In order to benefit starving children around the world, J.K. Rowling put out this two book set in a nice purple cardboard slipcase based on Hogwarts textbooks, twenty percent of the retail sales minus taxes going to that charity. They are meant to be as supplementary back stories to the Harry Potter mythos, and as it is sponsored by Comic Relief, there is some funny material in both books. Both books have material that correspond to the first four books.
The first is Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them by Newt Scamander, which is one of the books all first year students needed. It's basically a small encyclopedia on those beasts, with M.O.M. (Ministry of Magic) classifications going from X (boring) to XXXXX (known wizard killer/impossible to train or domesticate), or, as a scribble next to it reads, "or anything Hagrid likes." And what is a beast defined as? The scribble in there reads "big hairy thing with too many legs."
The scribbles in the book are what also enhance this book. The book has a label "property of Harry Potter" on it, but we discover that Ron Weasley has been borrowing his book because he's spending his money on dung bombs instead of a new book. For example, on the entry on Acromantula, giant eight-eyed spiders, there is a XXXXX rating, but several more X's have been scribbled, presumably by Mr. Weasley (q.v. Chamber of Secrets). There's a funny comment under Pixies (q.v. Chamber of Secrets).
The entry in the Chimaera mentions a wizard who fell off his winged horse and died after slaying one. This is clearly a reference to Greek mythology's Bellorophon, who fell off Pegasus after being stung by a wasp.
The second is Quidditch Through The Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp, with a seal reading "Property of Hogwarts Library" which reads like a history book and goes first from the development of the broomstick as a form of transport to its use in sports. This takes the reader to brief descriptions of early broomstick games, and then to a certain game played at Queerditch Marsh in the 11th century. The evolution of the game is detailed, but the most fascinating part is the origins of the Golden Snitch, which itself has a sad but ultimately humane ending. However, I consider it a good move to have the blooders made of stone to Bludgers made out of iron. Both would still be very painful if one was smacked in the gourd by one.
Other bits include major Quidditch teams, slang terms, broomstick models, and Quidditch moves (such as the Wronski feint, which Harry does in the first movie in order to reach the Snitch).
However, the book has duplicated wear and tear, plus a list of pupils who've checked this book out, include Oliver Wood, Angelina Johnson, Millicent Bulstrode, and the last two names, who are more than well known--a certain Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. Those who are into HP will recognize the names I've listed.
While made for the main target market for Harry Potter, adults who read the book will get a laugh out of the scribbles in the red Beasts book and an insight into the creative historical-minded side of J.K. Rowling, oops, I mean Kennilworthy Whisp. The books demonstrate an advanced knowledge in mythology, medieval history, and sports (love those Quidditch team names). Oh, and yes, as Ron Weasley says, dungbombs rule, especially if they're thrown at Draco Malfoy or Professor Snape, yes?
