Bloomsbury Children’s Books has revealed that acclaimed artist and writer Levi Pinfold will take over as the illustrator for the beloved Harry Potter Illustrated Editions series. This change follows the contributions of Jim Kay, who illustrated the first five books before stepping back in October 2022.

Upcoming Releases

The next installment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is scheduled for worldwide publication in October 2026, coinciding with its release via Scholastic in the United States. Pinfold has been tasked with illustrating both the sixth and seventh volumes, marking the culmination of the Illustrated Editions collection.

Pinfold’s Artistic Vision

Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Pinfold remarked, “Being given the keys to Hogwarts and asked to explore feels exactly how it sounds… magical.” He conveyed a nostalgic connection to the series, stating, “These books are like old friends and I feel incredibly lucky to attempt to share what I see in them.” He further described Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as visually reminiscent of “watching a firework display on the coldest, darkest of nights,” emphasizing his desire to convey that sense of wonder and awe to readers of all ages.

Pinfold’s Background

Pinfold is no stranger to esteemed projects, having illustrated the Kate Greenaway Medal-winning picture book Black Dog and Hannah Gold’s The Last Bear series. He also contributed to the Harry Potter Hogwarts House Editions and The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac, bringing valuable experience to his new role.

Kay’s Endorsement

Jim Kay, the previous illustrator, shared his admiration for Pinfold’s work, stating, “When an art director first showed me Levi’s work many years back… I was blown away.” He expressed his gratitude for Pinfold’s involvement, noting, “It’s a huge comfort to know he is working on the Illustrated Editions… I’m really excited!”

Continuing the Legacy

Mandy Archer, head of Harry Potter Publishing, expressed enthusiasm for Pinfold’s upcoming illustrations, stating, “When Jim Kay first shared his extraordinary vision of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the Illustrated Editions series was ignited by a spark of pure magic.” She added that transitioning to Pinfold’s artistry offers fans a “brand-new window for us to gaze into Hogwarts and beyond.”