Want to learn more about the Wizarding World? Are you a die-hard Potterhead? Then, what are you waiting for? There is more to the world of Harry Potter than the seven well-known books written by J. K. Rowling, there is a wealth of Harry Potter companion volumes that can help you better understand the lore, magic, and inventiveness of this magical world. These Companion Books, which range from captivating guides to behind-the-scenes books, are essential reading for enthusiasts of all ages. Join us as we explore all the must-read Harry Potter companion books that will instantly take you to Hogwarts and beyond!
After reading all of our recommendations, consider checking out our top 7 books similar to Harry Potter!
Table of Contents
1. Essential Harry Potter Companion Books Every Fan Should Own
Starting, with the absolutely essential Harry Potter companion books, that must have in your collection. Check out the three books below, so you can better immerse yourself in the lore of the Wizarding World. Each one provides a different window into the history, magic, and origins that contribute to the series’ enduring appeal. These companion books are necessary for your library, regardless of how long you’ve been a fan or how new you are to reading!
1.1. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
If you became a fan of all things magical creatures after watching the movies or reading books, consider picking up this creative companion book. The Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which was written by British author J. K. Rowling under the pen name Newt Scamander.
This fantastical book (no pun intended!) includes detailed descriptions of magical creatures like Nifflers, Bowtruckles, and Thunderbirds. For each creature, you’ll find classifications that range from harmless to highly dangerous, along with vivid descriptions of their habitats, behaviors, and magical abilities.
However, what makes this book truly magical is the good number of supposedly handwritten notes by Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger that recount their encounters with some of the creatures mentioned and provide inside jokes about the original series.
Whether you’re a fan of the original series or the Fantastic Beasts film franchise, this companion book is an exciting expansion of the Wizarding World.
1.2. Quidditch Through the Ages
If you are an absolute fan of Quidditch and ever wondered about the origins of the wizarding world’s favorite sport, Quidditch Through the Ages has all the information you need to understand the history of this amazing sport.
Learn about the historical broomstick games that served as the model for Quidditch and the evolution of the game’s regulations and gear. Along with an analysis of well-known techniques like the Wronski Feint, the book also includes profiles of legendary teams like the Holyhead Harpies and the Chudley Cannons.
This Harry Potter companion book is a must-have for any Potterhead (even a Chudley Canon fan!) who aspires to play Quidditch or cheer for his favorite team from the stands.
1.3. The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Have you ever wanted to read the famous Tales of the Three Brothers? If so, consider picking up the well-known collection of wizarding fairytales, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, which is a wonderful gem in the Harry Potter world and a book that exists in every wizarding home.
This amazing Harry Potter companion book includes five magical tales full of moral, courageous, and sly lessons, they are as ageless as they are enjoyable.
What truly sets this companion book apart is the commentary provided by Albus Dumbledore, who offers historical and philosophical insights into each tale. His annotations offer a greater understanding of the relevance of these stories and show how they have influenced wizarding society. Both young and old will enjoy The Tales of Beedle the Bard‘s exquisite illustrations and enchanted allure. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to uncover the folklore that helped shape the Wizarding World and its movies.
Tip: There’s also available a special collection that features all three illustrated books in one unique illustrated cloth-covered edition is also available!
2. Behind-the-Scenes Harry Potter Companion Books for the Ultimate Harry Potter Experience
Understanding the work, imagination, and love that went into creating the Wizarding World is as magical to Harry Potter fans as the books themselves. Readers can get a unique glimpse into the artwork, filmmaking technique, and historical themes that influenced the cherished series through behind-the-scenes companion volumes. Let’s look at a few of the Harry Potter behind-the-scenes books that every fan should read.
2.1. Harry Potter: Page to Screen
Explore the ultimate guide that walks you through the amazing process of turning J.K. Rowling’s fantastical world into a movie. For the enthusiasts who wish to learn everything there is to know about the filmmaking process, this book is a veritable gold mine of revelations, insights, and secrets.
