About the book

Author- J.K. Rowling
Age guide - 9-12
Length - 223 Pages
Publisher - Bloomsbury Publishing

When I was first introduced to the world of Harry Potter I was skeptical. While all my friends were getting caught up in the hype of this amazing new series, I was sat thinking to myself that it didn't really sound like my cup of tea. Oh how very wrong I was. What started out as a book by a relatively unknown author has exploded into a global phenomenon. I doubt there is a soul on the planet who now does not know the name J.K. Rowling. Deservedly so as this is a book that has captured the imaginations of children who have then gone on to grow up with the boy wizard who nobody loved. Rowling is engaging and unique, taking a relatively interesting premise and turning it into one of the best loved stories ever written.

What it's all about

Harry Potter is an average sort of boy, an average boy who lives in the cupboard under the stairs at his aunt and uncles home after the death of his own parents in a car crash. His Aunt, Uncle and Cousin all hate him and he has no idea why. One day a letter arrives, followed by another and another and another. The arrival of a very hairy character is when Harry finds out the truth, he is no ordinary boy. He is a wizard! Earning himself a place at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry Harry soon finds himself some firm friends and some firm enemies too. The boy who lived, Harry is admired by many, for being the only one known to survive the killing curse. Its at Hogwarts that Harry once again comes face to face with the wizard who failed to kill him and who murdered his parents, Lord Voldemort.

What is great about this book

Rowling brings to life the everyday task of life at school with a sprinkling of magic. Inventing a whole new language for the world of Harry Potter Rowlings tale of the boy wizard could almost be real. In fact sometimes I wish it were. A spell that can do the washing up? Yes please. Much like Haribo kids and grown ups love it too. There's something that everyone can relate to. A classic tale of good vs evil. There's twists and turns too and I guarantee if you have never read the book before you won't see it coming. Such is the skill of Rowling that she makes us think one thing when really it is quite the opposite.

The not so good

Some of the characters here, you will have to learn to love. At first Hermione, though the brightest witch of her age, is an unlikeable know it all pest. Though it may be a children's book some of the themes here are quite dark which develop even further in the later books. The first couple of chapters are bordering on child abuse. Of course this just makes it all the nicer when Harry does eventually find a happy home at Hogwarts.

About the author

The ultimate rags to riches story, Rowling went from welfare to multi million status in the space of a few years after she found success with the Harry Potter books. Originally rejected by several publishers they have now shifted millions of copies worldwide. A kick in the teeth for those who didn't think it had the necessary ingredients.

Cover art

All Harry Potter books now come with two versions of cover art, one for the kiddies and one for the adults. For me the children's cover version for Philosopher's stone fails to capture the magic and sparkle that is Harry Potter. There are plenty more interesting scenes from the story that would capture the imagination more. However, I can see the appeal as I believe the train is supposed to represent Harry finally escaping from his ordinary life, still a bit of wand waving wouldn't go amiss.

Other books in the series

Once you've read this one, I'm pretty sure you'll be wanting the rest of the collection. So here's a nice little shopping list.

Chamber of Secrets
Prizoner of Azkaban
Goblet of Fire
Order of the Phonenix
Half Blood Prince
Deathly Hallows