Tomes of Spellcasting--Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them, by Newt Scamander"

Tomes of Spellcasting

Welcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them
Author: Newt Scamander
Publisher: Scholastic Books
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 2001

In his four years at Hogwarts, Harry Potter has had his run-ins with a fair number of unusual and fantastic beasts, from dragons, centaurs, trolls, a three-headed dog, and unicorns during his first year to dragons, grindylows, merfolk, boggarts, Blast-Ended Skrewts, and giant spiders during his fourth year. But have you ever wondered what other beasts are out there waiting to be encountered by Harry and his friends, and you? Now, through a special arrangement between Albus Dumbledore and Comic Relief, U.K., you can own a faithful reproduction of Harry's copy of his textbook, complete with his comments and insertions. Now you, too, can learn all the differences between the different dragons that Hagrid is so fond of, and more about the creatures Harry's encountered.

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them is an invaluable assist in reading the Harry Potter books. Certainly it comes out after we've more or less seen Harry through some of his most trying adventures, but now we have a better glimpse into the world Harry lives in, with all its strange and magical perils.

Beyond the fact that this book further rounds out the world established in the series, it also serves a good and noble purpose. According to both Dumbledore's foreword and the author's afterword, proceeds from the sale of this book go to Comic Relief U.K., which raises money for a number of different causes and charities. Just that reason alone might be enough to buy the book for some people. But for others, perhaps you'd like to find out what Newt Scamander has to say about werewolves and gnomes. Or maybe you were wondering why centaurs and merpeople appear in this book when they're more humane than beastly. Well, you'll just have to buy the book to find out.

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them may be small and thin--especially when compared to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire--but in its pages it manages to provide information and amusement to readers. So whether you're buying it because it ties in with the Harry Potter books, or because it's for a good cause, just enjoy it!

Rating: Thumbs up! Now you have the inside scoop on gnomes, dragons, centaurs, and more!

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