This amazing book offers an exclusive insight into how the world of Harry Potter was brought to life on the big screen. From the elaborate layouts of Hogwarts’ great halls to the magical realism of Diagon Alley, fans will learn all the difficulties of producing some scenes, such as the underwater scenes in the Triwizard Tournament and the high-flying Quidditch matches.
However, what truly distinguishes it from the rest is the in-depth interviews with important cast and crew members that make a presence in this companion book. Among them, Rupert Grint recounts his favorite sequences to shoot, Emma Watson considers Hermione’s character development, and Daniel Radcliffe shares tales of his childhood on set. You are given a comprehensive view of the filmmaking process by the directors, producers, costume designers, and other crew members who also share insights into their creative processes.
Whether you’re curious about the sets, costumes, or the heartfelt stories behind the scenes, Harry Potter: Page to Screen is a magical must-read.
2.2. The Art of Harry Potter
For those of you captivated more by the visual beauty of the Wizarding World, The Art of Harry Potter is a must-read for you. This book features a stunning collection of concept art, sketches, and illustrations, while also providing an intimate glimpse into the minds behind the famous art.
The stunning artwork that adorns each page of this book demonstrates the level of detail that went into the Harry Potter movies. This companion book includes character designs for well-known characters like Dobby and Hagrid, along with early drawings of Hogwarts Castle and intricate schematics of magical settings like Hogsmeade and the Ministry of Magic. Concept art shows how artists imagined fantastical beings like dragons, hippogriffs, and thestrals before they were depicted on screen. The book also emphasizes how the Wizarding World’s enchanted yet perilous atmosphere is created through the use of lighting, color schemes, and set dressing.
The Art of Harry Potter is the perfect companion book for fans who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind the scenes.
2.3. Harry Potter: A History of Magic
Harry Potter: A History of Magic, which was co-published with the British Library, examines the real-world origins of the magic found in the Harry Potter books. It enhances your knowledge of the Wizarding World with its intriguing blend of myth, history, and imagination.
This book reveals how J.K. Rowling created the magical aspects of her books by drawing inspiration from legendary tales, historical documents, and antiquated customs. For instance, the science of alchemy served as the inspiration for important story aspects like the Philosopher’s Stone, while the origins of magical creatures like phoenixes and basilisks may be found in world folklore. This book also examines the real-world counterparts of Hogwarts courses like astronomy and herbology.
Highlights from the British Library’s celebrated exhibition on the history of magic are also included in the book, such as the magical items, old potion formulas, and medieval manuscripts that served as inspiration for Rowling’s stories. The book also includes some of Rowling’s early draft sketches and notes which offer a unique window into her creative process, illustrating how her concepts developed into the beloved novels we know today.
Fans of mythology and those who wish to relate Harry Potter’s magic to the real world will find Harry Potter: A History of Magic to be the perfect Harry Potter companion book.
3. The Best Harry Potter Companion Books for Trivia Lovers
On the other hand, if you are more interested in the trivia behind the fascinating realm of Harry Potter, check out the three books that we believe should be on your tbr list. These books are ideal for fans who are insatiably curious about every aspect of the Wizarding World, whether they wish to test their knowledge, unearth obscure information, or lose themselves in the magic behind the scenes. Let’s explore some of this category’s must-read books.
3.1. Harry Potter Film Wizardry
Fans who enjoy the Wizarding World’s tactile experience will enjoy Harry Potter Film Wizardry. The book includes replicas of the Marauder’s Map, Yule Ball invites, Hogwarts acceptance letters, and even one-of-a-kind movie item facsimiles which allow readers to experience and collect items from their favorite scenes firsthand. You will be able to explore the Wizarding World like never before thanks to these tangible mementos, which turn the book into an interactive experience.
