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.
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