The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Standard Edition

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Standard Edition Reviews

The commentaries are hysterical!
I really like this little book - it's one to read over when I feel like I need cheering up. The stories feel like classic fairy tales from the point of view of the magical community and are simple and readable, but the commentaries are the most fun bit - I laughed out loud. Dumbledore is such a hoot!

Wonderful little book
I have absolutely no qualms about highly recommending this little book. Someone bought this for my (17-year-old) daughter as she is an avid Harry Potter fan.
I read it in one sitting - as did she - and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is light and dark, humorous and touching, frightening (other reviewers make mention of "The Hairy Heart") and inspiring ("The Magic Fountain").
These little parables could easily be traditional children's tales in a world where magic is real and everyday. JK Rowling is to be commended for her ability to write short stories which will appeal to both Harry Potter fans and to the uninitiated. The commentary by Albus Dumbledore certainly enhances the book in my opinion, with its asides and references to Potter-lore. But, equally, these are bedtime stories for children too (although I would echo another reviewer's cautionary comment about "The Hairy Heart"!).
If nothing else, the royalties are donated to a good cause - another reason to buy the book and not grumble about the price, which is very low given that it's a hardback!

One to read to your children rather than yourself
I can understand why Harry Potter fans, particularly adult ones might be disappointed. It's different in style to Harry Potter, a much thinner book and the stories are simplistic in comparison - they're much more like fables. That said, they still stand up for themselves in my view. A simpler tale doesn't necessarily mean lesser in value, it just means a different audience to usual will enjoy them.

I enjoyed spotting where the references to the tales had come from Harry Potter and Dumbledore's notes made me chuckle. The illustrations are good and I particularly enjoyed the Babbity Rabbity and The Three Brothers tales.

It would make a good introduction to the world of Harry Potter for younger readers. I can imagine parents reading this to their small children just as my mother read Grimms Fairy Tales to me as a toddler curled up in her lap.

Bit disappointed really....
I bought this book for my son for Christmas. I put it in his stocking as it was such a thin little book. After all the hype I think we had both hoped for a little more. The stories are fine but really nothing that hasn't been written before. Having read every Enid Blyton book going as a child (and as a parent!) I can see several of her stories are alarmingly similar. Personally I would rather read Enid Blyton! I know her books are patchy but there are jewels amongst her short stories (The Land of Nod, The Magic Sea...) (and that's before we even start on the Wishing Chair or the Enchanted Wood.)

I think what I am saying is, if you are looking for fairy tales for children there are many better ones to be found. I have a feeling this book will appeal more to the adult Potter readers/collectors than the children. My son (11) is a HUGE Potter fan and an avid reader and he was disappointed really.
Check out the magical stories in Enid Blyton's Red/Blue/Green/Yellow/Bedtime story books and also Mr Pink Whistle! :)


It's short but it's for a good cause - so, 5 stars!
This is an enjoyable book and of course Harry Potter fans will inhale it in about one sitting. I liked it, I thought it was a bit of a cash in but then the money is going to a good cause, so fair enough.

I wonder what J K Rowling's next full length book will be about?