New Harry Potter book causes stir on P.E.I.

About 120 Harry Potter fans of all ages on Prince Edward Island stood in line to be the first to get their hands on a new Potter publication at midnight Sunday.

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play based on a story by J.K. Rowling and the first book in the series in almost a decade. The script was released at midnight on July 31 — the birthday of fictional character Harry Potter.

"It was the first time we did something like this, so we weren't sure what to expect," said Summerside Coles manager Michelle Newton.

"It was so exciting."

People were already lined up before the store's doors opened at 10 p.m., she said. At 12:01, employees wheeled the books out and opened up the packages at the cash register. 

Indigo in Charlottetown also had a big crowd, and The Bookmark in Charlottetown also opened up at midnight, selling about a dozen copies. Staff notes the book has been selling steadily since.

Potter party 

On Tuesday, there was a Harry Potter party at the Rotary Library in Montague enjoyed by 17 members of the Montague Boys and Girls Club.

"We did some wand-making with the kids so they made their own wands and we had an awesome photo booth," said Kaela MacLaren, a summer student at the library who helped organize the event.

"We did pin-the-scar on Harry Potter, and then we did some giant activity sheets. So we did Harry Potter word searches and a really awesome maze. It was a lot of fun."

There will be more magical festivities Wednesday at the Confederation Centre Children's Library in Charlottetown.

Story is actually a play

Newton admits some readers were surprised at the new book's format — they didn't realize it was a play by British playwright and Potter enthusiast Jack Thorne based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling.  

As soon as she got home, Newton said her 18-year-old daughter took the book and went upstairs to read it. Newton said she hopes to get to read the book soon.

"I think it's great," added MacLaren. "She was one of my favourite authors growing up and for her to continue this story — now more young people are starting to read it."

The stage play officially had its world premiere in London's West End Saturday, but preview audiences before that gave it glowing reviews. 

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