Bloomsbury Children’s Books today reveals the cover of the full-colour Illustrated Edition of J.K. Rowling’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard illustrated by Chris Riddell. The cover brings together some of the main characters from the five wizarding fairytales in the book, including Babbitty Rabbitty and the Hopping Pot. Much loved by generations of witches and wizards since they first appeared in the fifteenth century, this beautifully illustrated edition is set to become a firm favourite at bedtime in non-magical households the world over.

Publishing on 2nd October 2018, The Tales of Beedle the Bard Illustrated Edition features show-stopping illustrations for all five tales and Dumbledore’s accompanying notes. Chris Riddell, three times winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, bestselling author and former Children’s Laureate, brings J.K. Rowling’s text to life with beautiful ink and watercolour artwork.

Mischievous and witty, these five rollicking tales are a deeply satisfying read in the tradition of all great fables and fairytales. Kindnesses are rewarded and selfishness shown to be the ruin of many a wizard. Burping cauldrons, hairy hearts and cackling stumps are met along the way. Each of the tales is accompanied by a deliciously subversive and insightful commentary by Professor Albus Dumbledore. Translated from the runes by Hermione Granger, The Tales of Beedle the Bard also includes ‘The Tale of the Three Brothers’, familiar to readers of Harry Potter from the crucial role it played in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Proceeds from the sale of this edition will go to J.K. Rowling’s own international charity Lumos, which helps some of the world’s most vulnerable children and young people to have a better life.