The Tales Of Beedle The Bard (J.K. Rowling)

* The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers' attention in the book known as HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger's new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," "The Fountain of Fair Fortune," "The Warlock's Hairy Heart," "Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump," and of course, "The Tale of the Three Brothers." But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter.

I finally got one-third of my book must-haves for this year. Of course, I would never let this pass since I am still a big Harry Potter fan. It's really great that J.K. Rowling released a Harry Potter-related book even if the series has already ended.

The book is just short. It has 111 pages which includes the message of the Co-Chair of Children's High Level Group, Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne. It took me less than an hour to read the book. It somehow felt weird to finish reading this for less than an hour since it took me hours to finish the HP books. The experience, however, was the same: magical.

There are 5 stories in the book:

- The Wizard and the Hopping Pot
- The Fountain of Fair Fortune
- The Warlock's Hairy Heart
- Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump
- The Tale of the Three Brothers

The stories are great. I enjoyed reading them. Some stories may be gruesome and dark, but they still entertained me. Just like the Muggles' fables, they offer life lessons. I also like Dumbledore's comments at the end of each story. They are funny and informative.

The only thing that I didn't like about this book is that it's too short. I want more!

This is definitely a book every Harry Potter fan should have in their collection.

Rating: 4/5

Book Shopping 15

During one of my visits to National Book Store, SM Fairview a few days ago, I saw a book that I've been wanting to buy. It was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The hardbound version costs less than the paperback version. But I didn't buy it. I decided to leave and go back some other time. And if I go back and the book is still there, then I would buy it.

I went there this afternoon after work. The book was still there. So I bought it. I also bought some other children's books that were on sale.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (hardbound, P200.00)
- paperback version costs P395.00!

The reason why the hardbound costs less than the paperback is because the hardbound has a remainder mark. Just click on the link if you have no idea about remainder marks.

Care Bears: The Day Nobody Shared (P30.00)

Care Bears: How Does Your Garden Grow? (P50.00)

How To Write Stories by Celia Warren (P52.00)

There goes another day of my life. Book shopping.

Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion (Mark Cotta Vaz)

* Explore the making of the film Twilight, the story that has entranced millions of readers, with this ultimate visual companion. This beautiful book captures the onscreen creation of Meyer's breathtaking world, brought to life in film by award-winning director Catherine Hardwicke and her creative team. With never-before-seen images, exclusive interviews, and personal stories, renowned author Mark Cotta Vaz takes you behind the scenes with the director, producers, and set designers to intimately experience the creation of the film. Inside you'll discover details like the Cullen family crest, secrets behind some of the film's most dramatic scenes, and learn just how a vampire sparkles in the sun.

This book is a must-have for every Twilight fan out there. I am not exactly a book-turned-into-movie fan but I love Twilight (the first book). So I'm definitely looking forward to the film. Besides, Robert Pattinson is hot. :D

There's nothing much I could say about the book. I guess I focused more on the pictures than on the text. Hahaha. But seriously, the book shared a lot of information on the hard work and experiences of the film crew. Filming Twilight was really difficult. They experienced different kinds of weather conditions. Their worst experiences in making the movie were all because of the weather. But they did their best to make the fans happy.

Catherine said she tried to stay faithful to the book as much as possible. Hopefully they did because just thinking about the film's upcoming release makes me hyperventilate with excitement (if there's such a thing). Anyway, here are some of the pictures from the book.

Sigh...

Where they first met

Stephenie Meyer's cameo

The fight scene

Sparkling Edward

The Cullen Family

The Cullen Family Crest

The Cullen Children

Bella and Jacob at La Push

The Prom

Rob really knows how to play the piano

A really romantic scene

I'm so dazzled.

Rating: 4/5

Fully Booked Twilight Saga Trivia Raffle Contest

There's an ongoing trivia raffle contest in Fully Booked. Here's the link on how to join.

I already have five online raffle entries since I answered all questions correctly. I also have one in-store raffle entry because of the Twilight Movie Companion which I bought from their store. I'm not expecting to win since I already have the Twilight books. But I'd still join just for fun.

Book Shopping 14

My latest book shopping is one of the best book shopping I had so far. This is because I finally bought 2 of my three must-have books before this year ends. They are The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion by Mark Cotta Vaz. The only book left is The Tales of the Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling which will be available next month. But before buying those books, there were some obstacles on the way. Read on to find out.

