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

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.

This book has 5 stories that are the equivalent to fairy tales for we Muggles (humans). They have the common factor that good usually overcomes bad but in fairy tales magic tends to be the cause of the hero's or heroine's trouble. In Beedle's tales the heroes and heroines can often perform their own magic but it's not always the cure to their problems. But those who triumph are the ones who demonstrate the most common sense, kindness and ingenuity.

With each story is commentary from Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardary, that gives insight into Wizarding history. Footnotes are also added by the author, J.K. Rowling, to explain terms or facts to the Muggle readers. She has also done her own pen and ink illustrations throughout the book. Funds generated from the sale of this book will go to a charity developed by J.K. Rowling in 2005. CHLG (Children's High Level Group) charity was formed to help children left to large residential institutions and prevent it from happening anymore.

Whether you enjoyed the Harry Potter series or not (I loved it) I don't know how anyone wouldn't be impressed with the talent of this author. She has created a whole world in these books in such rich and interesting detail. I am still fascinated by her vivid imagination and so very grateful that she decided to share it with the world. She created these stories as part of Harry's world. She mentioned this book in the series and then later went on to actually write all of the stories and put them together to form the actual book. They read very much like fairy tales and are truly believable as tales passed on from generation to generation.

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I promised a good friend of mine that I would buy this book for her as soon as it came out. She was still sad from the series ending and I thought this would be just the thing to cheer her up. (Yes, we both have lives, but the books are fun!) I went to my local K-mart since it is now the only source for new books in our small town. Our bookstore closed up years ago and the next closest one is 30 minutes away. There is always the internet but I do try to buy local when I can. Anyway, I knew it would probably cost a bit more than Walmart or B&N but it's only 100 pages so I didn't think it would be be too much more than the $10.00 sale price at other stores. I picked up a book from the display but there wasn't a sign with a price on it. The back of the book had the UPC code and a price of $12.99 stamped on the cover. Even for that price I was still going to buy it. I took my copy to a nearby self scanner on a pole to check the price and it said $6.99! I checked it again. $6.99! I picked up another book and scanned it. Still $6.99! I was thrilled! I'm not cheap but I am frugal and always look for the bargains first. I had been planning to borrow her copy when she was finished because I never buy my books new. I love to read and I just can't afford it. I've always made very good use of my library and used book sales. I decided to splurge and picked up two copies. Hey, it's for charity. I did make sure the price was correct when they were rung up at the register, just in case. Yep, still $6.99! So now my friend has her copy and I have my very own copy. It came to less than $14.00 to make two women in their 40's very happy. Did I mention we live in a small town?