Just over a hundred pages of delight in this slim volume from the queen of fantasy. Many may be convinced that this book is exclusively for children. It most certainly isn’t, though most children will undoubtedly take great pleasure in the tales. The commentary, in the voice of Albus Dumbledore, is so good that the reader hears it in his mellifluous tones. There is humour and real magic in the words of wisdom dispensed by the ancient Headmaster of Hogwarts.
The stories themselves are wonderful little fairy tales, paying homage to the traditions of the genre whilst carving out a new niche in fantasy. There is morality here, side by side with great humour and lessons to be learned. I won’t give away the plots, or the messages that lie at the hearts of the stories, but I must express my admiration for the storytelling skill shown in each of them. To proclaim such moral messages without preaching and, at the same time, providing the reader with amusement, is a rare and valuable feat.
It’s great to know that by buying this book, recently produced as a Kindle for those who no longer handle paper books, you will not only treat yourself to some first class entertainment, but will support Children’s High Level Group, a very worthy charity. It’s typical of J K Rowling to be so generous; her support of this charity, which she set up with Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne MEP, brings hope to children all over the world who would otherwise spend their lives neglected and abandoned.
I spent a pleasant lunch time reading this book and urge you to indulge. If you have small children, read them the tales; they’ll love them. And, if you don’t, well read them yourself and enjoy Dumbledore’s pithy narratives as well. I thoroughly recommend this book to adults and children alike.
