano experience. The book is cool in the way that it has a few color pictures in the beginning book, however, dont buy this for the picutes, they're not that great

Just like the soundtrack!!!
This music is beautifully written for piano. It sounds exactly like the soundtrack. You could even play along with the soundtrack if you wanted to. It includes Diagon Alley, Family Portrait, Harry's Wonderous World, Hedwig's Theme, Quidditch, Voldemort, Fluffy's Harp, and Hogwart's Forever. Harry's Wonderous World is really fun to play and challenging. This book also comes with some pictures in the front, which I thought was kind of neat. But well, I love the soundtrack to death and playing it on the piano makes it seem even more magical to me. You will not regret buying this!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

? Es verdadero espanol?
Lo disfrute en espanol, lo que me sorprendi que podia. Me pregunto: a lectores espanoles y latinoamericanos, suena la traduccion como espanol en verdad o mas como ingles traducido palabra por palabra? Espero seguir con El caliz de fuego, y quisiera encontrar otros libros de esta nivel de dificultad para desorollar mas mi capaz de leer. Gracias, J. K. y traductores.

4 ESTRELLAS PARA EL PRISIONERO DE AZKABAN
Harry va para su 3er año en Hogwarts, como siempre, con problemas con su parentela muggle (mortales sin magia), huye de la casa y el mismo ministerio de magia se encarga de llevarlo a al colegio. Sirius Black, el presunto complice de Lord Voldemort, ha escapado de la cárcel de Azkaban... Los guardianes de la carcél seres que absorben la fecilidad de las personas, tienen en jaque y mate harry; Hagrid tiene un nuevo monstruo, Hermione tiene su primer gato que entra en conflicto con la sospechosa rata de Ron. Más intrigas y verdades a descubrirse... leanlo... es bueno. Debilidades: Mucha descripción pictórica y detalles inconcluyentes que dejan un final parco.

A great book!
Harry potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a great book! I enjoied it very much in spanish. Harry Potter is once again having many adventures, but one could cost his live. Who will help him with his troubles, what obsticles will he meet, but most important will he come out alive? They only way to find out, is to read this facinating book! Now people of all languages can enjoy all books in the HARRY POTTER seires! ... Read more

Book Description

The last of four deluxe coloring books for older kids, featuring sophisticated black & white line art, stencils and Harry Potter stickers.Older children will love coloring and tracing its intricate illustrations! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The fourth, last, and best of the CoS art coloring books
This fourth and final of the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Art Coloring Books is my favorite (and it's not just because it is the only one that features Hermione on the cover - although that certainly helps). First, you have a good number of black and white illustrations featuring people and events from the film, but then you have something else - lavish color photos of most of the same scenes. The functional point of this is to let budding artists compare their own colored drawings to the actual color photos they were taken from, but I - and this will come as no real surprise - just like to look at the pictures. You can never have too many Harry Potter items, I always say, and all of these Chamber of Secrets art coloring books make for very affordable additions to my (and your) Harry Potter collection. I might just note, for all my fellow Hermione admirers out there, that our favorite character is featured prominently in two of the color photographs. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Young wizard-in-training Harry Potter has had his hands full during hisfirst three years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As if studyingspells and pleasing professors isn't enough, Harry has heard evil voices in thewalls, rescued petrified students, fended off convicts escaped from magicians'prison, and played elaborate and grueling games of Quidditch. Between schoolsessions, he summers with the horrendous Dursleys, who seem to want nothing morethan to crush our hero's spirit. Only time will tell how Harry will manage thecertain dangers and escapades in store for him over the next few years.

The first three titles--in paperback--of J.K. Rowling's phenomenally popularseries are now available in a handy boxed set, perfect for the legions ofchildren whose big brothers and sisters have made off with their copies. Theseadventures are surely on the road to becoming classics; don't wait to collectthem! The set includes HarryPotter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber ofSecrets, and Harry Potterand the Prisoner of Azkaban. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Harry Potter- Truly Magical in a Special way
I'm sure by now that everyone has heard about the Harry Potter book series. I started reading them when a friend pointed them out in 1999. I began reading, a little skeptical about these children's books but kept reading them. I was absolutely hooked. Let me explain.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, orphan Harry Potter lives with his evil aunt, uncle and cousin, Dudley, a real jerk. Harry lives in a tiny cupboard under the stairs. But all that changes when an owl delivers a letter inviting Harry to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When arriving, Harry finds out that he has a fascinating history and a great destiny waiting for him there, if he can survive the encounter.

