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Happy birthday, Harry Potter! New covers in time for character's birthday

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Harry grins behind him before his first trip across the lake to Hogwarts.

Harry, Ginny and Fawkes the Phoenix face the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets.

Harry casts a powerful patronus by the lake outside Hogwarts.

Harry tries to steal an egg from a Hungarian Horntail in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament.

Harry and friends fly thestrals away from Hogwarts.

Dumbledore protects Harry from the Inferi.

Harry stands his ground against Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest during the final battle.

Happy birthday, Harry Potter! New covers in time for character's birthdayHarry grins behind him before his first trip across the lake to Hogwarts.

Jonny Duddle/Bloomsbury

Thursday marks Harry Potter's 34th birthday, and as fans grow older with the beloved character, it's getting increasingly easier to pass the magic along to their kids.

Bloomsbury has been releasing new covers over the past few months for a re-imagined edition of the series. This version, featuring new content from the website Pottermore, has been molded as a "child-friendly reading experience," according to the publisher. The books will hit stores September 1, the day Harry Potter and friends board the train each year to return to Hogwarts.

The illustrator, Jonny Duddle, said he likes to use vivid colors and "cram as much as I can into an illustration," which is reflected in his new covers.

Thursday is also the birthday of the character's creator, JK Rowling.