The New York Times reports that a Book Industry Study Group report, being released today, found that 2005 book sales were up by 5.9% at $34.6 billion (USD). The “strongest growth niches” were juvenile books, religious books and elementary and high school textbooks. “[T]he children’s book segment was driven largely by the publication last year …read more!

PotterCast.com, the Web site for our podcast, has gotten, once again, a huge facelift. Go poke around and have fun, but first here’s the rundown of what you can find in this new version: Flash player: Listen to PotterCast right on the site, with a customized streaming audio Flash player that is small enough to …read more!

Nervous about your next W.O.M.B.A.T. test? Do standardized wizarding exams make your palms sweat? The idea of the looming Grade 2 W.O.M.B.A.T. sending you into hysterics? Never fear; the LeakyLounge, with the Chamber of Chat and the Corner Booth, have joined together to form a W.O.M.B.A.T. review course, where students can study for their next …read more!

The Tony Award nominations were announced today, and once more, Harry Potter cast members have received nods. Here they are: Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play: Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort), for Faith Healer Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley) for The History Boys Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play: Frances de la …read more!

It is Broadway Awards season, folks, and Harry Potter cast members are raking them in. We have already reported Drama League Nominations and Drama Desk Nominations. Today, the 55th Annual Outer Critics’ Circle Awards were announced, and Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley) and Frances de la Tour (Madame Maxime) were honored as Outstanding Featured Actor in …read more!

PotterCast #39, Horcri hears a Jo, in which John pays the piper for his famous misnomer, is live: In this show: -Jo has put the smackdown on John’s “Horcri,” validating Melissa and Sue’s last half-year of shouts of disapproval. And now John’s having big trouble. -Who else has made a horcrux? We discuss it in …read more!

In an online poll of over 23,000 Australian children, the Harry Potter books were voted “favorite read” (for the purposes of the poll, the series was counted as a single book). The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis came in at second place, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl …read more!

Surprise! The LeakyMuggers have returned, with a big announcement about the week of Jo Rowlng’s visit to New York. We’re celebrating with another live podcast – it’s four days after our Vegas live podcast but there was no way we could let this momentous event go by without some celebrating with you all, not when …read more!

CBS News has posted a review of Alan Rickman’s new film “Snowcake,” as well as a clip of an interview with Mr. Rickman and director Marc Evans (yes, really!) from the TriBeCa Film Festival. There is no mention of the Potter films, but Mr. Rickman does discuss acting, autism and “Snowcake.” Enjoy!

The Japanese translation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is ready to hit bookstore shelves on May 17. Translator Yuko Matsuoka, dressed in witches’ robes, ceremoniously packed the first box of books for shipment at Amazon’s Ichikawa distribution center. The book is being sold as a two-volume set for the price of 3,960 Japanese …read more!