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The Harry Potter illustrated books transform J.K. Rowling’s magical world into visual experiences worth owning. Whether you want Jim Kay’s detailed artwork or MinaLima’s interactive designs, these editions make solid gifts for fans of all ages. For box sets and LEGO alongside them, sorted by age, see our Harry Potter gifts for kids guide.
Jim Kay’s Diagon Alley, where every shop window tells a story, shows why these editions are worth owning.
Jump to: Which Edition to Buy | MinaLima Editions | Jim Kay Editions | Hogwarts Library | House Editions | FAQ
How Many Harry Potter Illustrated Books Are There?
As of October 2026, there are six illustrated editions of the main series. Jim Kay painted the first five (Sorcerer’s Stone through Order of the Phoenix). Levi Pinfold took over for Half-Blood Prince, out October 6, 2026, and he’s also illustrating Deathly Hallows. On top of those there are three MinaLima interactive editions (Sorcerer’s Stone through Prisoner of Azkaban).
Which Edition to Buy
We have the illustrated editions on our shelf at home, and they’re also the starter set I give when a kid I know is just beginning Harry Potter. A boxed set of the first three is enough to find out whether a kid is hooked before anyone buys all seven. Jim Kay’s set suits a kid who will be read to, since his paintings fill whole spreads. MinaLima’s set is for a kid who wants to pull and unfold things, and who is careful with paper, because the fold-outs can tear.
There’s a new option for book one this fall. On November 3, 2026, Scholastic is putting out a TV tie-in paperback with photos from the HBO series on the cover. It’s also the first US edition titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the original UK name, because that’s what the show is called. The publishers say the story inside hasn’t changed. The series starts on HBO Max on December 25, 2026.
Here’s how I’d pick:
- A kid who wants to read it before the show: the TV tie-in paperback. It’s an inexpensive paperback, and the cover matches what they’ll see on screen. There are no illustrations inside, though.
- A kid you’ll read to at bedtime: Jim Kay’s illustrated edition. Start with book one and see if it sticks.
- A careful kid who likes things that move and unfold: the MinaLima edition.
- Someone who already owns the Jim Kay books: Levi Pinfold’s Half-Blood Prince, the newest one in the series. It’s a different artist, so flip through it before you buy if you’re expecting Kay’s paintings.
- A kid who wants all seven books right now: skip the illustrated editions and get a box set. Our Harry Potter gifts for kids guide compares them.
Harry Potter MinaLima Editions
MinaLima designed the graphic props for the Harry Potter films: the Daily Prophet, the Marauder’s Map, Hogwarts letters. Their illustrated editions bring that same design sense to the books, with interactive elements like fold-outs and pop-ups.
The studio’s other interactive titles, including the fairy-tale editions, are in the MinaLima deluxe gift editions guide.
The pages are colorful and tactile. My kids spend more time with the interactive pieces than actually reading, which is fine. It gets them engaged with the story. Three books are out so far, with more likely coming.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: MinaLima Edition
The first MinaLima edition includes Harry’s Hogwarts acceptance letter (pull it out of the envelope), a fold-out Diagon Alley, and other interactive pieces throughout. Full-color illustrations on nearly every page.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: MinaLima Edition
Features the Floo Network, the Whomping Willow, and the spiral staircase to Dumbledore’s office as interactive elements. The design work is consistent with the first book.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: MinaLima Edition
The Marauder’s Map as an actual fold-out is worth the price alone. Also includes the Daily Prophet and other interactive pieces. This is probably my favorite of the three because the story lends itself to the format.
The Magic of MinaLima
A behind-the-scenes book showing MinaLima’s design work across the Harry Potter films and Fantastic Beasts. Good for fans interested in the graphic design side of the Wizarding World.
Harry Potter Jim Kay Illustrated Editions
Jim Kay’s illustrated editions are the definitive visual versions of the series. Large format, detailed paintings on nearly every spread. These books are heavy and meant for display as much as reading.