In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry recives a warning from an elf not to go back to Hogwarts because of terrible events to happen. Harry manages to get back to Hogwarts. The events happen suddenly when Hogwarts students are turned to stone, with a message saying that the Chamber of Secrets is open again. Who could've opened it? Could it have been Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever, Hagrid, whose past is finally told or Harry Potter himself?

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry returns for his third year of Hogwarts School. But now, he must face Sirius Black, the person possibly responsible for his parents death and servant of the Dark Lord Voldemort. But there could be a traitor in the midst.

The Harry Potter series is definitely enjoyable. Go out and read them.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
I bet you've heard this before but-If you haven't read this book, turn off the computer and go read it! This book, really, is almost unbeatable! Young Harry Potter is dropped on his Muggle realitives doorstep because his parents were killed by the darkest evilest wizard ever, who is known as You know Who. When Harry turns 11 he recieves a visit from a mysterious half-giant named Hagrid. Finding out he's a wizard, Harry Potter is shuffled off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he is known as the boy who lived because he survived the curse of You Know Who. While there he meets loyal friends, hated enemies, and battles up to the least you would expect. This book will capture your heart and you will laugh and cry at the same time. You will be very pleased with all of them!

What else can be said?
These books have been picked apart by critics, who are dying to find out why they are such a phenomenal success. There have been books written about these books, and blockbuster movies made from them. Why? Is it the panoply of mythologically derived characters? Is it the old-fashioned English boarding school setting? Is it J.K. Rowling's witty and depricating writing style?

Or is it magic?

Binding will not hold up to hard use
My two children have already worn out a set of hardback Harry Potter books, so I don't know why I thought a paperback set would survive any better. Maybe I thought since they had read the others at least three times each that this set wouldn't get the same wear. I was wrong. My children (and husband) keep reading these books over and over. And the books are starting to fall apart. When they wear this set out, I'll get the best hardback set I can find! If your set won't get this kind of wear, it is a fine set.

Can't go wrong!
What a awesome set of books, I wasn't sure at first if I would like these, but I started to read them and went through the first 2 in less then a week, Her style of writting is like no other, I actually never found myself board, which is hard to find now-a-days.
The 3rd book is pretty long, but just as wonderful as the first 2, and 4 just rules! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Plumbing the depths of Harry Potter and the Chamber ofSecrets will result in a fascinating exploration of muggle (and wizard)nature. The Harry Potter Literature Guides help educators help theirstudents delve into the hows, wheres, and whys of the Harry Potter series. Inthe Chamber of Secrets guide, thought-provoking queries are interspersedwith more pedestrian lessons in comprehension, vocabulary, and themes. Studentsare asked to ponder such questions as these:

What does Dumbledore mean when he says, "It is our choices, Harry, that showwhat we truly are, far more than our abilities"? What choices have you made thatshow who you are?

Slytherin wanted Hogwarts to be a school for full-bloods, a school that excludedthose who weren't like him. How does his attitude compare with real prejudicespeople have had throughout history?

The lightweight 18-page booklet divides the study of the book into chaptergroupings, with summary and discussion questions and cross-curricular activities(art, music, writing, drama, literature, logic, etc.). Reproducible handouts anda colorful poster provide more educational opportunities for the savvy,up-to-date teacher. (Ages 8 to 11) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great Book!
I thought this book was great! Originally I disliked the 2nd book. Now that i have the literature guide i can relate more to the book. I enjoy it more. While it still isn't as exciting i can't say that i think it's that boring, anymore tho. I reccomend this book for people who find these books uninteresting. Or for someone who doesn't understand it that well. It'd be great for little kids.

