Bloomsbury Publishing today announce that all seven of J.K.Rowling’s Harry Potter books will be published for the first time in stunning full-colour editions, illustrated by the award-winning artist Jim Kay. The first in the series Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be published in September 2015.

Jim Kay, winner of the 2012 Kate Greenaway Medal, will illustrate all seven books in full-colour and design the new book jacket image as well as the inside artwork. A lifelong Harry Potter fan, Jim Kay says: ‘From my point of view it is, without doubt, the commission of a lifetime ...to design the characters, the clothing, the architecture and landscapes to possibly the most expansive fantasy world in children's literature, well let’s just say I'm extremely excited about it. However, I am also mindful of the huge responsibility this represents. I want to make sure I do the best job I possibly can.’

The Harry Potter novels have now sold approximately 450 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 74 languages. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was recently voted the nation’s favourite children’s book in a poll by reading charity Booktrust.

Bloomsbury is in touch with all international Harry Potter publishers and hopes to make the publication a global event. Emma Hopkin, Bloomsbury Children’s MD said of Jim’s selection: ‘Jim is the perfect mix of extremely talented artist and ardent Harry Potter fan, which will bring great spirit to his illustrations of J.K. Rowling's extraordinary world.’

Jim Kay won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2012 for his illustrations in A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Jim studied illustration at the University of Westminster and since graduating has worked in the Archives of Tate Britain and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Jim has produced concept work for television and contributed to a group exhibition at the V&A museum in London. He now lives and works in Northamptonshire with his partner and a rescued greyhound.

J.K. Rowling was the first children’s author to be voted the BA Author of the Year, and also win the British Book Awards Author of the Year. J.K. Rowling lives with her family in Edinburgh.