Story in Review: Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K Rowling is a book you should probably read sometime between now and November. Maybe even a few times, really. As if anyone expected less of the Queen of Fantasy, the short volume is filled with just the sort of turn of phrase that Rowling has become famous for. She masterfully writes the most ridiculous sentences in so matter-a-fact of tone that you cannot help but take notice – just as throughout the entire Harry Potter series.

Interspersed throughout the book are scribblings from Harry and Ron (and even Hermione!), “correcting” the information found within. There are small sketches of the various creatures, ever as comical as the first imaginings of them were in the original books.

Favorite Quotes:

“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure Muggle purchasers that the amusing creatures described hereafter are fictional and cannot hurt you.” – p. iix

“As we see, the mere possession of two legs was no guarantee that a magical creature could or would take an interest in the affairs of wizard government.” – p. xi

“The International Confederation of Wizards has had to fine certain nations repeatedly for contravening Clase 73. Tibet and Scotland are two of the most persistent offenders… the world’s largest kelpie continues to evade capture in Loch Ness and appears to have developed a positive thirst for publicity.” – p. xvii

“Muggles were once fully aware of the existence of the Diricawl, though they knew it by the name “dodo.” Unaware that the bird could vanish at will, Muggles now believe they have hunted the species to existence.” – p. 9

“The  Hippocampus has the head and forequarters of a horse, and the tail and hindquarters of a giant fish… [it] lays large, semi-transparent eggs through which the Tadfoal may be seen.” – p. 21

“…an overdose may cause unsightly pure ear hair.” – p. 30

Have you read Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K Rowling? If so, will you be going to see the film when it release in November?