There has been a lot going on in the world of Harry Potter in the last couple of weeks. Just recently, it was announced that digital versions of the bestselling books by JK Rowling will be exclusively available on iBooks. Apple says that these new eBooks received some overhauls in the form of interactive effects and "elaborate artwork" as well as annotations by Rowling herself.
"Harry Potter fans are going to love how their favorite stories come to life," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a press release. "J.K. Rowling's legendary series is perfect for enjoying on your iPad or iPhone and we're thrilled to offer them exclusively on the iBooks Store," he went on to say. The company is the first to bring eBook versions of the titles after the Pottermore shop.
Meanwhile, Rowling was herself is excited about the new versions of her Harry Potter stories. In the press release, she said "I'm thrilled to see the Harry Potter books so beautifully realised on iBooks for the digital world; the artwork and animations in these enhanced editions bring the stories alive in a delightful new way." Indeed, animations of ravaging dogs and the snakes from the second volume and many more make it more exciting to flip through the pages.
Anyone with an Apple mobile device will be able to download the books. Fans will see exclusive custom covers for each of the seven installments and they can customize them by using custom Harry Potter typefaces as well as spanking new section headers and drop caps. For now, only English versions are available, which are priced at $9.99 apiece.
In addition, French, German and Spanish versions of the books will be released on Nov. 9 but readers who want to reserve a copy can already pre-order. But as readers wait for the arrival of these translated versions, they might as well prepare their crayons and coloring pens because a Harry Potter coloring book is on the way.
According to The Bookseller, Studio Press (Bonnier Publishing imprint Kings Road Publishing) is releasing the book, which has 96 pages chockfull of artwork and illustration based on the favorite scenes as well as characters and creatures from the film adaptations of Rowling's stories - "from Dobby and baby Norbert to Quidditch games and the unforgettable final battle between Harry and Lord Voldemort," as teased via The Bookseller.
The Harry Potter coloring book will be priced at £9.99. Fans of the boy who lived and his terrific adventures can now pre-order a copy.