Think the Harry Potter phenomenon is over? Think again. Although it may not be surrounded by the intense hoopla of the release of the final Harry Potter novel, the new J.K. Rowling book being released Thursday is another peek into the Potter universe, and booksellers are hoping that fans line up.

"The Tales of Beedle the Bard," was written and illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings by Rowling, and features a series of short stories first referenced in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Supposedly translated by Hermione Granger from ancient runes, and with commentary from the late Albus Dumbledore, the book provides new insight into some of the characters first made popular in the Potter series.

From Lucius Malfoy to Nearly Headless Nick, names near and dear to Potter fans can be found on the pages. In addition, new characters will join the names of familiar characters that most 8-year-olds can list at will.

Grass Roots Books & Music, which has sponsored many Harry Potter-themed events over the years, is preparing to welcome readers eager to dive into another Potter-esque book. Tiffany Jordan, children's book buyer for Grass Roots, said she isn't sure why Scholastic books chose to release the book on a weekday, when children are in school. But although the Thursday release means no big Potter party, there will be some celebrating.

"We'll have hot spiced cider and cookies for those who come in on a chilly morning or after school," Jordan said.

The bookstore has been advertising the coming release in its newsletter and in the store, and parents are finally beginning to pre-order the book. But although Jordan believes it could be the big sleeper of the season, she's not sure if Potter-mania will come through in this instance. She hopes that the December release time will help.

"I suspect a lot of children will be finding it under their tree or receive it as a Hanukah gift," she said. "It will turn it into a really nice surprise of the season."

"The Tales of Beedle the Bard," will be available starting at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Copies are available for $12.99, with a 15 percent discount for those who pre-ordered.

Grass Roots is donating copies of the book to Corvallis and Philomath schools. A percentage of the proceeds of all Beedle sales will benefit Children's High Level Group, a charity co-founded by Rowling and Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne. The charity promotes children's rights. For more information, see www.chlg.org.