Title: The Tales of Beedle the BardAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Children's High Level Group
Year: 2007
Purpose for reading: Once Upon a Time Challenge III
First line: The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of stories written for young wizards and witches.
My sister gave me this book at Christmas (thanks A.!) since she knew I had so much fun reading the Harry Potter series. It was a nice fit for Carl V.'s Once Upon a Time Challenge III that just ended.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a piece of fantasy that purports to be "a collection of stories written for young wizards and witches." It was, of course, translated by the fictional Hermione Granger with extensive footnotes by the equally fictional Professor Dumbledore. The very non-fictional J.K. Rowling has clarified Dumbledore's notes, when needed, for us muggle readers.
The tales seemed very similar to the old slavic folk tales I remember from my own childhood (e.g. Baba Yaga, etc.). I loved the tales of Beedle the Bard, but was more intrigued by the continuation of the Harry Potter world that this book provides.
Don't you just love the titles of these tales?
The Wizard and the Hopping Pot
The Fountain of Fair Fortune
The Warlock's Hairy Heart
Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump
The Tale of the Three Brothers
The Fountain of Fair Fortune was, hands down, my favorite tale. The Warlock's Hairy Heart was the most disturbing and made me shudder. And I can't stop saying "babbity rabbity," so Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump gets my vote for best title.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard was a charming way to keep the Harry Potter magic alive.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
I miss that world so much! I'm going to have to re-read the whole series one of these days. And yes, I love the titles!
ReplyDeleteThe Fountain of Fair Fortune was my favorite of the bunch as well. This was a fun book, but entirely too short!
ReplyDeleteHehe, I can't stop saying Babbity Rabbity either! JKR uses some great names.
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