This is basically a book of 5 short stories, or fairy tales. After each story is told, there is a written interpretation and background information added by Albus Dumbledore.

Each story describes a lesson and a life value that each wizard/witch must learn. One story called “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart” is quite disturbing, but Albus explains it’s importance.

My favourite is by far “The Tale of the Three Brothers” which is the last story in the book. This story is actually told throughout the Harry Potter series. Without giving away any spoilers to the series itself, each of the three gifts in the tale have huge significance to the series as a whole.

Ultimately, I believe the point is that all tales come from reality and we need to decipher the truth within.

It’s a great read and makes for some good children’s bedtime stories.

The Hidden Myths in Harry Potter by David Colbert

This is an interesting little bedtime story for kids. It’s written in glossary style with many cute, fun pictures. The book also includes a treasure map of sorts and the pictures in the glossary match those on the map.

It’s definitely an all ages story, even if it is geared towards the younger generation.

You learn the reasons behind Rowling’s decision to name the characters and places that she chose. I was surprised to learn that every last detail has a history and meaning attached. And according to the map, these stem from all around the world.

Who knew just how much research went into writing these fabulous series?

My only recommendation is to read J. K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them, before reading Colbert’s Hidden Myths. There are many references to that book.

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

This book is written by J.K. Rowling disguised as a fictional character in the Harry Potter series. It’s actually very clever. It appears to be one of Harry Potter’s text books and you find throughout the book there are various doodles done by Harry and the gang.

This is basically a dictionary of all the creatures (and then some) that are introduced in the Harry Potter novels. You get to learn just how dangerous these beasts are and what places to avoid if you don’t want to come across one.

It also gives you a sense of just how much danger Hagrid puts himself in when he attempts to tame these creatures!

There is a forward written by Albus Dumbledore, and reading it makes you feel like you know him personally. You forget that he is only a fictional character created by Rowling… Or is he?

Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp

This book is also written by J.K. Rowling disguised as a different fictional character in the Harry Potter series. This isn’t Harry’s personal textbook, but rather a library book that he (along with many other Hogwarts students) had borrowed at some point.

Albus Dumbledore again writes the forward, explaining how he convinced the librarian to let him release the book to the muggle population.

The story starts with basic flying broom games and leads to the evolution of Quidditch and how the sport came to be. It talks about the rules, the different balls, the players, and by the end of the novel we all have a basic understanding of all of the components that make up Quidditch.

If you want to get the inside scoop on the game Harry Potter plays, check out this book.

I bought it in a box set with Fantastic Beasts, and I love this edition to my Harry Potter collection.