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(ARA) – Ever since Harry Potter first came on the scene, he has been igniting the imaginations of children around the world. They immediately identify with the young wizard who was sad and lonely until he realized he had magical powers. The series about Harry’s adventures and misadventures, brought to life by author J.K. Rowling, has become so popular that the sixth book, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” set for release on July 16, 2005, will have a U.S. record-breaking first printing of 10.8 million copies. The first three books in the series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” have already been made into movies.
Child psychologists agree the reason the series has become so popular is that kids identify with the characters. They see a correlation between the relationships Harry has with the children and adults in the books and their own lives. The Harry Potter books are filled with scenarios that discuss common childhood issues like loneliness, fitting in, bullying, loss, and rule-breaking; while at the same time offering an imaginary world of escape. As is apparent from the continuing record breaking sales of Harry Potter merchandise - hats, robes, scarves, magic wands, broomsticks and the like - the books aren’t the only draw.
“Kids love imagining what their lives would be like if they were someone else, and this series encourages their imaginations to grow better than any other books I’ve ever read,” says Dave Wedzik, owner of Alivan’s Master Wandmakers, a company specializing in handcrafted toy magic wands. “It’s fun to watch my own son put on a Hogwarts hat, wave around a wand and transform himself into the world of Harry Potter. He’s only four but is already pretending to make his dog disappear.”
Wedzik credits imagination inspired toys for cultivating his son’s creativity. “Being that I’m in the business, he has access to all kinds of great toys. His favorite is his magic wand.” The wand Wedzik’s son uses is the 11 inch Holly made by the wandmakers at Alivan’s. “He chose that one because in the books, Harry’s wand is made of that type of wood, and it’s an easy way for him to identify with the character,” says Wedzik.
The 11 inch Holly wand is one of the company’s best sellers, but there are dozens of other designs available. Alivan’s wands are handcrafted from the finest hardwoods and come with a collector’s box, satin lined velvet wand satchel and a numbered Certificate of Authenticity which (on the back side) details the “magical” properties of your chosen hardwood.
Hand-made brooms are also very popular. The Scarlet Falcon, for example, looks like it flew right out of Diagon Alley, and can be ridden like an old-time stick horse. Other wizard wares include robes, striped scarves and officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise, such as Harry Potter wire rimmed glasses, Quidditch goggles, Hogwarts hats, chocolate frogs and golden galleons.
“At Alivan’s, we believe children should be challenged and encouraged so that creative thinking may be cultivated,” says Wedzik. “Pretending, creativity and imaginative thinking teach children to dream greater dreams and to think outside the ‘wand box.’ It leads them toward greater artistic expression and allows their visions to come alive.”
To bring a world of imagination to life for your own family, log on to www.alivans.com and check out their virtual store. You can try out the wands and brooms online before buying them. Orders can be placed online or by calling (850) 215-1333.
Courtesy of ARA Content