J. K. Rowling's contribution to literature
This is definitely an interesting topic. I actually know of a class teaching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in college. Does that make Potter books literature? I can't rightly say, but I will say that the Harry Potter books have dramatically re-introduced literacy into the lives of children AND adults. Furthermore, the series surreptitiously pushes the boundaries of what Americans have considered a long time as being "children's literature." Rowling, not constrained by the coddling nature of our own country's hypocritical and overprotective stance towards children, creates a rich world of evolving characters with deep emotions and clever bits of humor. If Rowling's books can get children, en masse, to read and read well, I say her books practically deserve their own branch of study. How many things have caught the interests of children in recent years without stooping to vapid juvenilia? At least Potter isn't Pokemon and he is certainly a step above Goosebumps!

Just what is great literature anyway?
This is largely in response to a reader from NJ below who takes issue with teaching Harry Potter as great literature. I am an aspiring librarian, with a BA in English Lit, and former student myself who wants to scream NO! as loudly as possible to this person's antiquated ideas. There are hundreds of books out there that are termed "classics" that will (and should be) taught to youth. Unfortunatly many of these are boring and make children think of reading as a chore for years to come. Why should fun books and educational books be mutually exclusive? I would not teach ONLY Harry Potter in a classroom, but if it will get kids to read I would definitly make it part of the curriculum. At the age this book is aimed at (5-8th grade I assume) shoving classics down the throats of children should be secondary to opening the world of literature to them. There are more books than can ever be taught in any school, give students the interest in reading to find out which ones they want to read themselves. The Harry Potter books are wonderful. The plotting is at an almost adult level. They are complicated and full of symbolism and concepts that most childrens books gloss over (or dumb down). However, instead of intimidating a young audience away, Harry Potter is showing children as young as 8 that reading is one of the most wonderful pastimes available to them. It's working! Please, as educators, parents, and librarians, encourage that. I read those "classics" in Middle School, Johnny Tremain and The Moon is Down almost lost me as a reader forever. They were dry and horrible and full of educational value. It was the seldom taught, but much loved, book Rebecca that showed me what reading has to offer. Remember, no book is a classic until looked at in hindsight, and has stood the test of time, but I would put money on Harry Potter still being around in 20 years.

Harry Potter is classic
There is nothing "mistaken" about attempting to teach the lessons in the Harry Potter series.

JK Rowling has masterfully produced realistic problematic situations and moral dilemnas to which young readers (and adults as well)can easily relate. With the interest that children have taken in the characters and plotlines, it would be wise and beneficial to take advantage of that and further explore and discuss the themes and how they translate to real children's lives.

To define "literature" as (courtesy of Webster's): "3a(1) : writings in prose or verse; especially : writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest," I submit that Harry Potter is, indeed, great children's literature and will be as classic as WINNIE THE POOH, BLACK BEAUTY and REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM.

Harry Potter does not equal great literature!
I love the Harry Potter books. I really do. But I never for a moment mistook them for great literature. All of the Harry Potter literature guides are mistaken attempts to teach Harry Potter (Impossible! It is simply a fun book, and fun books cannot be taught!) While looking through this guide, I noticed that it is a pitiful attempt to attach meaning to parts of the story just meant for fun and enjoyment! It offers nothing substantial to build a lesson upon, and I know for a fact that some kids find it not only insubstatial, but boring as well! By all means, read Harry Potter, but don't try to teach it. They just don't mix. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you're a Harry Potter fan who knows more about J.K. Rowling than youknow about most of your own family, then you won't find much new in this slim,large-type book. But younger kids (and Muggle grownups hoping for some insightinto the world of Harry Potter) will learn quite a bit about this phenomenallysuccessful series and its unassuming author.

Divided into roughly three sections, Conversations with J.K. Rowlingbegins with some fairly general questions about the author's early childhood("Did you have any pets?"), school days ("Did you watch much television as achild?"), and career ("Can you describe the process of creating the stories?").The book then follows with an excerpt-assisted overview of the first four HarryPotter adventures (again, great for Muggles), and ends with a smattering ofquotes from Rowling's interviews with Larry King, Newsweek, OprahWinfrey's O magazine, and Entertainment Weekly.

