Northern Territory Harry Potter fans rush to pick up new book

HARRY Potter fans flocked to bookstores to pick up the latest edition in the best-selling book series

Cousins Mikayla and Oscar Johnson joined Bonnie Batton in celebrating the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child book release. PICTURE: Patrina Malone

HARRY Potter fans flocked to bookstores to pick up the latest edition in the best-selling book series.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was written in script form to accompany the new London West End stage play, which opened on Saturday night.

The book hit the cash registers around the globe at the same time yesterday, with fans lining up to purchase the book at 8.31am in the NT yesterday

Harry Potter fanatic and bookshop assistant Bonnie Batton said it was a great experience seeing a new generation of fans lining up for the book.

“I love the idea of being here and being able to run this,” she said.

“The last one came out nine years ago and for younger fans to have the experience of waiting and lining up to get the book and to be part of that was magical.”

Ms Batton finished work and rushed home to start reading – her mother even made her lunch so she wouldn’t be delayed.

The Cursed Child smashed the pre-order record at The Bookshop in Darwin yesterday and was almost sold out by 1pm.

Ms Batton said the book would please fans and was an easier read.

“It’s great for those who couldn’t afford to fly to London to see the play, which is booked out until May next year anyway,” she said. “There isn’t so much text to wade through – because it’s a play every word had to be worth it.”