Review: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Hogwarts Library Book by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Newt Scamander - Hogwarts Library Book by J.K. Rowling

Publishing Date: March 14, 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 144
Juvenile Fiction/Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic

The Premise from the Publisher: "A brand new edition of this essential companion to the Harry Potter stories, with a new foreword from J.K. Rowling, an irresistible new jacket by Jonny Duddle, illustrations by Tomislav Tomic and six new beasts! An approved textbook at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry since publication, Newt Scamander's masterpiece has entertained wizarding families through the generations. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an indispensable introduction to the magical beasts of the Wizarding World. In this comprehensively updated edition, eagle-eyed readers will spot a number of new beasts and an intriguing new author's note. Scamander's years of travel and research have created a tome of unparalleled importance. Some of the beasts will be familiar to readers of the Harry Potter books - the Hippogriff, the Basilisk, the Hungarian Horntail ... Others will surprise even the most ardent amateur Magizoologist. Dip in to discover the curious habits of magical beasts across five continents" (Bloomsbury).

My overall thoughts and review: I own the first edition of this book and I really loved it! I enjoy all the Hogwarts Library Books because it offers more context for the Wizarding World, and I love all the little easter eggs inside. When I heard that they were releasing a new edition, at first, I was a bit confused as to why. But the brand new edition has a new foreword from Newt, there are some beautiful new illustrations by Tomislav Tomic, a beautiful hardcover and dust jacket, and to top it all off, SIX NEW BEASTS! Also, can we please take a moment to appreciate the cover? It is adorable and I love how cute the dragon looks. The foreword is definitely interesting and I love how it links to the context of the film that was recently released. It was like additional context for the film. It's also been a few years since I read the previous edition so the introduction into magical creatures was a nice refresher and I felt like I was reading it with fresh eyes. There are small remarks throughout which are fun to find, like Newt's comment for muggles: "Editor's note: for Muggle edition, usual guff: 'obvious fiction - all good fun - nothing to worry about - hope you enjoy it!'" (xiii). The A-Z of the beasts was a great part too and with the new additions, it seemed more complete this time around. I am in love with the illustrations and I think that alone, is reason enough to pick this up. The illustrations are stunning and some of my favorites include the ones for Kelpie and the Niffler! For potterheads, this is an easy purchase and something that is required reading & for your library. I like these new editions because it allows the new generations that are falling in love with HP something to get excited about. I remember freaking out on new HP content, and I think the same excitement still exists today. Also, all the proceeds go to Comic Relief and Lumos, which is another great reason to pick this up!

My rating of the book: ✮✮✮✮ (4/5 stars)

Available for purchase at:
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Disclaimer: An advanced reader's copy of the book was provided by Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions of the book are my own.