I wasn't really planning on buying these books this month. But when I received a text message from Fully Booked, The Block last Saturday (Nov. 8) that my reserved copy of the Twilight Movie Companion is already available, I got really excited. According to them, reservation is good for only 3 days so I really need to buy that book ASAP. Stocks run out easily so if I lose my reservation, there's a small chance for me of having that book. Since I was very busy last weekend (Sat. - IPTC in school; Sun. - Erin's 1st birthday party in the afternoon, Jo's send-off party in the evening), I didn't have time to drop by in Fully Booked so I had to schedule my trip yesterday after work. So I went. But I went home empty-handed. Here's why.

I arrived in Fully Booked at around 4:30 PM. I saw the table of Twilight books with around less than 20 copies of the Twilight Movie Companion. Instead of getting my reserved copy, I decided to just get one from the table so that I could choose my own copy. I'm a bit OC when it comes to new books so I prefer copies in excellent condition (i.e., no dog ears, no wrinkled spines, no stains, etc.). I didn't pay for it immediately but went straight to children's and young adult section.

When I arrived there, I saw a lone copy of The Graveyard Book on the bestseller's shelf. I checked out the other shelves if there are other copies available and found only one. Of course, I chose the book with the better condition. I wandered around again and checked out other books in that area. A few minutes later, the other copy of The Graveyard Book is no longer there. I believe that those two copies I saw were the only ones they have in the store. So I was really lucky to have one of those two copies. I didn't let go of that book anymore.

As I was checking out the children's books, I saw one book that I'm sure my students would love. It's an adventure of Thomas and Friends. Thomas (the blue train) is the favorite character of some of my students. The story would definitely go with the unit study in school now because the topic is all about transportations. I got the book and went to the cashier to pay for the books.

When I was at the cashier, I felt really excited. I decided to pay using my credit card. I gave the books, my credit card, and Fully Booked discount card to the person in charge. She entered my purchases in the cash register and computed for the discounts. She deducted 5% from the Twilight Movie Companion but deducted 10% from the other books. She must have thought that I'll pay using cash. But my credit card is with her already so maybe there were changes with the rules in giving discounts. She told me the total price and asked for my payment. I was right. She really though I'd pay using cash. I told her that my card is with her. Then she said that they don't accept BPI Express Credit in their store. Dang! Big trouble. I don't have extra cash with me so there's no way I could pay for those books. I asked the lady if it's okay if I'll buy the books the next day since I didn't bring extra cash with me. She said it's okay and asked for my name so that the books would be reserved for me. I gave it to her then left.

I was sort-of disappointed that I wasn't able to buy the books. But my excitement of my return the next day was the superior feeling so even if I went home empty handed, I was still happy.

After work this afternoon, I went back to Fully Booked, The Block even though it was raining hard. As soon as I arrived, I immediately went to the cashier and paid for my books. I left without browsing in the store since I was just there the day before. I just stopped by at Watson's to buy some personal stuff then I went home.

Now, even though I'm officially broke, I feel very, very happy. Wishes really do come true. :)

Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion by Mark Cotta Vaz (P664.05)

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (P449.10)

Thomas & Friends: May the Best Engine Win! (P108.00)

Boxed Set/Collection Must-Haves

I saw these boxed sets/collections at Fully Booked, The Block. Wee. I want!

The Adventures of Tintin

I first read Tintin's adventures when I was 8 years old. There were copies of them in the school library. So while waiting for my Mom to pick me up, I stayed at the library to read about his adventures. I don't have any personal copies of my own and the comic books are back and are available in most bookstores. Sooo tempting!

PRICE: P5999.00

The Chronicles of Narnia

Seven stories in one book. I guess it's really time for me to buy this since it has been in my books-to-buy for a few years now.

PRICE: P880.00

Roald Dahl's Books


Roald Dahl is one of my favorite writers. A total must-have in my collection.

PRICE: P2259.00

Book Shopping 13

I had a sort-of crazy moment this afternoon. After eating lunch, I went to my parents' bedroom to watch CNN with my Dad while surfing the internet. Barack Obama is the newly-elected president of the USA. But my sort-of crazy moment has no relation to that. My Dad became sleepy so he turned off the TV. I turned off my laptop and went downstairs to the living room. I brought my bag and Moleskine with me. I read the entries in my Moleskine. After that, I just sat on the couch and stared at the old piano. Lots of things ran through my head:

- I'm so bored
- I'm such a procrastinator
- I need to finish my students' report cards
- I want to go somewhere
- I'm so bored
- I'm getting broke soon
- I have to go out
- I hate myself
- The world is crazy and it's making me crazy too
- AAAARRRGGGHHH!!!

I immediately went upstairs and changed clothes. I need to go out and walk to clear my head. While changing, I suddenly thought of Coffee Bean. I then decided that I would go to Coffee Bean even if I'm close to getting broke. I would finish my students' report cards there while drinking coffee. So I went.

