Any Harry Potter fan will tell you that the Harry Potter universe is so much more than 7 books and 8 films. I know for me growing up it felt like a whole parallel universe happening around me that was just beyond my reach, but it was incredibly comforting to know it was there.

This feeling comes from the incredible detail that J.K. Rowling went to in creating this world. If you have ever been on Pottermore you know what I am on about. Every character no matter how small has a back story that would make method actors jealous and every detail of everyday life has been considered and perfectly crafted.

You may think I have let my fan girl out a little too much, but I’m am not putting this point forward without any evidence. Now I present to you exhibit A: The Tales of Beedle the Bard. This collection of children’s fairy tales from the wizarding world are ingenious. They are incredibly well written fantasy stories in their own right because they perfectly strike the balance of familiar and unfamiliar. They are excellent children’s stories with the kind of morals that society has been brought up on for centuries. If you were just to read the stories in this book you would find pleasure enough.

But then, we are treated the the critical voice of Albus Dumbledore. Through his notes and analysis of the text the reader sees how these stories fall into the context of the wizarding world. We are given an extra glimpse of the universe that so many people around the world fell in love with. I know that I lap up every detail and The Tales of Beedle the Bard keeps the magic real without even a mention of a certain Boy Who Lived. This book is like a mug of hot cocoa on a winter’s night. It wraps you up and takes you back to the comfort and safety of a place so many people found solace in.

This book reminded me why I love Harry Potter. It makes me happy.

Rating: 5/5

Would recommend to: Harry Potter loving adults who want to share the joy with their young children.

Check out The Tales of Beedle the Bard and give it a read!

Guest post contributed by Bernie and Books. This blogger studied costumes but also is an avid reader who enjoys analyzing books via her reviews.