Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter Review

Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter
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As a fan of the Blue Blog (the author's knitting blog) as well as an avid Harry Potter fan, I was looking forward to this book with great anticipation. A book linking Harry Potter and knitting had to happen sooner or later--knitting pops up all over the books, and is featured in the movies as well. This book is a "best of" of Harry Potter knits featuring designs by Alison Hansel as well as a number of other Harry Potter knit designers. Some are copied from movie scenes, and others are inspired by the books. You can dress from head to toe in your house colors!
Pattern instructions are clear and detailed, and each is accompanied by color photos. Yarn selections range in price, with a number of more affordable yarns like Cascade 220, some Knit Picks yarns and Lion Brand Wool Ease. Details on substituting yarns are also included. Difficulty levels include "First Year," "O.W.L." and "N.E.W.T." (beginning, intermediate and advanced), and there is truly something for everyone here. I have already knit four of these patterns and have been very pleased with the results.
This is a very eclectic group of patterns, ranging from classic sweater designs (such as Harry's red cableknit pullover from the first movie and the gray v-neck house sweaters with house color accents) to more unusual fare, such as Molly Weasley's "technicolor housecoat" cardigan design and a stuffed "Errol" owl. This fits right in with the series. In the wizarding world, there are bound to be some "out there" designs, after all.
The book design is fun and very nicely done. It is an enjoyable read for any HP knitting fan anxiously waiting for the release of the final book! Get ready for those midnight book-release parties, and start knitting yourself a house colors wardrobe with this wonderful book!

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Harry Putter and the Chamber of Cheesecakes Review

Harry Putter and the Chamber of Cheesecakes
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We bought this a while ago and we loved it. Knowing the original "Potter" stories made it even better. My two older daughters thought it was hilarious, and my youngest just started reading it as well. We only wish the series was longer!

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The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter (revised edition) Review

The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter (revised edition)
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I am an adult Harry Potter fan, and I found this to be an excellent guide to the historical events and figures behind the characters in the books. I learned about the real Nicolas Flamel, for instance, and about many mythological creatures similar to those in the Potter books. Surprisingly, it is a much better guide than the 500-plus page volume, "Beacham's Sourcebook...Exploring Harry Potter" by Elizabeth Schafer. Schafer's book seems at first glance to be a well-researched guide to the ideas and figures behind the series, but I found her analysis and conclusions to be somewhat forced. It strikes the reader as more of an adult reference book than "The Magical Worlds..." does--this one can definitely be enjoyed by young readers-- but Colbert's guide is much more grounded in fact, sticking to explaining who the historical figures were and what events are related to the Potter books. Each chapter is short, explaining one name, creature, or idea. This made it very easy to explore in short stretches, without having to start from the beginning. It doesn't pretend to offer a deep analysis of Rowling's motives or thought process, but does give us the background to further appreciate her work. Think of it as a quick course in mythology and history as related to the Harry Potter books. I find myself referring to it repeatedly, while Schafer's book sits on my shelf. A must-read for any Potter fan interested in learning more about his magical world!

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The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy: Hogwarts for Muggles (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series) Review

The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy: Hogwarts for Muggles (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series)
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I whipped through this interesting collection of essays in one day. Examining ancient and contemporary philosophy through the lens of pop culture is not a new idea, but it's one I happily snap up whenever I find it.
In any collection with many writers, there are going to be some essays that are a pleasure to read, that reference the theme well (in this case, of the written world of Harry Potter), and are coherent. There are a few of these better writers sprinkled about the book.
However, too many of the essays in this book are not thematically as on-target as I'd like. Some of the writers are densely wordy and stray a bit far away from Harry Potter and Hogwarts, instead pounding the pulpit of their particular philosophical agenda.
It's fair enough that not all philosophers are also good writers. And some readers may prefer more philosophical meat and less of the 'fun of looking at the Wizarding world' elements that I enjoy. So perhaps there is a balance in this book - something for the pop culture fans, and something for people looking more for a philosophy text.

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LEGO Harry Potter Building the Magical World Review