Kids will get a kick out of many of the anecdotes (Rowling can't remember herlittle sister's birth, just eating the Play-Doh that she was given that day todistract her), while older readers should enjoy more sophisticated insights intoher books (like how she decided to write full-time when she still had a daughterto support). Certainly a light (and quick) read, but fun for what it is. (Ages 9to 12) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (10)

For Her Youngest and Newest Readers Only
While it is good that Rowling has "authorized" at least one version of her biography, I'm afraid this little book will only satisfy her youngest and newest readers. Older fans (either in age or in time appreciating her books) will want more information than this book provides.

With the more "adult" covers of the HARRY POTTER books now appearing in bookstores and the popularity of the films bringing more readers of all ages to the books, Rowling might want to consider "authorizing" a more in-depth but fair treatment of her life story.

So far, she has attempted to control the details of her public biography as she does the great secret of the plotlines of the remaining books to appear in the series. In time, though, I think she'll realize that this is just not possible. Harry has given her to the world, just as she has given Harry to the world. Interested writers and scholars are going to write about her, no matter what, for many years to come.

A full-fledged autobiography of her story would definitely be her next big hit after HARRY POTTER 7 is out. It would be much more satisfying for the "older fan" than these little interview books. I also think it would be an important and lasting book, told from the person's point of view who has lived this incredible journey that she's been on at the turn of the 21st Century. I hope she will think about writing it!

In the meantime, people should buy this book, if only to have a Rowling interview in book form rather than pieced together on scraps of print-out paper from the internet. It makes a nice accompanying gift with HARRY POTTER 1 for an up and coming Harry fan as well.

That's it? No, seriously... that's really it?
If I could spend an afternoon with any famous person in the world, it would be J.K. Rowling. I find her writing to be exquisite and (from what I have learned) her life story to be inspiring.

Unfortunately, in my opinion, Conversations with J.K. Rowling isn't a proper biography. It read more like a short, weak high school report. You'll likely spend about ten minutes reading quick, but interesting answers from J.K. Rowling and another ten minutes of *yawn* time. As are all Harry Potter fans, I am eager for books 6 and 7, but I am also awaiting her autobiography. I want all the details straight from J.K. Rowling.

This was okay, I guess......
I was kind of dissapointed with this biography, since I had wanted to read more about her life instead of the books which I have already read. I liked the interviews from O magazine, Newsweek and Larry King but felt that we didn't need to read the things about the books, since if they are looking for info about J.K. they probably already read the books. So it was okay, not the best.

Dissapointing
This book clearly was not what I expected. Though the book is the only "authorized" biography of Rowling, it's a dissapointing book. For starters, the print is huge and not to mention the book starts on page 11! The biographal part was really the only part where fans wanting to learn about Rowling can find information about her. Plus, is in a question-and-answer format, so it dosn't really tell full-out about Rowling. The rest of the book basically is about the Harry Potter series, and it tells about the four books that have been released so far. (Come on hurry up book 5, I'll be waiting for you on June 21!) Anyway, the book is basically more about Harry Potter than J.K. Rowling. And, like one reviewer said, you could go to the bookstore and read it in less than 20 minutes. Don't waste your money on this one, just wait until a decent biography of Rowling comes out.

Too Short, Should Have Been Longer
I was very exited when I first heard about this biography about J.K. Rowling. I immedietily went to my local public libray to check it out.

Let me tell you: this book is not worth anything. It is way too short. It only had 96 pages, and the book actually started on page 11.

The print is HUGE. It took me 15 minutes to read it. Also, I was dissapointed because the biography part was very short, the rest was all garbage all Harry Potter fans know about the four books.
And yes, it will spoil them for anyone who hasn't read them.

Don't waste your money. Read it in a bookstore or check it out of the library, but don't bother buying it.

If you want a better, more detailed biography, try J.K. Rowling: the Wizard Behind Harry Potter by Mark Shapiro. ... Read more