WITH the possible exception of Senor Beckham, Harry Potter has had more headlines than anyone else in the past week.

Tony Blair and George W Bush simply can't compete with the boy wizard when it comes to generating publicity.

The build-up to the biggest book launch ever has seen copies of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix stolen, legal battles over leaks, and devotees camping outside book stores.

JK Rowling's journey from poverty-stricken single mother to multi-milllionaire publishing phenomenon is as magical as anything Harry could muster with his wand.

And she fully deserves her success because she has got millions of children every bit as excited about reading as they are about whether a footballer swaps clubs.

In the age of computer games, isn't it wonderful to see children putting down their remote controls, picking up a book and enjoying the written word?

And what makes JK Rowling so especially gifted is that she has built a rare literary bridge between children and adults. Not only are youngsters discovering a love of books, but they are able to discuss characters and storylines with their parents, who also await Harry's adventures with eager anticipation.

David Beckham, who cost Real Madrid £25m, might be able to do one or two tricks with a football. But Harry Potter, who cost the Hogwarts Quidditch team nothing, can do real miracles.