LEGO Harry Potter Building the Magical World
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My husband is a huge Lego fan, as well as a huge Harry Potter fan. He's been collecting the Lego Harry Potter sets since they came out in 2001. So, when I saw this book, I just had to get it for him.
PROS: The book may as well be called "Lego Harry Potter: A History." It details each individual Lego set (or, in cases such as the Knight Bus, which had two sets, details the sets together) up to the beginning of 2011 and provides interesting tidbits about the designs of the sets and the minifigures that came with them. It also highlights some of the more prolific minifigures, such as Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco. It's really interesting to see how much detail is put into each set, and to see how the designs have improved through the years (The original Ginny minifigure pales in comparison to the newest one, for example). There's a "Behind the Scenes" section in the back that gives a short overview on the team that creates the Legos and on how the sets are designed, and there's a section on the HP Lego Video Game as well. It also includes a timeline of the different Lego HP sets, and a visual listing of all the minifigures. And finally, the book comes with an exclusive Harry minifigure, which appears to be "Yule Ball Harry."
CONS: Because the minifigure is imbedded in the cover of the book, the cover itself is about as thick as the pages for the rest of the book, so it gives the appearance that the book is twice as long as it actually is. The book also doesn't detail the newest Lego Harry Potter sets that were just released (e.g., the Forbidden Forest, the newest Hogwarts Castle set), though it does mention that they're coming out soon at the end of the book and has a large, two-page spread that pictures the sets.
OVERALL: This is definitely a great resource for any Harry Potter Lego collector, and is well worth the $14 we paid for it.

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The magic of Harry Potter™ and the fun of the LEGO® world, now in one incredible book!
Since it was first introduced in 2001, LEGO® Harry Potter™ has been one of the LEGO Group's most popular themes.This incredible guide gives readers an up-close look at the bricks, constructions, and minifigures of the LEGO® Harry Potter™ universe - from Hogwarts Castle to Hagrid's hut. This all inclusive book wouldn't be complete without an exclusive LEGO® Harry Potter™ minifigure!Who will it be?

You won't want to miss out on the exclusive interviews with the LEGO® Harry Potter™ team, and special sections allowing you to see, first-hand, how the bricks and figures come to be the toys we love today! The book will also feature a timeline that shows the evolution of the LEGO® Harry Potter™ construction sets, video game and board game.

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick configuration and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2011 The LEGO Group. Produced by DK Publishing under license from the LEGO Group. ™©Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights ©JKR. (s11)


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Harry Potter Collector's Handbook Review

Harry Potter Collector's Handbook
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I had no idea there were so many Harry Potter collectibles. Really opened my eyes to what's out there. Hundreds of color photos make it easy to find and identify what you've got. And there's a lot of collector advice and tips. The values make it an excellent reference to take with you while shopping at garage sales. You never know when you might find a bargain for your collection, or your favorite Potter fan, or even for reselling on eBay. Two thumbs up.

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The Unofficial Harry Potter Party Book: From Monster Books to Potions Class: Crafts, Games, and Treats for the Ultimate Harry Potter Party Review

The Unofficial Harry Potter Party Book: From Monster Books to Potions Class: Crafts, Games, and Treats for the Ultimate Harry Potter Party
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Whether you are a squib, a muggle, or a well known wizard, the ideas in this Harry Potter Party book will be sure to turn your party from humdrum to heroic in a way that is purely magical. With tons of ideas for crafts, decorations, games, and goodies, kids of all ages will enjoy being transported to the world of Harry Potter.
I will admit it, I have read and loved all the Harry Potter books, and have seen all the movies but the most recent. If I were a kid, heck even as an adult, I think I would love to have a Harry Potter themed party, whether for a birthday or perhaps for a movie release. This book is chock full of fantastic ideas that fit nicely into any budget.
I first love the various crafts that can either be used to make decorations or as activities at the party. Each has a rating of difficulty, as well as a price estimate, so you can pick and choose what works best with your budget and party age group. The activities range from simple to complex, again depending on your preference. A big trend with child birthday parties is to have crafts or activities related to the theme, so I think a lot of parents will find these ideas helpful, and the kids will love them as well.
My absolute, hands down, favorite part of the book is the section of recipes for snacks and drinks. Again, the creativity and variety are simply fantastic.
In short, this book is extremely helpful for anyone planning a Harry Potter themed party of any sort. Parents will find the ideas helpful and easy to execute. One does not need to be magical to pull off a great party, all thanks to this book!I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

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One part Harry Potter Cookbook, one part Harry Potter Craft Book, and one part Harry Potter Game Book, The Unofficial Harry Potter Party Book is ALL awesome.Whether you're planning a Harry Potter birthday party for children or a Harry Potter movie marathon for adults, this is the party book to use! The book is filled with crafts, games, and recipes that are simple, affordable, and amazingly creative. From the clever decorations and take-home gifts, to classes, games, and a Hogwarts-worthy feast, no detail is forgotten. Your party guests will marvel at every magical moment of their journey into the world of witchcraft and wizardry.From Sorting Hats to Mandrakes to Remembralls to Extendable Ears to Crystal Balls to Platform Signs and tons more, you won't even need to buy any Harry Potter party supplies for your next birthday bash, because you can make them all on the cheap.Ever tried Pygmy Puff Pastries or sweet Dragon Eggs? Would you like to make some yummy marshmallow and chocolate mice for your owls? The Unofficial Harry Potter Party Book is packed with recipes for tasty wizarding treats that your muggle and wizardguests will inhale.Accio The Unofficial Harry Potter Party Book!

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