With the world economy being what it is, however, I have to admit that I was a little wary of the new film based on the first book of the series. Would the subject matter be in poor taste, in these days when even Vogue is publishing lists of “gifts below $10″?

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about: the film – like the book- is fun, smartly done, and most importantly, entertaining. As I sat through the movie, watching the adorable Isla Fisher being adorable, I forgot about my own- er- shopaholicness. Some things were over the top, yes, but the book prepared me for that. I’m looking forward to the sequel(s) now.

Did you see Confessions of a Shopaholic? What did you think?

If you have one, do you love it? Is it worth the $399?

This is an amazing book which features “female heroes in history, secret note-passing skills, science projects, friendship bracelets, double dutch, cats cradle, the perfect cartwheel or the eternal mystery of what boys are thinking” among others! This is the book every little girl needs on her bookshelf. We got this for a much-loved niece this year, but I also got one for myself! Buy on Amazon: The Daring Book for Girls

Beautiful. Tear-jerking, too- and that’s from someone who doesn’t have kids of her own! Recommended for children aged 4-8, this book is destined to be a classic. Here’s a quote: “the moon smiled with such wonder/ that the stars peeked in to see you/ and the night wind whispered,/ ‘Life will never be the same.’. See what I mean? Buy on Amazon: On the Night You Were Born

From Bob Greene (of Oprah fame) comes this different kind of “diet” book. He promotes a lifestyle change, which we all know is the real secret to losing weight and keeping it off, and gives you a step-by-step of how to do it. Maybe more importantly, how Oprah did it. Buy on Amazon: The Best Life Diet, or take it a step further and get The Best Life Diet Daily Journal as well!

For the Star Wars fan you know- and we all know someone- you won’t go wrong with this delightful Star Wars pop-up book. Just look at this (click the picture to see a larger version):

So very cool! Buy on Amazon: Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy

It includes a short summary on each of the first six of J.K. Rowling’s books, highlighting major plot points and memorable quotes from each book. For example, the memorable quote for Book One is:

“If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn’t realize that love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign … to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.” – Dumbledore to Harry

Remember that quote? I loved it the first time I read it, and I still love it. Read Remember, Remember: Books One to Six at Harry Potter Time.

A quick peek at the bestselling books at our Amazon store shows that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) is at number one. Really no surprise to me- I reserved my copy several months ago.

I’m also pleased to see Khalen Hosseini’s excellent A Thousand Splendid Suns, which is beautifully written and an astounding follow up to The Kite Runner, at number two.

What are your current must-reads? Do you have time to put down the tv remote and read?

That being only around five months from now, I’ve suddenly become gripped by Harry Potter fever again, rereading Half-Blood Prince, rewatching Goblet of Fire, and spending far too much time gossiping about Harry and friends at The Three Broomsticks.

Yes, I’m a fan. Which is really why we set up Harry Potter Time all those years ago- to fulfill my fan-girl yearnings. Since it’s start as a small “fan-site”, Harry Potter Time has grown much faster than we expected. Visitors are aplenty, and the fun that goes on at The Three Broomsticks is priceless.

Today we’re introducing Harry Potter Seeker, an Amazon astore featuring our favourite Harry Potter products- from books to films to toys to games to (yes) food… such as the chocolate frogs pictured here. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, or the parent / aunt / uncle / grandparent of one (and, these days, who isn’t?), I invite you to take a look. You might just find something magical. (sorry, couldn’t resist!)

Since seeing the very excellent Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire film, I’ve been on Harry Potter mode… and proud of it!

So proud, in fact, that I’m jonesing for one of these Goblet of Fire 2006 Wall Calendars.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown belongs in every child’s library. Certainly one of the best bedtime stories around, I love it because it reminds me of my darling niece.