If you adore Studio Ghibli’s enchanting film, “Howl’s Moving Castle,” you might be thrilled to know a beautiful new edition of the book that inspired it is coming soon. Diana Wynne Jones’ celebrated fantasy novel from 1986 is getting a hardcover reissue on September 9th. The “Howl’s Moving Castle Deluxe Limited Edition” is currently available for preorder on Amazon for $23.24 (originally $25). Additionally, fans can secure a brand-new paperback boxed set featuring the complete “World of Howl Trilogy” for just $32.
The Deluxe Limited Edition, alongside the World of Howl Box Set, would look stunning next to the Steelbook Edition of the “Howl’s Moving Castle” movie. Hayao Miyazaki’s 2004 film adaptation, though taking creative liberties with the original story, shares the same magical essence as the novel.
$23.24 (was $25) | Releases September 9
This Deluxe Limited Edition of “Howl’s Moving Castle” boasts exquisite new cover art, colorful endpapers created by Devin Elle Kurtz, captivating black-and-white illustrations sprinkled throughout the pages, and various other premium features. The book’s edges are digitally printed in blue with bright white streaks resembling shooting stars, capturing a beautiful starry night.
Removing the dust jacket reveals stunning gold foil-stamped text and shooting star designs on the front, back, and spine. The front cover features a famous quote from the book: “Howl’s quite heartless, you know.”
Since this is a limited run, fans of “Howl’s Moving Castle” should consider preordering this 352-page hardcover without delay. The listed price of $25 is lower than that of many standard hardcover fiction releases.
For those unfamiliar with the novel, “Howl’s Moving Castle” tells the tale of Sophie Hatter, who inadvertently attracts the attention of the Witch of the Waste. Cursed to appear as an elderly woman, Sophie’s only hope of breaking the spell resides within the moving castle of the enigmatic Wizard Howl, a notorious heartbreaker haunted by secrets.
$32 | Releases October 7
Just a few weeks following the release of the Deluxe Limited Edition, Greenwillow Books will publish Diana Wynne Jones’ entire trilogy in a beautiful paperback boxed set.
“Howl’s Moving Castle” is the first installment of the “World of Howl Trilogy,” followed by “Castle in the Air” (1990) and “House of Many Ways” (2008). Each book is a self-contained story featuring different characters, though Howl makes appearances in the sequels, so it’s best to read “Howl’s Moving Castle” first.
“Castle in the Air” centers on Abdullah, an unfulfilled carpet merchant with dreams of adventure. “House of Many Ways” follows Charmain Baker as she explores a family residence with the power to warp time and space.
All three novels are also available as individual paperbacks. Moreover, durable hardcover editions of the first two books are also available.
World of Howl Series:
- Howl’s Moving Castle
- Castle in the Air
- House of Many Ways
Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle on Blu-ray
As previously mentioned, the 2004 Studio Ghibli film does diverge significantly from the book, featuring a different aesthetic, extended roles for certain characters, and a unique development of the relationship between Sophie and Howl.
If you’re aiming to add the animated film to your collection, you can purchase the Howl’s Moving Castle Limited Edition Steelbook for just $16.29, or opt for the standard edition priced at $15. Both versions include both Blu-ray and DVD formats, accompanied by special features like storyboards, documentaries, cast interviews, and original promotional materials. The film features a cast of talented voice actors including Christian Bale, Jean Simmons, and Billy Crystal, who gave voices to various characters.
Consider completing your collection with “The Art of Howl’s Moving Castle,” a fantastic official companion book from 2005. Priced at $19.44 (down from $35), the book is packed with concept sketches, meticulously rendered character and background designs, painted cells, and insightful commentary from the Studio Ghibli team responsible for the film.
“Howl’s Moving Castle” is but one of many Studio Ghibli animated films that draw inspiration from books, short stories, or manga. Below, we’ve listed other noteworthy adaptations alongside their original source material, specifically highlighting those with English translations. You’ll also find some books adapted from Studio Ghibli movies.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Authored by Eiko Kadono and brought to life with illustrations by Akiko Hayashi, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is a beloved Japanese children’s novel first published in 1985. Hayao Miyazaki both wrote and directed the 1989 animated film adaptation. There’s also an art book and a comic adaptation based on the movie.
- Read the novel:
- Watch the adaptation:
- Books based on the movie:
Tales from Earthsea
The 2006 Ghibli film “Tales from Earthsea” is interesting because Goro Miyazaki, son of Hayao Miyazaki, combined elements from Ursula K. Le Guin’s “Earthsea” series with his father’s graphic novel, “Shuna’s Journey.” The movie incorporates plots and themes from the first four books of Le Guin’s series. The first novel, “A Wizard of Earthsea,” was released in 1968. Funnily enough, the movie takes its name from the fifth book but doesn’t adapt elements from that book directly.
Published in Japanese in 1983, “Shuna’s Journey” received an English translation in 2022 and features beautiful watercolor art by Hayao Miyazaki. Highly recommended is also “The Books of Earthsea: The Complete Illustrated Edition”, a beautiful 1,008-page hardcover that includes all of Le Guin’s series.
- Read Ursula K. Le Guin’s novel series:
- Read Hayao Miyazaki’s graphic novel:
- Watch the adaptation:
The Secret World of Arrietty
“The Borrowers,” a 1952 children’s novel by Mary Norton, was adapted by Studio Ghibli in 2010 as “The Secret World of Arrietty.” Hayao Miyazaki wrote the film’s screenplay, while Hiromasa Yonebayashi served as director.
- Read the novel:
- Watch the adaptation:
When Marnie Was There
Joan G. Robinson’s 1967 children’s novel, “When Marnie Was There,” was adapted into a movie of the same name in 2014. Hiromasa Yonebayashi directed and co-wrote the screenplay for this psychological drama.
- Read the novel:
- Watch the adaptation:
The Cat Returns
Aoi Hiiragi’s 2002 manga, “Baron the Cat,” was adapted into “The Cat Returns” the same year. Translated into English in 2005, the manga is titled “Baron: The Cat Returns.” The Baron also featured in Studio Ghibli’s “Whisper of the Heart” (1995). This is because Aoi Hiiragi wrote that manga, “Mimi o Sumaseba” too. Sadly, it has never received an English translation.
- Read the manga:
- Watch the adaptation:
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Hayao Miyazaki has adapted one of his own published works: “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.” Originally published in 1982, “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” is his sole manga series. He drew from the first two volumes for the screenplay of the 1984 film, which was the beginnings of a seven-volume series completed in 1994. The manga extends far beyond the film, growing to over 1,100 pages, and thus differs considerably. The Nausicaa manga can be purchased as trade paperbacks or in a deluxe hardcover box set which includes two volumes, a display case, illustrated endpapers, and a watercolor poster. You can also find a “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” Blu-ray and DVD combo pack with a steelbook case, part of many Studio Ghibli films with steelbook cases.
- Read the manga:
- Watch the adaptation:
- Read books about both:
My Neighbor Totoro
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