MuggleNet Preview: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” Illustrated Edition

As announced earlier this year, the latest in the illustrated Harry Potter series will be released on October 3. Ahead of this, MuggleNet was invited by Bloomsbury to preview Jim Kay’s latest edition, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 

This book is, like the first two, nothing short of stunning – Jim Kay’s attention to detail is unbelievable, with some exquisite two-page drawings that add to the overall feel of the book by really providing a landscape for the scenes within. Moments in London are accompanied by amazing drawings of the London skyline, and this continues throughout the book. New characters are introduced, as are some of the exciting new locations the trio explores within and around Hogwarts. Many of the chapters have themed backgrounds throughout, and in all, it is an absolutely gorgeous book.

Further illustrations and the front cover can be found here.

Also in attendance was the illustrator himself, Jim Kay. He discussed how he felt that illustrating Prisoner was a bit different [from the earlier books] because the series is getting darker as it continues. Kay also elaborated on his process, detailing how he uses real people and models to base his characters on; watching his models grow up as the characters get older is enjoyable for him. When asked about Goblet of Fire, Kay said that, while he is excited to be getting started, he is happy to be getting an extra year from the publishers, due the book’s sheer volume.

You can pre-order Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban from both Bloomsbury (UK) and Scholastic (US).

Are you excited for the new illustrated Prisoner of Azkaban? Tell us below what you’re hoping to see illustrated!