Natalie Smilie transports us into the magical world of J. K. Rowling's Pocket Potters.
We have a really exciting project which we couldn’t wait to share so get ready to hot foot your way down to platform 9 ¾ for a broomtastic adventure! Brilliant Arena illustrator Natalie Smillie has created some magical artwork for the new Pocket Potter titles, a series of bite sized, mini adventures inspired by the original best-selling Harry Potter stories. Must-have mini-guides to all of your favourite characters from the wizarding world. Whether you are just starting your magical reading journey or you already know your Sneakoscope from your Snitch, each of the Pocket Potters is perfect for sharing together or reading alone.
As a huge Potter fan Natalie couldn’t have been more delighted to take on this prestigious project and with her skill for character and world creation, she was the perfect match.
“I’ve been a Potterhead ever since I bought the first book for my sister one Christmas. Many years later, we still share that love for the Wizarding World as grown-ups. Illustrating this book was a privilege, I loved bringing the characters from my imagination to life. It really was an honour to work with the wonderful team at Bloomsbury who are some of the best people in the industry. I hope these illustrations inspire young readers to picture the magic for themselves and perhaps fall in love with this world just as I did.” - Natalie Smillie
Natalie has worked with several large publishing houses illustrating books for best-selling authors such as Rosie Jones, Michelle Harrison and Vashti Hardy. Here are a few spreads from inside the book and a lovely photo of Natalie at her desk checking over the first proofs.
The Pocket Potters are out this week published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books and you can grab your very own copies (perhaps with a bonus tote bag HERE)
For more information about this project or collaborating with Natalie please email info@arenaillustration.com , you can also view her fabulous online portfolio here and find her on Instagram!
