The Tales of Beedle the Bard
by J.K. Rowling

A Review by Scott finished Jan. 15, 2009

This review will contain spoilers!

In many sentences:

Tales is an entertaining jaunt back into the Harry Potter universe. The stories are, of course, fun, but it is the commentary by Dumbledore after each story that makes the book shine. Each piece of commentary has wonderful jewels that add that just a little bit extra to Rowling"s universe that makes fans smile. On the whole, reveling in the idea of young witches and wizards being read these stories, just as we were read our own fairy tales, was a great experience. I hope that, in the future, Rowling does not shy away from other additions to the Harry Potter universe in the same vein as this one. Just imagine a story about how the founders of Hogwarts met and established the school, or about the very first wizards who discovered their abilities. Though I certainly do not want more stories about Harry and his friends, I would receive stories that add to the tapestry of the Harry Potter world with open arms. Just as Tolkien"s Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales added to the Lord of the Ring"s lore without distracting from the main trilogy, so could works such as this add to the universe that Rowling created to surround Harry's story.

Considering how short and entertaining this book is, every fan of the series should read it. And more than that, we should all consider adding these tales to those we read to our own children, as the lessons are just as applicable for muggles as they are for wizard-kind.

First Line

"There was once a kindly old wizard who used his magic generously and wisely for the benefit of his neighbors."

J.K. Rowling the First Line of The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Last Line

"Even I, Albus Dumbledore, would find it easiest to refuse the Invisibility Cloak; which only goes to show that, clever as I am, I remain just as big a fool as anyone else."

J.K. Rowling the Last Line of in The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Originally Published Dec. 13, 2007

Hardcover edition:

111 pages - Dec. 1, 2008

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