Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling is among those nominated at the Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children’s Books. Included in the “Younger readers — 8-12 years” category, these awards are presented to “recognise excellence in Scottish writing and illustration for children.” According to the newly launched City of Literature website, “almost …read more!

Issue Ten of Scribbulus, a collection of essays written by the readers of The Leaky Cauldron, is now online. Featured this month are 12 new essays all based around Science in the world of Harry Potter. Included are the following: “It’s Magic!” by SeverineSnape “Harry Potter and the Literacy Phenomenon” by Tanaqui “Voldemort’s Plan to …read more!

Actress Helena Bonham Carter appeared this morning on the BBC Breakfast program where she discussed her role as Bellatrix Lestrange in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. She said that production on the movie is still ongoing as she would be “in Azkaban” later today to film more scenes. Ms. Bonham …read more!

UK newspaper The Metro has a new “60 Seconds” interview with actor David Thewlis, who does mention his return appearance as Remus Lupin in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. In this article, he discusses his acting career, and says that filming for the fifth Potter movie is almost over. David …read more!

In honor of “Bonfire Night” (November 5), we have a brand new contest for you! Here are the details: Fred and George have been so busy making anti-Voldemort devices they completely forgot to make the fireworks for this years Bonfire Night celebration. The wizarding community is determined to show You-Know-Who they’re not cowed by his …read more!

Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort) and Michael Gambon (Dumbledore) will headline the Sydney Festival in January 2007. As part of a collaboration with Ireland’s Gate Theatre, the acclaimed actors will take the stage in honor of Samuel Beckett’s centennary. Mr. Fiennes will perform a monologue dramatizing Beckett’s post-war novella “First Love,” and Mr. Gambon will reprise …read more!

We have told you in the past about rumors of directors being considered for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. There is a new one today, from Dark Horizons (via Access Hollywood): American Michael Hoffman, director of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Restoration” and “Soapdish.” The article says that “An official announcement is expected on the …read more!

Actress Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) will be switching on the Christmas lights display on the Marylebone HIgh Street at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 16. The festivities will begin at 4:00 p.m. with jugglers, musicians, Father Christmas and “food and shopping delights.” The illumination of the Christmas lights will be followed by a fireworks display. …read more!

As often reported here, in February Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley) will star in Equus in London’s West End. The Tony Award-winning play, written by Peter Shaffer, is a dark, spiraling psychodrama in which a young boy (played by Dan) undergoes therapy after blinding six stable horses. Leaky readers have been …read more!

There’s been another update at JKRowling.com. We have a new wizard of the month, Lorcan d’Eath, who is VERY appropriate for the Halloween season! 😉