Quidditch through the ages by J.K. Rowling
Illus. by Emily Gravatt. Bloomsbury, 2020. ISBN: 9781526608123.
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Lovers of the Harry Potter series
will grab this companion book, first published in 2001. The 2020
volume has Emily Gravatt's fabulous illustrations and gives a
tour through the game of Quidditch. J.K. Rowling, using the
pseudonym of Kennilworthy Whisp, uses her amazing imagination to go
deep into the game and history in this book which graced the library
at Hogwarts. Avid readers will find chapters on the evolution of the
flying broomstick, ancient broom games, the arrival of the golden
snitch, changes in quidditch, teams of Britain and Ireland and
Quidditch today.
Emily Gravatt, twice winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, has brought
to life this wizard sport. Starting with a portrait of Professor
Dumbledore with Fawkes his pet phoenix, she goes on to make fabulous
illustrations of flying broomsticks, teams, referees, and even an
ancient manuscript depicting the Quijudge carry the four balls into
the centre during a game. Small black and white illustrations grace
virtually every page and add to the fun of reading the book.
This is a handsome volume with a sturdy hardcover and bookmark
ribbon. And with proceeds going to Lumos, an international
children's charity founded in 2005 by J.K. Rowling, and Comic
Relief, it would make an ideal gift for any fan.
Pat Pledger