This companion book also provides a behind-the-scenes look into the filmmaking process, including the creation of sets, costumes, and special effects. Discover how the Great Hall’s magical food was prepared for scenes, how the flying broomsticks were filmed, and how a combination of computer-generated imagery and real-world effects brought characters like Dobby and Buckbeak to life.
To make this great book even greater, Harry Potter Film Wizardry, includes interviews with directors, actors, and important crew members, providing unique insights into the artistic choices that influenced the films. You will be able to learn how Alan Rickman approached his part as Snape, how Daniel Radcliffe prepared for poignant passages, and what it was like for Emma Watson to juggle fame and education. Readers gain a fresh understanding of the commitment and love that went into the franchise from these behind-the-scenes tales.
3.2. The Ultimate Harry Potter Spellbook
If you’re more into the spells and charms that add magic to the Wizarding World (literally!) and want to know more about them, this is the book for you!
The Ultimate Harry Potter Spellbook features a comprehensive collection of spells, ranging from well-known charms like “Expelliarmus” to esoteric incantations like “Defodio.” It is an invaluable resource for aspiring wizards, as each page contains the spell’s proper pronunciation, meaning, and practical impact.
This book dives into the origins of key spells, tracing their roots in Latin, mythology, or J.K. Rowling’s imagination. The useful applications of spells in the Wizarding World are also covered in the book, such as how “Protego” protects against dangerous magic or how “Alohomora” helps open doors.
Beyond the spell definitions, the Ultimate Harry Potter Spellbook also highlights fun applications for fans. It’s perfect for creating themed trivia nights, designing spell-related crafts, or even inventing your magical scenarios. This Harry Potter companion book also points out Easter eggs, such as subtle connections between certain spells and their usage in key moments throughout the series.
3.3. Harry Potter: The Character Vault
Pick up Harry Potter: The Character Vault to be able to explore the lives of your favorite characters, including Draco, Snape, Dumbledore, Ron, Hermione, and Harry. Each character’s journey, personality, and significant events are covered in detail in this book’s in-depth profiles. Intriguing tidbits are also included, such as why specific lines were cut or improvised in the movies and how characters changed in the novels versus the movies.
The Character Vault Harry Potter companion book also examines the elaborate costume designs, the sources of inspiration, and the painstaking work required to create each character’s appearance, from Snape’s recognizable black robes to Hermione’s Yule Ball attire, and every little detail in the Harry Potter movies. The book also includes information on how the producers chose Harry’s famous lightning bolt scar and how the actor Ralph Fiennes was transformed into Voldemort by the cosmetics artists.
So, Why Do You Need to Read These Harry Potter Companion Books
These Harry Potter companion books are more than just additional reading; they’re a portal to a richer, deeper understanding of the Wizarding World as a whole. Whether or not you’ve read the books a million times or only watched the movies, these books provide all the fresh insights, and exciting trivia, into the many sides and origins of the Wizarding World that every one of you will enjoy (I guarantee it!)
So, if you are all about the easter eggs and the behind-the-scenes magic, and want to know how certain iconic scenes were brought to life, Harry Potter: Page to Screen, Harry Potter: Film Wizardry, The Art of Harry Potter and Harry Potter: The Character Vault are the books for you. However, if you want to learn more about the lore and the history and context that shaped the stories, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages, and Tales of the Beedle the Bard, should be in your collection.
On the other hand, if learning about the spells and charms that play a crucial role in the books and movies is something you enjoy, consider checking out The Ultimate Harry Potter Spellbook. But, if you also want to know more about the real-life origins behind the magic found in the Harry Potter books then Harry Potter: A History of Magic is the book for you.
This amazing collection of Harry Potter companion books is more than just books, they are a way to thoroughly explore one of the most beloved fictional universes of all time, that shaped and continue to influence entire generations. Whether you’re marveling at concept art, discovering new spells, or learning the backstory of your favorite magical creatures, each book is a testament to the enduring charm and depth of the Wizarding World. So, take out your wand and check out these amazing books that you simply must read right now. Keep the magic going!
