It’s really no secret that I’m a huge Harry Potter fan. Call me a Potterhead, if you like. I’ve recently started collecting Harry Potter illustrated books and have loved having these updated versions of my childhood favorite stories in my home library. I really adore everything about Harry Potter – it was the first series I ever truly fell in love with.
While a classic Harry Potter book sans pictures will always be my staple, illustrated editions have become frequent re-reads for me to enjoy my old stories again. If you’re looking for a review of the best Harry Potter illustrated books and a peek inside them, this blog post is for you!
Why it might be tough for some people to still love Harry Potter.
Whenever I’m writing any Harry Potter related post (and I’ve written quite a few), I always feel the need to approach with caution. The creator of arguably the most impactful literary series of all time has said some incredibly controversial and hateful things as of late. J.K. Rowling has made many problematic statements online. These statements have been primarily transphobic in nature. While the author still asserts her position – her words have continued to hurt many across the globe.
J.K. Rowlings rhetoric is disappointing, to say the absolute least. I’d like to think everyone is entitled to their own opinions…but this feels like a category outside of standard controversial opinions. Trans rights are human rights.
I’m not really here to argue one way or the other on this topic, I’d more just like to acknowledge that Rowlings words are hurtful and dangerous. Rowlings statements, for me, have made it hard to continue to love Harry Potter. The Harry Potter series, for me, was always about human rights, love above everything, and good conquering evil. Rereading the series as an adult, I can absolutely note areas of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping. But I also was able to still hold onto and love the higher level themes.
All this to say – every purchase of a Harry Potter product puts more cash into J.K. Rowling’s pockets. It’s okay to feel conflicted as a “Potterhead” when it comes to consuming the series in all formats and purchasing products. It’s possible to love the art and condemn the artist. Sometimes we have to make that separation. I’d say the Harry Potter series is that time and place.
Reasons to add special editions of the Harry Potter books to your collection (or give them as gifts).
Harry Potter illustrated books make great additions to Harry Potter book collections – and amazing gifts for readers who love the series. I honestly never thought I’d be that person who collected multiple copies of the same book, but I totally am.
For many people, the Harry Potter series was the first time they ever really fell in love with reading. Harry Potter kept kids and adults alike intrigued and on the edge of their seats. People literally lined up outside of stores on release days to snag copies. Books were binge read like never before. So many people have deep, emotional ties to the series and love adding new editions of their old favorites to their home libraries.
Harry Potter illustrated books are a fun, new, unique way for fans of the series to re-enjoy their love for the books. Reading the Harry Potter series, we paint pictures in our head of each character and each location. Illustrated editions give readers beautiful imagery to absorb and enjoy while re-reading a much loved, familiar story.
The best Harry Potter illustrated books for Potterheads (or friends & family of Potterheads).
Harry Potter illustrated books MinaLima.
Minalima is the studio behind all the graphic elements of the Harry Potter film series we all know and love. Founded by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima after their time spent working together on the films, the studio now produces endless creations within the Harry Potter-verse including elements of the Wizarding World and other Harry Potter franchise films (including Fantastic Beasts).
Minalima has the most beautiful take on Harry Potter graphics I’ve ever seen. Minalima creates not just books, posters, and wallpapers – but works of art. The studio recently launched an illustrated and interactive edition of the Sorcerer’s Stone, with Chamber of Secrets currently available for preorder.
The Harry Potter illustrated books from Minalima are hands down my recommendation when shopping for any illustrated edition of the Harry Potter series. My illustrated Sorcerer’s Stone is unreal – it’s an actual work of art. The book is filled with full color illustrations on nearly every page. There are also eight interactive pages. These interactive pages are just that – interactive. You can literally engage with the pages, from ticking clocks to other magical elements.
I’m based out of the U.S., so purchase U.S. editions. Minalima, though, is actually U.K. based so you’re easily able to order signed U.K. editions on their online store.
The Minalima Harry Potter illustrated books typically price in around thirty euros at the time I’m writing this blog post. This roughly translates to around $30-36 USD. Personally, I think this makes the book a little on the pricey side. Minalima illustrated editions honestly make amazing gifts for the Potter lover in your life because they’re that little bit of extra luxury that someone may not be willing to splurge on for themselves.
As I mentioned a little earlier, the Minalima Sorcerer’s Stone edition is currently available for purchase and Chamber of Secrets is currently available to preorder. Minalima will continue knocking out each book in the series piece by piece, so I’ll be following their Instagram and website to keep up with the launches!
Harry Potter: The Illustrated Collection.
Probably the most well known Harry Potter illustrated books set would be the boxed set illustrated by Jim Kay. This boxed set includes the first three books: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, and Prisoner of Azkaban. I did see you can also purchase these three books separately instead of as a set. Goblet of Fire is also available to be purchased individually. As of the time I’m writing this post, I only see the Harry Potter illustrated books 1-4 available with no news as to the release of the other books.
If you love to read Harry Potter, there’s plenty to love about the Jim Kay illustrated editions. These books are big and beautiful, with large, intricate illustrations throughout. I think Kay takes some of the most iconic Harry Potter moments and illustrates them exactly how many of us imagined inside our own heads. Kay creates beautiful scenes throughout, giving the reader a chance to meander and slowly enjoy the story in a whole new light. There are so many details to absorb and it’s likely that every time you pick these books up you’ll see something new you missed on the last go around.
The thing I don’t love about the Jim Kay illustrated books is simply their physical size. I’ll admit that these books are highly rated as amazing coffee table books for Harry Potter lovers, but for the rest of us who actually want to read the books they’re a bit bulky. Whereas the Minalima Harry Potter illustrated books are more a traditional book size (easy to handle and hold), the Jim Kay editions are really more meant for display it seems.
Although only the first four books in the series are available in this collection, there are two “extra” Harry Potter related books that have illustrated versions: “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them” and “The Tales of the Beedle and the Bard.” Both of these books would make amazing gifts for Harry Potter lovers or great additions to any Harry Potter illustrated books collection.
Other trinkets for the ultimate Harry Potter fans.
Because special edition books might not be enough.
Harry Potter themed bags and accessories.
I’m pretty picky when it comes to my style. I don’t love any theme park/cosplay looking items in my wardrobe (no shade – just not for me!). I’ve absolutely loved both the first and second Harry Potter Vera Bradley collections. These collections are limited edition, so if anything looks appealing for yourself or a friend I highly recommend snagging things while they’re still available.
Special house edition books.
Harry Potter illustrated books are gorgeous, but the special house editions are my favorite in my HP collection because they’re more “me.” I’m a Ravenclaw through and through, so having Ravenclaw editions on my shelf are so fun. These special house editions are still being released, so you’ll want to keep an eye out as they launch.
Harry Potter home decor.
There are so many fun ways to infuse your love of the Harry Potter world into your home. Pottery Barn has done Harry Potter collections in the past with everything from Harry Potter name brand blankets to mirrors to jewelry holders – and everything in between. You truly could decorate entire rooms with the collection.
Other Minalima stationary accessories.
It’s not just the Harry Potter illustrated books from Minalima that I love. I’m obsessed with their entire line of Wizarding World items. From journals that look like textbooks to artwork to grace your walls, Minalima has endless items to add to your wishlist. Personally I’m a huge fan of their wallpaper. I’m dying to get my hands on rolls of the Sirius Black family tapestry wallpaper. It has total moody powder room vibes in my mind.
Are you a Harry Potter fan building your book collection? Do you own any of the Harry Potter illustrated books? Let’s chat in the comments below!