The Tales of Beedle the Bard

There is plenty for readers of all ages in this delightful little book. A spin-off from the Harry Potter series, it consists of five fairy tales, supposedly the traditional childhood fare of wizard children, each of them followed by a spoof of scholarly commentary from the pen of Albus Dumbledore. Some of Dumbledore’s remarks call for footnotes, some very self-congratulatory, by himself, and others require little learned notes by Rowling to enlighten ignorant Muggles.

The tales themselves (supposedly translated from original runes by Hermione Granger) are like ‘Cinderella’ for small witches and wizards, turning the fairytale world on its head to show it from a wizardly perspective. They are simple, original, diverse, witty and wise, and need no previous knowledge of Harry Potter. Very young children will enjoy them exactly as they enjoy traditional fairytales. Dumbledore’s comments are (of course) more demanding in their language, and will amuse and entertain older readers who have grown up with Potter, not least adults who can appreciate the mischievous skit on academic pedantry. This is a book for families to share, especially in households where Harry’s exploits are already on the shelf.

The book is published in aid of the Children’s High Level Group, a charity co-founded by Rowling to help abandoned and institutionalised children across Europe. It is a truly admirable cause. Schools and families who buy this little book will be supporting it, and in doing so will give themselves a storytelling treat.