Cover revealed for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Bits of information regarding the final installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, are finally being released and it’s getting me increasingly excited for the book’s release on July 21st. A few days ago it was revealed that the U.S. version of the book will stretch a wonderful 784 pages, making it second in length only to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This was, of course, incredible news to any Harry Potter fan, letting us know that our final journey with Harry, as the series comes to a close, will be plenty long to enjoy for hours, or days, of reading.

Also revealed today, and this is the really exciting part, was the cover art for the U.S. child, U.K. child, and U.K. adult versions of the book! The U.S. version, done by Mary GrandPre, has a few firsts, including the first time the cover is a wrap-around, as well as the first time it features none other than Lord Voldemort himself (on the back). I’m not as big a fan of the U.K. children’s versions, which tend to lack the mysterious feel provided by the look and themes of the U.S. versions. I am somewhat familiar with the U.K. adult version, having purchased Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in London last month, and I like the more “grown-up” feel their covers give the books. People unfamiliar with the stories tend to stereotype them as “children’s novels,” however, particularly in the last few installments, this is far from true, and the covers for the adult versions help to reflect that. I’m still only 20 so I can definitely relate, but I have no doubt that the stories, with their themes of love, family, friendship, courage, adventure, and adolescence, will continue to resonate with me as I grow older.

The Art of Finding Nemo

Welcome to the first entry in a new category called “Recommendations,” where I’ll keep entries that act as, you guessed it, recommendations!

A couple weeks ago, I was browsing through a Borders bookstore, when I found myself in the “Film” section. I eyed through the shelves and shelves of big, colorful books, and “The Art of Finding Nemo” caught my eye. No surprise there: when I saw Finding Nemo, it quickly became a favorite.

So, I grabbed one of the five or six copies, thumbed through the pages, and instantly became engulfed (no pun intended) in some of the most amazingly gorgeous artwork I have ever seen. Without hesitation, I purchased the book.

If you saw Finding Nemo and, like me, were entranced by it’s beauty, then you need to at least have a look through “The Art of Finding Nemo.” Every page is filled with vibrant pastel drawings, flawless digital renderings, and breathtaking charcoal pieces that take you through every concept, every scene, and every character. Much of the artwork takes up entire pages and even spreads.

Once you pick up this book, you literally will not set it down until you have seen and read everything that it has to offer.