Boy Wizard

A few months before Christmas I ordered Henry his first present, the fully illustrated edition of Harry Potter. You might remember I shared a picture of it when it came it because, well, because I instantly fell in love with this thing.

But, I guess that's not really a big surprise. I love everything to do with Harry Potter. EVERYTHING. So as you can imagine, I was a little anxious to introduce the stories to Henry. I had decided years ago to hold off showing him any of the movies or telling him any real details of the story until we could read the books together. I know he will likely hear spoilers over time, but I just wanted to experience that first walk into the magical world with him, through the first book.  I wasn't sure he was ready, but thought with the illustrated pictures to go along with the story he might get hooked. Plus, I just couldn't wait any longer.  But deep down, I sorta worried he wouldn't find the magic quite as...well... magical has his Mama.

We are now over half way through the Sorcerer's Stone, and apparently I had nothing to worry about.  He talks about the book constantly.  When we are reading, he will regularly have me pause so he can get up and act out what happened. I told him to hold on so we could keep reading and he said "but I love it so much, I just need to get it out!" as he pretends to be playing Quidditch, nearly being shaken from his broom, then catching the snitch in his mouth.

When we get to the end of a chapter, he begs for more.  Half way through a section, he will ask me to go back and find a specific picture so he can visualize it all better in his head.

He is constantly making predictions of what he thinks will happen "Snape is DEFINITELY working with Voldemort!" he says, and I smile to myself. 

*****

"What book do we find out why Snape is so mean to Harry?" he asks, as we read about Snape again taking points from Gryffindor.

"I am not telling." I say, and smile again.

*****

And the love is moving beyond our evening reading time. He was playing Mario Maker the other day and I hear him say "Mama, do you want to come play me level? I named it Harry Potter. See, they are playing Quidditch! And there's Voldemort!

 *****
Laying in bed at night, he says "Mama, I really think I might be a wizard. I can feel it."

"You might be, sweetie.  They keep magic a secret from muggle families until the kids are 11. You might get your letter. We just have to wait and see."

"I am going to get it. I just know it."

 And all I can think is, I really hope so.

****

 My plan was to wait to read book two until the illustrated version is released.  Now, I am not sure we can wait that long. After we finish book one we will watch the movie, then I figured we could work our way through Pottermore... maybe listen to the first audio book. I am not sure how far I can stretch book one before I have to read him book two.  Maybe not for him as much, but for me. Because watching the magic come alive in his eyes is just everything I always hoped it would be. And I am not sure I can wait a year to see it again.