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

Title: The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Author: J. K. Rowling
Series: Standalone Book
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 105 pages
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy
Overall Rating:


Synopsis (from the book):
The Tales of Beedle the Bard contains five richly diverse fairy tales, each with its own magical character, that will variously bring delight, laughter and the thrill of mortal peril. Additional notes for each story penned by Professor Albus Dumbledore will be enjoyed by Muggles and wizards alike, as the Professor muses on the morals illuminated by the tales, and reveals snippets of information about life at Hogwarts. A uniquely magical volume, with illustrations by the author, J.K. Rowling, that will be treasured for years to come.
Despite being a huge fan of Harry Potter, I never really have any intention to read these short stories by J.K. Rowling. However, its physical attractiveness - from a vibrant cover art to the smooth pages - totally drew me in and I am so glad that I actually give this book a try cause it sure didn’t disappoint.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a compilation of short bedtime stories specifically tailored for the young wizards and witches. In the introduction section written by J.K.Rowling, she explained that these stories, which were collected from Beedle the Bard from the fifteenth century, contain hidden messages that are meant to teach the young about righteousness through fables. Some of them are fantastic whilst the others are somewhat horrifying. The tales included are: (1) The Wizard and the Hopping Pot, (2) The Fountain of Fair Fortune, (3) The Warlock’s Hairy Heart, (4) Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump and (5) The Tale of the Three Brothers. Among these five stories, the second, the third and the fifth ones are by far my favourites!

The feature of the book that I enjoyed most was the commentary made by the late Headmaster of Hogwarts, Professor Albus Dumbledore. His thoughtful insight on key principles of each stories provide us, the Muggles, with some useful information as well as the final glance to the magical world. The book was surprisingly delightful till I wish that it didn’t end at only 104 pages. This surely was one of those quick, food-for-thought reads that suitable for just about anyone at any age.

Favourite Quote (from 'The Warlock's Hairy Heart'):
There was once a handsome, rich, and talented young warlock, who observed that his friends grew foolish when they fell in love, gamboling and preening, losing their appetites and their dignities. The young warlock resolved never to fall prey to such weakness, and employed Dark Arts to ensure his immunity. 

12 comments:

  1. I read this the day it came out and promptly forgot all about it. Thanks for reminding me of its existence, I need to read it again!

    Great review! :)

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  2. the only i knew by heart is the tale of three brothers..i still remember how hermione reading the story to her friends..and the story was done beautifully.. =)

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  3. I have read it in Dutch, but I have to say that I didn't like it. The stories just didn't do anything for me. They where way too short and just weird. Maybe I should try it in English, but I dont know if my library has it.

    I read the Dutch one a couple of weeks ago to my nieces and they adored it. :)

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  4. sounds great!!!! thanks for the review shy.....
    i'm a fan of harry potter.....
    so, i'll love this one also......
    nice review...

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  5. Hmm, I might pick it up, it sounds good. Glad you enjoyed it :) great review!

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  6. I really enjoyed all the Harry Potters but I've never thought of picking this one up. Glad you liked it!

    Emidy
    from Une Parole

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  7. Will have to check this one out i love harry potter so this is going on the list, great blog by the way.

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  8. I never paid much attention to this book either, but your review has made me want to check it out! I love the idea that the stories are tailored toward young witches & wizards :)

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  9. Thanks for the review. I love,love,love HP yet for some reason never got around to reading this. Now I must!

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  10. I really the HP books so I'll be sure to read this one too.

    btw, very cute blog. Great job.

    Oh and thanks for stopping by :)

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  11. Thanks for the review. I've always wondered about this book.

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