Kay painted the first five books (through Order of the Phoenix), and Levi Pinfold picked up the series with Half-Blood Prince. If you’ve seen the movies first, Kay’s interpretations will remind you how Rowling originally described things, and sometimes his vision is better than what ended up on screen.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Illustrated Edition
The one that started it all. Kay’s Diagon Alley spread is worth studying. There’s so much detail packed into every corner. This edition set the standard for what followed.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Illustrated Edition
The Weasley’s Burrow and the Chamber itself get the full Kay treatment. His interpretation of Dobby is different from the films, closer to the book description.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Illustrated Edition
Kay’s Dementors are genuinely unsettling. The Knight Bus sequence is one of the best illustrated sections in the entire series.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Illustrated Edition
The Triwizard Tournament gives Kay plenty of material to work with (dragons, the maze, the graveyard). Worth the size and weight.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Illustrated Edition
Released in 2022. Features Tonks, Luna Lovegood, and the Department of Mysteries. Kay’s interpretation of the Order members is worth seeing.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Illustrated Edition
Released October 6, 2026, and the first one not painted by Jim Kay. Levi Pinfold took over (he also did the art for the House Editions). It’s the newest book in the series, so it’s the one to get if the first five are already on the shelf.
Hogwarts Library: The Illustrated Collection
Three companion books illustrated by different artists: Fantastic Beasts, Quidditch Through the Ages, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Sold as a box set or individually.
Good gift option if someone already has the main series illustrated editions.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Illustrated Edition
Quidditch Through the Ages: Illustrated Edition
The Tales of Beedle the Bard: Illustrated Edition
Harry Potter House Editions
20th anniversary editions with house-themed covers and interior illustrations by Levi Pinfold. Each book comes in four versions (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin) with house-specific artwork and bonus content about notable house members.
These are nice collectibles if you’re loyal to a particular house. Note: Slytherin editions tend to sell out faster than the others.
Gryffindor House Editions
Red and gold covers featuring the Gryffindor lion. Interior illustrations highlight notable Gryffindors and house-specific moments from each book.
Hufflepuff House Editions
Yellow and black covers with the Hufflepuff badger. Cedric Diggory gets more attention in these editions, especially in Goblet of Fire.
Ravenclaw House Editions
Blue and bronze covers featuring the Ravenclaw eagle. Luna Lovegood is highlighted in the later books.
Slytherin House Editions
Green and silver covers with the Slytherin serpent. These sell out regularly, so grab them when available.
Keeping Them on the Shelf
Big illustrated hardcovers lean on a half-full shelf, and these metal Seven20 Hogwarts castle bookends (the castle glows in the dark) keep them standing.
What’s Next?
More Harry Potter? Check our Harry Potter Merchandise Guide
Looking for lamps? See our Harry Potter Lamps
About These Recommendations
I’m George. I read to my kids for 10+ years before they started reading on their own. My wife’s a therapist who helped pick books that actually matter for development. Everything on this site got tested on our family first.
FAQ: Harry Potter Illustrated Books
No. The illustrated editions contain the complete, unabridged text. Jim Kay’s and MinaLima’s illustrations are added to the full story. Every word Rowling wrote is there.
Six illustrated editions of the main series (Books 1-5 by Jim Kay, Book 6 by Levi Pinfold), three MinaLima editions (Books 1-3), and the three-book Hogwarts Library collection. House editions are available for all seven books in four house variants each.
Jim Kay illustrated Books 1-5 of the illustrated series. MinaLima created interactive editions with pop-ups. Levi Pinfold illustrated the house editions, took over the illustrated series with Half-Blood Prince (October 2026), and is illustrating Deathly Hallows next. The Hogwarts Library books feature Emily Gravett, Olivia Lomenech Gill, and Lisbeth Zwerger.
For gifts and collectors, yes. The artwork transforms familiar scenes into something new. Jim Kay’s editions are detailed and atmospheric; MinaLima’s are interactive. They cost more and weigh more than standard editions, but the production quality is solid.
Ages 8+ for reading independently. Younger kids enjoy looking at the pictures with a parent. The content matches the original books, so later volumes have darker themes suited for older readers.
Yes. A TV tie-in paperback of book one comes out November 3, 2026, with photos from the HBO series on the cover. In the US it’s titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for the first time, to match the show. The text is the same story.