Reviewed with J. K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts. Gr. 4-7. Because this is a Harry Potterless year, kids in need of a fix may find it in these two volumes. The conceit is that these are Harry's schoolbooks (Fantastic Beasts, by Newt Scamander; Quidditch, by Kennilworthy Whisp), with margin notes by Harry and pal Ron Weasley. The concept breaks down in the introductions: Professor Dumbledore explains that the books are being offered to muggles (because the proceeds of the books are going to British charity Comic Relief, a disclosure that will raise the eyebrows of any reader who undestands the importance of secrecy in the wizard world. Nevertheless, a lot of effort has gone into making these seem like real textbooks. The jackets look torn and faded, the print is (annoyingly) small, and the information is well detailed. Illustrations are in short supply, and not every fan will want to know this much about Quidditch and imaginary beasts, especially when the text is so hard to read. Buy several copies (the money really does go to charity), but expect a few disappointed readers.

Gr 4-8-These slim paperbacks are made to look like actual Hogwarts tomes, complete with creased covers and plenty of marginalia scribbled by Harry and other students. Fabulous Beasts, a facsimile of Harry Potter's very own textbook, contains descriptions of 75 magical beasts, written in a wonderfully dry yet droll style by a renowned magizoologist. Quidditch is the facsimile of a Hogwarts library book, which had to be literally pried from the hands of librarian Madam Pince. It gives a comprehensive history of the game and its rules, as well as a rundown of each of the 13 league teams of Britain and Ireland. Harry Potter fans who pride themselves on knowing every minute bit of Hogwarts trivia will devour both books. From Professor Dumbledore's introductions to the price listed on the back cover (14 Sickles 3 Knuts), readers will find a wealth of detailed magical lore and laugh-out-loud humor. Neither book is as gripping as the actual series, of course, but fans who are waiting for the fifth installment will be entertained by these volumes in the meantime.-Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.