3 Reasons Why You Should Read Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling, Illustrated by Ziyi Gao

3 Reasons Why You Should Read Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling, Illustrated by Ziyi Gao

What’s the book about?

‘Christmas was coming. One morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow.’

So begins Chapter 12 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the story of Harry Potter’s magical first Christmas at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From the wonder of the Great Hall decked with sparkling, decorated fir trees to cosy evenings by the fire in the Gryffindor common room and the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning, it’s a school holiday filled with warmth, friendship, treats and magical surprises that Harry will never forget.

With text drawn directly from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and luminous artwork by Ziyi Gao, this favourite moment, showing Harry’s very first Christmas amongst friends, is now fully illustrated for the whole family to enjoy. Sure to be treasured by Harry Potter fans of all ages, it’s the perfect gift to put under the tree or read together at Christmas – the beginning of an enchanting new festive tradition.

Recommended for: 

Ages 6+

Three reasons to read it: 

  1. Gao’s illustrations add a whole new dimension to the story, transforming words into breathtaking visuals. Each page is filled with intricate details that immerse you deeper into the Hogwarts experience. From the grandeur of the Great Hall to cozy moments by the fire, these illustrations evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, making you want to linger on every page.
  2. Christmas at Hogwarts emphasizes the importance of togetherness, friendship, and the spirit of giving. As you follow Harry, Hermione, and Ron through their holiday adventures, you’ll be reminded of the warmth and love that surrounds the holiday season. This heart-warming narrative captures the essence of what it means to be part of a family—whether it’s the one you’re born into or the friends who become family.
  3. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the series or new to the wizarding world, Christmas at Hogwarts serves as a charming companion to the original stories. It offers a chance to revisit beloved characters and settings while enjoying fresh, festive content. This book is a wonderful addition to any Harry Potter collection, making it a perfect gift for yourself or a fellow fan.

Buy a copy of Christmas at Hogwarts here.

About the author:

J.K. Rowling is the author of the enduringly popular Harry Potter books. The series took another ten years to complete, concluding in 2007 with the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. To accompany the series, J.K. Rowling wrote three short companion volumes for charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, in aid of Comic Relief and Lumos, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, in aid of Lumos. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them went on to inspire a new series of films featuring Magizoologist Newt Scamander. She is also the author of a bestselling crime fiction series, and two stand-alone children’s novels, The Ickabog and The Christmas Pig. J.K. Rowling has received many awards and honours for her writing, including the OBE and Companion of Honour, and a Blue Peter Gold Badge. J.K. Rowling lives in Scotland with her family.

Ziyi Gao was born and raised in Beijing, China. She studied Biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego, before finding her true passion for art and illustration. She transferred to the School of Visual Arts in New York where she earned a BFA, and now lives in Vancouver, Canada.

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    Publisher details

    Christmas at Hogwarts
    Author
    J.K. Rowling
    Publisher
    Bloomsbury
    Genre
    Children’s Fiction
    Released
    15 October, 2024
    ISBN
    9781526677082

    Synopsis

    'Christmas was coming. One morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow.'

    So begins Chapter 12 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the story of Harry Potter's magical first Christmas at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From the wonder of the Great Hall decked with sparkling, decorated fir trees to cosy evenings by the fire in the Gryffindor common room and the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning, it's a school holiday filled with warmth, friendship, treats and magical surprises that Harry will never forget.

    Ziyi Gao
    About the author

    Ziyi Gao

    Ziyi Gao was born and raised in Beijing, China. She studied Biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego, before finding her true passion for art and illustration. She transferred to the School of Visual Arts in New York where she earned a BFA, and now lives in Vancouver, Canada. To learn more about Ziyi Gao visit ziyigao.com.
    J.K. Rowling
    About the author

    J.K. Rowling

    J.K. Rowling is the author of the much-loved series of seven Harry Potter novels, originally published between 1997 and 2007. Along with the three companion books written for charity, the series has sold over 500 million copies, been translated into over 80 languages, and made into eight blockbuster films.Originally written by J.K. Rowling in aid of Comic Relief as a Hogwarts textbook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them became the inspiration behind a new and original five-film series for Warner Bros., the first of which was released in 2016. The second film in the series, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, was released in November 2018.J.K. Rowling has collaborated with playwright Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany on a stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened in London's West End in 2016 and on Broadway in 2018, and will have further worldwide openings in 2019.J.K. Rowling also writes the Cormoran Strike crime novels, under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. The fourth in this series was published in autumn 2018. The Strike books have been adapted for television for BBC and HBO television by Bronte Film & Television. J.K. Rowling is also the author of The Casual Vacancy, a standalone novel for adults, published in 2012.

    Books by J.K. Rowling

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