A US-Japan aid group has received permission from the author of the Harry Potter book series to translate her second book royalty-free and sell it in Cambodia.
Bernie Krisher, head of American Assistance for Cambodia/Japan Relief for Cambodia, and Neou Ty, his assistant, told “Hello VOA” Thursday that they had recently received permission from the Christopher Little Literary Agency, agents to JK Rowling, to publish her second book, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”
Several years ago, Krisher received permission to translate and publish her first book, "Harry Potter and the Socerer's Stone." The first book cost $2 per copy to print but sell at a loss for only $0.60 to make it more affordable for Cambodian children.
“I would like to urge parents to encourage their children to read more books to continue our reading culture,” Neou Ty said Thursday.
The group is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving opportunities for the youth and rural poor in Cambodia.
Founded in 1993 by American journalist Bernie Krisher, the organization operates interlinked programs across Cambodia in the areas of education, health, rural development, and technology.
One “Hello VOA” listener wanted to know if he can buy the book in his hometown.
Unfortunately, Neou Ty said, the books are currently only being sold in Phnom Penh. He was looking for a way to distribute them in the provinces, he said.