Scholastic Refreshes Classic “Harry Potter” Covers for 25th Anniversary of US Publication

by · February 8, 2023

To mark 25 years since the first Harry Potter book was published in the United States in 1998, Scholastic is releasing “refreshed” versions of the original covers illustrated by Mary GrandPré. The classic cover art will feature gold-colored borders with designs that incorporate magical objects from the series, such as the Golden Snitch and the Triwizard Cup.

 

All seven "Harry Potter" 25th-anniversary editions

 

These new paperback editions will be released individually on May 1, and a box set will be available in September. Both the outside of the box and the image across the books’ spines depict Harry, Hermione, and Ron on dragonback.

Scholastic "Harry Potter" 25th-anniversary boxed set, front and back

This design approach to Scholastic’s 25th-anniversary editions is similar to that of Bloomsbury’s 25th-anniversary Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, released last year, which also features the original cover art with just a few design changes. However, Bloomsbury published only Book 1 in this manner and only a limited supply. Previous anniversary editions from both Scholastic and Bloomsbury have had completely redesigned covers. Check out our Harry Potter book series page to see various previous American and British editions.

In addition to these books, Scholastic says it will be producing “Harry Potter celebratory kits” to help foster the next generation of readers. The kits will be distributed in thousands of bookstores, schools, and libraries and at festivals and conventions across the US. More details are expected later in the year.

Also coming this fall will be The Official Harry Potter Cookbook, a follow-up to The Official Harry Potter Baking Book. It will include over 40 recipes, including meals, desserts, snacks, and drinks, and is set for publication on September 5. (Of course, we still recommend the old Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook, published in 2010, and the recently released Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook.)

The Harry Potter series is the bestselling book series of all time, having now sold 230 million copies in the US and 600 million worldwide.

Press Release

SCHOLASTIC MARKS 25[-]YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUBLICATION OF J.K. ROWLING’S HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE

THE BESTSELLING BOOK SERIES OF ALL TIME HAS SOLD 230 MILLION BOOKS IN THE U.S.

(New York, NY – February 6, 2023) September 2023 will mark twenty-five years since American readers were first introduced to the “boy who lived.” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling was published in the U.S. in September 1998 with a 50,000[-]copy first printing. Seven books later, the Harry Potter series has sold 230 million copies in the U.S. [and] 600 million worldwide, making it the bestselling book series of all time.

To kick off the 25-year milestone anniversary this year, and in time for summer reading, Scholastic will release the classic paperback editions of the first seven Harry Potter books with refreshed covers in May, followed by a new boxed set in September. Emblazoned with the iconic Harry Potter logo hand-drawn by original U.S. illustrator Mary GrandPré, sharp-eyed readers and fans will spot intricate details and “Easter eggs” in the gold[-]foiled borders on the covers.

“The Harry Potter series has been responsible for inspiring and engaging young readers here and around the world for twenty-five years. From midnight parties to Muggle Walls, we’ve seen firsthand the excitement and the power of J.K. Rowling’s brilliant storytelling, with themes of friendship and family, all still relevant today. Here’s to the next twenty-five years of reading magic!” said Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade.

In celebration of reading and to introduce the books to a new generation of readers, Scholastic is creating thousands of Harry Potter celebratory kits to be distributed in bookstores, schools, [and] libraries and at major festivals and conventions around the country to encourage kids to start their own reading adventure. More exciting plans for the anniversary moment will be announced later this year.

In addition to the paperback anniversary editions releasing in May, highlights of upcoming publishing include:

  • The Official Harry Potter Cookbook (September 5, 2023):
    • Create delicious recipes inspired by the Wizarding World in this companion to the #1 New York Times bestseller The Official Harry Potter Baking Book. Packed with full-color photography and over 40 recipes -- both savory and sweet -- including snacks, desserts, drinks, and meals fit for a Hogwarts feast. Featuring cooking tips and advice for the youngest aspiring chefs, including recipes with step-by-step instructions that are easy for kids to follow, this is the perfect book for any beginning cook and Harry Potter fan.
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (MinaLima Edition) (October 3, 2023):
    • The third book in the Harry Potter series, featuring over 175 full-color illustrations and eight exclusive interactive elements: Readers will explore the Knight Bus, reveal the Grim in a teacup, spin the Time-Turner, and more. Designed and illustrated by MinaLima, the award-winning studio behind the graphic style of the Harry Potter films, this keepsake edition is the perfect gift for Harry Potter fans of all ages and an enchanting way to share this beloved series with a new generation of readers.

Catherine Lai

I have been a fan of Harry since 2000, a fan of MuggleNet since 2005, and a MuggleNet team member since 2013. I believe in the power of stories to bring people together, and nothing does that quite like Harry Potter. I live in Toronto, Canada.