The place was not crowded. I guess most coffee-lovers were at Starbucks to get stickers for their planners. I ordered a regular Mocha Latte. Mmmm... I started to feel good. I then got my students' report cards and worked on them. After I was done, I went outside to window shop. I suddenly thought of Fully Booked so I went there. I strolled in the store for around 30 minutes. I didn't have plans of buying anything but this book appealed to me so I bought it.

The Jolly Barnyard by Annie North Bedford (P108.00)

I bought this book because I'm planning to use it during story telling time in school.

So that's it. My latest book shopping.


PS: Pardon my crazy post. I just feel weird today.

Book Shopping 12

In my previous blog entry, I wrote about the new Fully Booked in town. Of course, my trip to that bookstore would not be complete without any book purchase. The book I bought was not for me but for Ojane's daughter, Erin. She will celebrate her 1st birthday party on Sunday, November 9 at the Manila Polo Club. I know that she will just turn 1 and would not be able to read the book I will give her. But she could enjoy looking at the pictures. Besides, it's never too early to expose a child to a book. I love giving books as gifts even if I know the receivers do not like to read. Haha. So here's my latest book purchase.

Baby Einstein: Animal Match

I also got the free bi-monthly magazine of Fully Booked.

October-November 2008 (Issue No. 3 Vol. 5)

Interestingly, one article in the magazine is about literary vampires who appeared on the big screen. Of course, Twilight is mentioned. Most of the pictures in the article are pictures from the Twilight movie.


The two other vampire pictures in the article are Kirsten Dunst who played Claudia in the movie, Interview with the Vampire and Bela Lugosi who played Count Dracula in the movie, Dracula.

Fully Booked, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel

This is the new bookstore in the Ortigas area. I've read about it in the Fully Booked website and in some forums I visit. Since I'm still on vacation/sem break, I took the opportunity to visit the bookstore after my enrollment in UP this afternoon.

Here are the crappy pictures I took since I didn't bring my digicam with me. I just used my old crappy camera phone. Besides, even if I have my digicam with me, I don't think the sales staff would allow me to use it inside. The pictures.

This is the Children and Young Adult Section. The shelf in the middle are filled with children's books and some graphic novels/comics.

This is the view from one end of the bookstore. Straight ahead, you would see the sales staff of Fully Booked arranging the magazines in the Magazine Section.

The walls above the shelves are filled with quotes about bookstores and books. I wasn't able to read all but hopefully on my next visit, the staff would allow me to take pictures of them. Haha.

This is the table where newly-released books and bestsellers are displayed. Can you spot that eye? It's The Host by Stephenie Meyer.

The brown stairs lead to the second floor which houses books on Photography, Architecture, New Age, and Cookbooks.

The view from the second floor.

The view from the top of the stairs.

The Molekine shelf. Most Moleskines on sale are the 2009 Planners.

There is also a cafe inside the bookstore. I wasn't able to check it out though since I wasn't hungry during the time of my visit. I'll try their food and drinks on my next visit.

Anyway, here are the things I like about the bookstore:

1. I saw a lot of books that I've been wanting to buy since as far as I can remember. They have stocks of those books which other bookstores don't have. I was sooo tempted to buy those books using my credit card especially now that BPI increased my credit limit. But I told myself that I'll buy them on my future visits.

2. The place is not crowded. There were only a few people who visited the bookstore while I was there. I know that few people visiting is bad to the business, but it's great news for me. At least I'm assured that when I come back, the books I like are still there. By the way, they have lots of Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn on stock. :)

3. The sales staff are nice. They smiled and greeted at the customers who are in the store.

4. The books are neatly arranged on the shelf. I really hate it whenever I can't find a book that I'm looking for.

5. It's only a few steps away from my favorite mall (Shangri-La Plaza). So from now on, every time I go to Shangri-La Plaza, I would always have a side trip to Fully Booked.

What I don't like about the bookstore:

NONE!!! Like I could ever hate something about a bookstore.

Of course, if ever I would have a major book shopping spree, the bookstore that I would visit would still be Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street. It's the ultimate bookstore heaven if you have lots of money to spare. Hahaha.

For now, I am contented with Fully Booked, Shangri-La. Even if Fully Booked, The Block is the nearest Fully Booked branch to my house, I'd still prefer the one in Shangri-La because there's a lesser chance that I'd run into someone who knows me. Haha. I'm a snob when I'm in a bookstore. I don't want somebody disturbing me while I browse at the books.

So that's it. My new favorite bookstore.

PS: from Fully Booked eZine - We're open longer! Our EDSA Shangri-La Hotel branch is open from 10am-12mn on Fridays and Saturdays.