Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Illustrated Edition)
For the first time, J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter books will be presented in lavishly illustrated full-color editions. Kate Greenaway-award winning artist Jim Kay has created over 100 stunning illustrations, making this deluxe format a perfect gift as much for a child being introduced to the series, as for the dedicated fan.
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.
Author: J.K. Rowling | Illustrator: Jim Kay
Rating: 5/5 (obviously)
I have read (or listened to) the Harry Potter books many, many times. Countless times. I have no idea how many times. But I have never before experienced the story like I did during this re-read: listening to Jim Dale's audiobook performance while reading along with the breathtaking new illustrated edition. And I highly recommend.
Reading along while listening opened my eyes (and ears) to just how many differences there are between the British and American versions of these books. Small tweaks you'd never think of: "car park" versus "parking lot," "sherbert lemon" instead of "lemon drop," and so on. The illustrated books use the British text, and Jim Dale reads the American text, so I noticed each one. Every time it happened, it was like meeting a new friend—intriguing, interesting, and an expansion of my universe.
I began this re-read to align with Pottermore's new Harry Potter book club. The month got away from me, so I didn't make it to any of the live Twitter chats they conducted, but I did read through some of the tweets retroactively. I am in constant awe of the Harry Potter fandom and all the wonderful human beings it attracts. I have marked my calendar for the Chamber of Secrets Twitter chats, and I can't wait to participate this time.