VANCOUVER -- The first Canadian print run of the new Harry Potter book, one of the largest ever at nearly one million copies, has wrapped, the publisher said yesterday. The project has also sparked an international trend by using recycled paper.

The initiative won praise from the author of the popular series, J. K. Rowling, and a special message for Canadian readers.

"The forest at Hogwarts is home to magical creatures like unicorns and centaurs. Because the Canadian editions are printed on Ancient Forest Friendly paper, the Harry Potter books are helping to save magnificent forests in the muggle world, the home of magical animals such as orangutans, wolves and bears," says a note from Rowling printed in the front of Canadian editions.

"It is a good idea to respect ancient trees, especially if they have a temper like the Whomping Willow."

The so-called Ancient Forest Friendly Paper, which is 100 per cent post-consumer recycled, chlorine-free paper and fibre, costs about an additional three per cent per book.