If you’ve been collecting the stunning recent Illustrated Editions of the Harry Potter books, you’ve got a spooky season treat coming up very soon. On 6 October, Harry’s journey continues with a magically evocative edition of Half-Blood Prince illustrated by prolific artist Levi Pinfold. Levi has taken over the mantle from Jim Kay to illustrate the last two books in the series, and from everything we’ve seen so far, he’s capturing the dark depths of Harry’s final chapters perfectly. Just feast your eyes on this cover…
From the sinister sisterly moment at Spinner’s End, to Katie Bell’s cursed Hogsmeade trip, a troubled Harry and, of course, that infamous cave scene, we’ve already had a sneak peek at some of Levi’s hauntingly atmospheric illustrations for Half-Blood Prince here.
We could stare at the artwork for hours… But there will be plenty of time for that when the book is released! In the meantime, let’s hear from the artist himself. From drawing on childhood memories for iconic locations, to his penchant for the Pensieve, here’s a glimpse into the mind of Half-Blood Prince illustrator Levi Pinfold. Starting with the question we ask everyone on meeting them…
Which Hogwarts house do you most identify with?
I think I’m a Huffle-Gryff-Slyther-Clawrian! If I had to choose one, it would probably be Hufflepuff though. I love animals… and I think Hufflepuffs have amazing qualities: I aspire to be more like them.
Which scene was your favourite to illustrate?
I really enjoyed the Pensieve scenes. I just loved the whole ‘book within a book’ concept, that whole narrative of Ogden going to see the Gaunts in the Gaunts’ house. That was super exciting to me. It was one of the most evocative scenes in the book for me personally. I think it’s got all those elements that I grew up reading in Gothic literature, all the crumbling estates and the character’s mental state echoing that. I just absolutely loved it: I had such a blast doing it.
I also really enjoyed Spinner’s End as it was inspired by an old mill across the canal from the engineering firm my dad used to work at.
Do you have a favourite character to illustrate?
It’s Dumbledore for me. All the complexities of his character, trying to get his attitude correctly… I just really love depicting him. I think he’s such an amazing character.
What is your favourite Harry Potter book and why?
Well, my favorite prior to now has always been Prisoner of Azkaban, because that was when I really started engaging with the series. But now I’d have to say Deathly Hallows. I’ve emotionally connected with it, and being able to draw the Forest of Dean where I grew up is special. My earliest memories are there so I feel personally connected. It’s also just so masterfully tied up at the end. It just moves at a breakneck pace, and it’s such a page turner.
What were some of your favourite children’s books growing up?
The first book I ever read for myself was The Three Billy-goats Gruff. It was a Ladybird book illustrated by Robert Lumley, with knockout illustrations. I bought it for my kids recently and it’s going down the generations in this household. When I got a bit older, I was into The Iron Man by Ted Hughes, and we had all the Terry Pratchett books. But the number one spot probably has to go to The Hobbit… maybe The Sword in the Stone too…
The Illustrated Edition of the sixth book in J.K. Rowling’s worldwide bestselling series will publish globally on 6 October 2026 and can be pre-ordered here. It will be releasing simultaneously with Scholastic, if you are in the US, you can pre-order here.
The answers to this Q&A have been edited for length and clarity.
