We’re 9 days down with 12 more to go, and the best thing we can do during this coronavirus lockdown is to catch up on our reading. But with so many options, where does one even start?
J.K. Rowling has given us the answer by announcing that the ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ e-book is available for free in the month of April along with an audiobook voiced by actor Stephen Fry.
According to The Economic Times, she has also launched an online hub where Potterheads can watch magical craft videos, solve quizzes and puzzles. The site named ‘Harry Potter At Home’ promises to bring Hogwarts (and a bit of magic) to us.
Parents, teachers and carers working to keep children amused and interested while we’re on lockdown might need a bit of magic, so I’m delighted to launch https://t.co/cPg0dZpexB pic.twitter.com/i0ZjTplVoU
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 1, 2020
NDTV quoted Neil Blair (Founder of the author’s agency, The Blair Partnership) saying,
“The Harry Potter books have always been a refuge, comfort and escape for readers, and right now, we need reading for pleasure more than ever. Many households will already have a Harry Potter book at home, but I’m delighted that we can now provide free online access to the audio and ebook of the first book in the series, through Audible and libraries, for all to enjoy, as well as a fantastic new digital hub for families with younger children to help them through these difficult times.”
Potterheads old and new (across all age groups) were overjoyed at the news.
This is DEFINITELY going to be a source of entertainment for me as well. I'm neither a parent, teacher or caregiver 😅😂
Thank you for releasing this, you're helping a lot of people. Off to draw a Niffler now ❤
— Maddy Eisenberg (@maddyeisenberg) April 1, 2020
Hope this is for adults too, I looooooove Harry Potter 🧙♀️🧙♂️ pic.twitter.com/5Vtc7SorZm
— Hollie Brooks (@tweedy17) April 1, 2020
All I can say is thank you! I have a 6 year old and her big brother just finished reading her the first book. Your books are making this "stuck at home" thing magical. So excited to show the kids this new website.
— Amy Graff (@bayareamoms) April 1, 2020
Omg I love this!!
— Lisa Alfaro (@lochoa_lisa) April 1, 2020
This is lovely! Need a bit of magic on our home! We are watching Harry Potter tonight with blankets and popcorn!
— Potter Poppet (@PoppetPotter) April 1, 2020
As Dumbledore rightly said, “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.”