It’s that magical time of year again. July 31st: Harry Potter’s birthday.
For those of you who didn’t grow up in the Harry Potter years, this date may seem insignificant for you. But if you were in school when the first few books were coming out, there’s a chance you remember the furor with which fans of the series celebrated all things Potter. And his birthday is no different.
If you, like me, were one of those kids who grew up lining up outside of bookstores and waiting for the latest book to be released, you will remember how little content we had. We were the generation of podcasts and fan theories; we spent hours and hours theorizing if Snape was truly evil, whether Sirius was actually dead or not, if Hagrid’s motorbike would ever make a reappearance, and if any of the creatures mentioned in Fantastic Beasts were of any importance.
We scavenged and scoured the Internet for morsels of information, since there were only a few books out and we had no idea how it would all end. There were only the books to refer to, as well as the few interviews that JK Rowling had given, that we used to get information. Unlike now.
Now, there’s a plethora of content out there. What’s more, when you type Harry Potter into our catalogue, you don’t get just the seven books or eight movies. You get so much more.
So, if you’re an original fan from the old days or a budding one of the new generation, there’s so much in our collection to whet your Harry Potter appetite. Here are some of my favourites:
Harry Potter: Exploring Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley is such an amazing and whimsical place that it could have a book written about it. And I guess this is it! It’s an illustrated guide to all the nooks and crannies found in the famous alley that is Harry’s first experience with the wizarding world. By the time you’re done reading it, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped onto the cobblestone paths yourself.
The Super Cool Science of Harry Potter
This one’s for all the science fans. If you’ve ever wondered how anything works in the wizarding world, then this is the book for you. You’ll find answers to questions like who was the real Merlin, do real-life love potions work, and if there are actually real hidden railway stations in London, among many more.
The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook
According to Tom Felton, the actor who played Draco Malfoy, the pockets of the robes that the students wore from movie three onwards were sewn shut because he and other young actors would sneak food into them. And I don’t blame him. The food in the movies looks heavenly, and the descriptions in the books always made my mouth water.
This unofficial cookbook has recipes of all the scrumptious, but let’s be honest, sometimes obscure British food that you’ve read about for years. What I really like is that there’s also a little history of the dish in a small box beside the recipe, which is wonderful for anyone who wants a side of history with their recipes.
If you’re a knitter and a fan of Harry Potter, then this book is for you! It’s chock full of ideas on how to make your home as warm and comforting as the Gryffindor common room. You can make yourself your own house scarf or a knitted baby mobile or Harry Potter themed clothes. There’s no end to the things you can make!
The Unofficial Harry Potter Joke Book: Great Guffaws for Gryffindor
Here’s a fun one for younger kids! This is a series and there are three others, each named after one of the four Hogwarts houses. The jokes are silly but funny, and all revolve around the wizarding world. Here are some of my favourites: How did Ron gas up the flying car? Expecto petroleum! How does a Quidditch newbie function? By winging it!
No matter how you choose to celebrate the birthday of The Boy Who Lived, it’s sure to be a magical one! Don’t let the Muggles get you down.
Check it out 