Harry Potter series gets new cover art and boxed set goodies are on the way!

Last week, Scholastic unveiled seven new covers for JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series as part of its 15th anniversary celebration of the series’ release in the US. The books will be available, both individually and as a boxed set, in trade paperback format on Aug. 27.

The fun, new illustrations are the work of New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Kazu Kibuishi, who is best known for the Amulet series of graphic novels. “As an author myself, I tried to answer the question, ‘If I were the author of the books — and they were like my own children — how would I want them to be seen years from now?’” Kibuishi said in a statement. “When illustrating the covers, I tried to think of classic perennial paperback editions of famous novels and how those illustrations tend to feel. In a way, the project became a tribute to both Harry Potter and the literary classics.”

Artist Mary GrandPré’s original illustrations for the series will continue to be featured on US hardcover and digest paperback editions.

In November, just in time for Christmas giving, Scholastic will also release the fist boxed set of the complete “Hogwarts Library.” A supplement to the seven-book series includes school books Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and a book of wizard children’s stories, The Tales of Beedle the Bard. As a Potterhead, I think these supplements sound very cool! Sales from this set will support the charities Lumos and Comic Relief.

Check out the new covers below beside the original GrandPré covers (right). Also see the awesome boxed set art.

Which do you like better? New or old?

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For Book #1, I like the new version, showing a view of Harry's first trip down Diagonalley. That's such a captivating place. I'd love to go!

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I'm torn here. I like seeing Harry in a struggle with the Dumbledore's phoenix, but Mr. Weasley's flying car makes me smile in the newer art.

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Here, I vote for the new cover. Book #3 seemed very dark to me, and that cover suits the intensity.

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The new art gives a truer sense of the danger, action and adventure that Harry faces on the quidditch field.

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I like the expression on Harry's face in the older version, but the scene of the newer is lovely.

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Hands down, I love the original. The master and apprentice together working over the scrying pool is special to me.

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I prefer the original here, only because it shows a closer view of a more mature Harry who has reached the end of the series.

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED, Book Three, LOST VOLUMES, and Book Four, STAUROLITE.. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.