Book Review; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban:Illustrated

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, By J.K. Rowling (original copyright 1999), illustrated by Jim Kay, Arthur A. Levine Books, New York, 2017.
I love the original Harry Potter story, and this is only enhanced by the beautiful illustrations.  Among other illustrations there is Severus Snape, a pack of Hippogriffs, and so much more.  We see the owls in their rookery, different students faxing the Bogart, and Harry's aunt blowing up like a balloon.  In this book we are introduced to Grindylows and werewolves.  There is also a good representation of Professor Trelawney.  we are also introduced to the Wizard's Bus and this appears in the cover illustration.
This story is again set at Hogwarts School of Magic.  This year Sirius Black has escaped from the wizard prison, Azkaban.  It is generally believed he is on his way to kill Harry Potter, consequently Dementors are allowed to be just outside the school, where they can examine all people coming into the school.  Problem with this is that harry Potter has a bad reaction to Dementors.  This reaction plagues Potter throughout this book.  Professor Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher takes Harry under his wing to teach him a spell to chases the Dementors away.
This book has a terrific ending, when a much different result that that expected.  I recommend the book, and especially the illustrated version. 

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Illustrated version)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling, illustrated by Jim Kay, Arthur A. Levine Books, New York 2016.  (Originally published 1996.)
Combining the artwork with this fantastic book really brings the story to life.  Again we are given four or five portraits of important characters (Hagrid, Mrs. Weasley etc,)    also with important scenes such os Hogwarts in winter and Diagon Alley.  The pictures of Aragog and his spider  offspring is just creepy.  In this book the Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts has been opened, which releases a basilisk, a snake like creature.  The basilisk has been wreaking havoc on the school, but caused no deaths.  I you look at it directly you die, but so far everyone has seen it through reflection rather than directly.  When the basilisk takes Jeannie Weasley captive, Ron and Harry follow, with Professor Lockhart, not so brave as he would have us believe, but he does know a good memory spell.
This story ends with the Phoenix bird coming to help Harry.  He brings the sword of Gryffindor.  On of the more fascinating illustrations is of the Phoenix.

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Illustrated Version

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling, illustrated by Jim Kay, Arthur A. Levine Books, an Imprint of Scholastic, New York, 2015, originial publication 1997.
For Christmas, Sheri purchased the first two illustrated versions of the Harry Potter series.  I quickly fell in love with these books again.  I read the originals, when they were first coming out.  Sometimes we had to buy several copies of the books so the kids and we parents wouldn't have to fight over them.  It was always a race to get them read.  The illustrated version add so much.
J.K. Rowling introduced us to a new world with "The Sorcerer's Stone."  An so many exciting characters, starting with Harry Potter, the boy who lived, and who lives in a closet.  And then Ron who becomes his friend, and Hermione, who starts out bossy, but mellows rather quickly; and so many characters at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft.  This book entertains, and delights, and they added pictures make it even more delightful.  I enjoyed the new read, as much as the old, and even more so with the pictures jumping out at you.  I especially like pictures of Hagrid.  I think he is my favorite character, with his oversized body and oversized heart, and always doing things to help others and animals.