This has been a big week for Harry Potter fans. The sixth movie in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blooded Prince has just been released in theaters. Once again, Steve Kloves is responsible for the screenplay, and the director is David Yates, who also directed Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and is directing both parts of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. While the movie doesn’t capture all of the moments of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blooded Prince novel, it does a adequate job conveying the overall spirit and crucial portions.

It’s a dark time in the wizarding world. Everyone now knows that Voldemort has been resurrected, the Death Eaters are starting to wage terrorist-like attacks and a war is finally beginning. No place seems safe anymore, though Dumbledore and the staff of Hogwarts are doing their best to provide a safe learning environment.

Harry’s role in this latest movie isn’t so much a student, though he does still attend classes, play Quidditch and even fall in love. Instead, he’s an agent for Dumbledore…

Title: The Tales of Beedle the Bard (standard edition)Author: J.K. RowlingPrice: $12.99Release Date: December 4, 2008Publisher: ScholasticPros: Cute little original fairy tales and fables, “commentary” from Dumbledore on each story. Fits in well with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages.Cons: Don’t go in expecting a long, detailed novel or deep experience. Only one story has “ties” to Harry Potter. Very short.Overall Score: One wand (thumb) up, one wand (thumb) sideways; 80/100, B-; *** out of 5

The story may be over but little companion books, like The Tales of Beedle the Bard, can often help fans better appreciate the story and Harry Potter universe they have grown to love over the past seven books. Since this collection of five stories is actually written by J.K. Rowling, it makes it all the more influential and entertaining. It is an incredibly short read but satisfying nonetheless. It isn’t a literary masterpiece but it’s a nice and fun final touch to the Harry Potter universe…