Of course, you know there aren’t any new Harry Potter books out this fall, but last week in Yak’s Corner, you read about

artist Kazu Kibuishi and the new Harry Potter book covers he created to celebrate the 15th anniversary of J.K. Rowling’s magical seven-book series.

But J.K. is picking up her magic pen and returning to the world of wizards. According to a recent press release from Warner Bros. Entertainment, the company behind the Harry Potter movies, the author will be creating a new series of films based on the Hogwarts textbook, “Fantastic Beast & Where to Find Them,” and the its author, Newt Scamander.

The press announcement, made by Kevin Tsujihara, Chief Executive Officer at Warner Bros. Entertainment, said “‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ will be an original story and will mark Rowling’s screenwriting debut. It is planned as the first picture in a new film series. Set in the wizarding world, the story will feature magical creatures and characters, some of which will be familiar to devoted Harry Potter fans.”

So how did this come about? J.K. shared this in the press statement: “It all started when Warner Bros. came to me with the suggestion of turning ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ into a film. I thought it was a fun idea, but the idea of seeing Newt Scamander, the supposed author of ‘Fantastic Beasts,’ realized by another writer was difficult. Having lived for so long in my fictional universe, I feel very protective of it and I already knew a lot about Newt. As hard-core Harry Potter fans will know, I liked him so much that I even married his grandson, Rolf, to one of my favorite characters from the Harry

Potter series, Luna Lovegood.” Rowling continued, “As I considered Warners’

proposal, an idea took shape that I couldn’t dislodge. That is how I ended up pitching my own idea for a film to Warner Bros.”

Rowling added, “(it) is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world. The laws and customs of the hidden magical society will be familiar to anyone who has read the Harry Potter books or seen the films, but Newt’s story will start in New York, seventy years before Harry’s gets underway.”

The Yak can’t wait to see these new stories on the big screen.

By Janis Campbell

yak ChatThe Yak wishes October

could be two months long – so much to do!

This weekend, he’s cheering on friends in the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon, an international marathon because it crosses into Ontario, Canada on Sunday. There is even a 5K that all ages can enter and be part of the race excitement.

The Yak also has to make time for great fall reading. Check out some new books on Page 3 and learn what author J.K. Rowling is doing on Page 2.

There’s a world out there to explore, and the Yak catches up with campers who go global at the Howell Nature Center, Pages 4 and 5.

MICHIGAN K.I.D.S. | WWW.DNIE.COM2

Printed by: The Detroit Media Partnership Sterling Heights, Michigan, Fall 2013.

• Yakking About the News, Page 6.

• Your Page, Page 7.• My Kid Scoop, Page 8.

On the cover:

Also Inside:

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Look what the Yak saw – hometown fans showing spirit for the Tigers for Game 3 in the playoffs. Left, Jasmyn Campbell, 9, and Dominic Campbell, 10, of Clio, pose with Paws. We love our sports teams here in the D!

Photo by Marty Westman

More Wizardly Writing from J.K. Rowling

Photo courtesy of ScholasticAuthor J.K. Rowling’s first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” was published 15 years ago this fall.

Very Harry HighlightsIn honor of Harry Potter’s 15th anniversary, Scholastic, Harry’s U.S. publisher, shares these fast

and fantastic facts. The book that started it all — “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” — was published in September 1998.

• Every Harry Potter book has been a number 1 New York Times and USA Today bestseller.• Worldwide sales of Harry Potter exceed 450 million.• In the US alone, there are over 150 million Harry Potter books in print!• Harry Potter is published in 74 languages. Source: Scholastic