Book Review: The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Summary: The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers’ attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger’s new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: “The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,” “The Fountain of Fair Fortune,” “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart,” “Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump,” and of course, “The Tale of the Three Brothers.” But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter.

Thoughts: A collection of new stories told in the timeless fashion of old fairy-tales, this is a great little read that brings fans back to the world of Harry Potter. Despite the (very amusing) extra commentary, this book is a quick read and very fun. I loved all the stories that are reminiscent of many from Grimm and other classics while remaining entirely new and unheard of! 
 Clever writing carries the stories themselves and Dumbledore's notes often had me chuckling by the end.
 Each story features new characters and they are told in the simple way of fairy-tales without much characterization but all the heart needed. 
  Each plot is different and each one more interesting than the last. They really pull you in. And I give much credit to J. K. Rowling for not being afraid of telling fairy tales that are true to form. Dark but with the meaningful point that brings light. 

Content: The stories are, as I said dark. There is murder and violence and sickness mentioned but without detail and in a classic fairy-tale sort of way. Overall a clean read and great for returning (or new!) fans.