Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
St. Paul, Minn.

Illustrator says goodbye to Harry Potter series

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Book jacket
Mary GrandPre grew up in Bloomington, and was living in St. Paul when she began illustrating the U.S. version of the Harry Potter books. As such, she's had advanced knowledge about the books, including how the series finally ends.
Photo courtesy of Scholastic

The final installment of the J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter book series continues to break publishing records.

In the first 24 hours, 8.3 million copies were sold in the U.S. alone. That's almost 350,000 books an hour, easily making it the fastest-selling book ever.

And it also means that artwork by a Minnesota native is, suddenly, in millions of American homes.

The one that started it all
The first book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Minnesota native Mary GrandPre has illustrated all seven of the books.
Image courtesy of Scholastic

Mary GrandPre grew up in Bloomington and was living in St. Paul when she began illustrating the U.S. version of Harry Potter books. As such, she's had advanced knowledge about the books, including how the series finally ends.

MPR's Tom Crann spoke with Mary GrandPre about her experience working on the Potter books, especially now that it's over.

Gallery
1 of 2
Book jacket
Mary GrandPre grew up in Bloomington, and was living in St. Paul when she began illustrating the U.S. version of the Harry Potter books. As such, she's had advanced knowledge about the books, including how the series finally ends.
Photo courtesy of Scholastic
2 of 2
'Deathly Hallows'
Minnesota native Mary GrandPre has illustrated all seven of the Potter books, including the last in the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," which was released Saturday.
Image courtesy of Scholastic