On the Books: J.K. Rowling jokingly teases another 'Harry Potter' book

J.K. Rowling spent World Book Day by retweeting the countless Harry Potter-related costumes that were posted all over social media Thursday. She also used Twitter to mention that she’s “writing a book,” which spurred a frenzy of reaction. But the author didn’t stop there – she decided to tease fans a bit more by tweeting a picture of the actors who played Percy Weasley and Narcissa Malfoy, insinuating that she’d reveal why in a new Harry Potter novel, only to say she was kidding and hashtag #NotAPrequel. From the reactions of disappointed fans, they were #NotAmused. (TIME)

One British schoolboy opted not to dress as a Harry Potter character for World Book Day, and instead went with a rather mature choice: Christian Grey. Eleven-year-old Liam Scholes told The Guardian that the Fifty Shades of Grey-inspired outfit was his own idea that was sparked from the popularity of the character and the novel and was meant for “a bit of fun.” In a full grey suit complete with an eye mask and cable ties for props, Scholes was not allowed to participate in World Book Day festivities until he said he was James Bond instead, to which his mom saw just as controversial. See the costume as well as Scholes and his mom discussing the outfit here. (The Guardian)

Since news of a second Harper Lee novel broke in February, the author has received several requests from press to discuss it. Lee has shied away from any publicity, until one journalist sent her a handwritten letter. Connor Sheets, an investigative reporter from the Birmingham News, was persistent in getting answers from Lee and sent a two-page letter, according to AL.com. Sheets received a response from Lee, but it only included his letter and four words: “Go away! Harper Lee.” (Huffington Post)

Peter H. Reynolds, illustrator of the popular children’s book Judy Moody, has signed a three-book deal with Scholastic. The first of the three, Happy Dreamer, will be published in 2016. Reynolds said in a press release that the first book is inspired by his own creative journey. “I want to encourage kids—and grownup kids—to be happy with who they are, and to be confident about what lies ahead,” he said. (GalleyCat)

San Francisco-based City Lights Publishers is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and decided to publish its first children’s book since the creation of the company. Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazeres and Visionaries Who Shaped Out History…and Our Future! is written by Kate Schatz and illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl. Although City Lights says they don’t publish children’s books, the company’s vice president Stacey Lewis told Publishers Weekly that the concept of the book is “so perfectly in line with our commitment to progressive politics.” The book will be available April 7. (Publishers Weekly)