Bloomsbury has unveiled the official cover for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Illustrated Edition. The artwork is created by British illustrator Levi Pinfold, who now continues the illustrated series after Jim Kay.

The cover shows Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore inside the seaside cave. They confront the terrifying Inferi during one of the novel’s most dramatic scenes.

The new illustrated edition will be released worldwide on 6 October 2026.

Pre-order offer with exclusive tote bag

Bloomsbury has opened pre-orders for the new illustrated edition. Fans in the UK can receive a special promotion. Readers who pre-order the book will receive an exclusive Harry Potter tote bag.

The offer also includes a 30% discount off the recommended retail price. A hardback pack is currently available for £28 instead of £40. This pre-order offer ends on 5 October 2026 and remains available while stocks last.

Levi Pinfold takes over the illustrated series

Levi Pinfold is a multi-award-winning British illustrator and author. Bloomsbury selected him to illustrate the final two books in the illustrated Harry Potter series. The series was previously illustrated by Jim Kay, who worked on the first five volumes.

Pinfold already has experience with the wizarding world. In fact, he created artwork for the Hogwarts House Editions and other official Harry Potter projects.

He began his illustration career after graduating from Falmouth University in 2006. His picture book Black Dog won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in 2013 and is known for highly detailed artwork and traditional painting techniques. His style often combines realism with atmospheric lighting and rich textures.

Bloomsbury believes his artistic vision fits the darker tone of the final Harry Potter novels and I completely agree. The cover is beautiful!

A new visual chapter for Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the sixth book in J.K. Rowling’s series. The story explores Voldemort’s past and the growing danger facing the wizarding world. The illustrated edition promises new artwork and immersive scenes throughout the book. The dramatic cave encounter on the cover hints at the darker atmosphere awaiting readers. A brilliant choice to represent the book!

Update 18/03: Bloomsbury has revealed five new artworks with Harry and Dumbledore, Katie Bell, The Boy Who Lived, Spinner’s End and the Golden Trio.

Fans can discover the new illustrated volume when it releases 6 October 2026.

Pre-order now on Bloomsbury.