Children's book publisher Scholastic Inc. says it is printing 10.6 million copies of J.K. Rowling's sixth Harry Potter book, a new U.S. record.

The fifth Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, was released June 21, 2003, and was the fastest-selling book in history on the first weekend of its publication. The movie version of the third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, was released June 4.

The book, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," is scheduled to begin selling in bookstores in the U.S., Australia, Canada and Britain at midnight June 16, but marketing begins April 7 with a "100 days Until Harry" countdown campaign, the Manhattan-based company says.

The sixth and penultimate Potter novel, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" will be published on July 16.

The magical exploits of Harry and his wizard school chums, and their struggle against evil Lord Voldemort, have spawned a multi-million dollar film, merchandising and publication industry.

Bloomsbury has meanwhile seen some 250 million copies of the books sold in more than 50 languages.

The new Potter novel takes up the story of the young wizard's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Rowling, who in January gave birth to her third child, has refused to reveal who the Half-Blood Prince is, although she has said it is neither Harry nor Voldemort. Meanwhile, one of her characters has been killed off in the new book.

The fifth book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", sold 1.8 million copies in Britain on the first day of its release, a British record.

Rowling's first three Potter books have spawned three blockbuster spin-off films. A fourth movie, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", is due for release in November. 

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