Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that J.K. Rowling's site is a fun and safe way to explore the Harry Potter world. The series' author updates it every so often -- especially if there's a Harry Potter announcement (a new movie or book coming out, for example). Kids can find trivia, read the author's bio, view book sketches, learn about different wizards, and discover debunked information. Kids may go nuts trying to figure out some of the more obscure stuff such as finding the virtual ingredients to the secret potion, alluded to in the "Extra Stuff" area. Here's a hint: Use the eraser to reveal what's on the blank sheet of paper! But, there are plenty of fan sites ready to tattle all the secrets if you get stuck at other times.
Families can talk about J.K. Rowling's background. How do you think her history helped her come up with the stories? How did the death of her own mother mold Harry's own parentless world?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jean Armour Polly
The site opens with a bird's-eye view of J.K. Rowling's office desk. She seems to be away at the moment but surely she won't mind if we putter around a bit. What's that sound? Oh, only the wind, and a dog barking in the distance. It seems safe enough.
As you mouse over the desktop clutter, some items become "Portkeys" that take you to other parts of the site. They will send you to pages where you can read Rowling's biography, peruse a list of answers to frequently asked questions, or visit her link library (check out the very odd paintings on the wall!).
As you explore, notice that some items can be clicked and dragged to other places. If you work out the puzzles, you'll be rewarded with additional "secret" content to view, which is then saved in your scrapbook for later viewing. Here's a hint: The cell phone can be dialed -- if you know what numbers spell the right magic word.
By the way, keep an eye on the clock. Notice it's the same time as where you live. And the view outside the window changes from night to day, again synchronized to your local time zone.
Watch out for Peeves the ghost as you wander about, and remember sometimes interesting things happen to those who just watch and wait!
For more Harry Potter fun, head on over to MuggleNet.com and The-Leaky-Cauldron.org.
Reviewed: 04/03/2007
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CommercialismAn obvious tie-in to the books and movies, but the site doesn't sell anything. There are links to fan sites that do sell merchandise. |
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Educational ValueKids have to figure out how to navigate the site. There's a lot of common sense involved, but also some investivative work to discover the hidden fun stuff. |
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