Wonder at the Wonders!

“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy.” - The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath.


We live in a beautiful world.

So many things in this world are uncertain - who created it, how it was formed, how life evolved...

But one thing we know for sure - this is a beautiful world!

There are flowers and fragrances, there are buds and blossoms. There are waterfalls and valleys, there are the skies and the seas. There are stunning rainbows and vibrant rain-forests. There are sheer cliffs and rugged mountains. There are vast deserts and giant icebergs. There are ethereal sunsets and and twinkling stars. There are green meadows and winding rivers. There are fluffy clouds and tumultuous thunderstorms. There are ancient fossils buried deep, and soaring birds high in the sky. There are beautiful peacocks and mighty lions. There are terrible predators and gentle prey. There are millions of unique and different life forms on this planet.

And then there's us, who live in blissful ignorance of Earth's beauty.

We have one lifetime on this planet. Isn't it a shame to waste that one lifetime blind to everything around us? Isn't it a shame to be so caught up in the shallow ways of the world, that you close your eyes to its wonders?

So open your eyes. Go and live. Take your time to caress a blooming bud. Take your time to gaze upon the azure forget-me-nots along a road. Take your time to watch a lone ant threading its path through the labyrinthine paths of the ground. Take your time to sit on a hammock in the breeze and just relax. Take your time to watch the sun rising above the horizon, ever so slowly. Take your time to ponder over the depth of the oceans and the vastness of the skies. Take your time to appreciate the spectacles around you.

Wonder, marvel and live in captivated joy, every moment of your life!

Who knows, in your next life you might be a mayfly with a lifespan of just a day! So enjoy your life while you can!

Keep it simple!

Keep it simple. - Frank Zhang to Annabeth Chase, The Mark of Athena, The Heroes of Olympus.

Life throws at you many challenges. They're all to test you. All the problems you have, all the situations you have to face, have a simple solution.
The web of problems in your life is basically like a circuit diagram on your test paper. It looks very complicated. There are many crisscrossing paths and an infinite number of routes the current could take. Except there aren't.
Let me tell you what happens as soon as you see the diagram - First thing, you panic. How in the world are you going to work out the resistance of this circuit? It looks virtually impossible. Second, you finish the rest of the paper and resign yourself you spend hours on this last problem left to solve. You look closer, you turn the paper around in all possible directions and then something hits you. No, you think. It can't be possible. There must be a mistake somewhere. But it is true. The answer is extremely easy. And then it hits you again. That was the whole purpose of the question, to get you confused. You have realized that only one path qualifies to take the current from beginning to end. The rest are all redundant. You heave a sigh of relief, which turns into a groan as you realize the time allotted for solving the paper is almost up. Hurriedly, you solve the sum and submit your paper.
Most of the challenges we face in life are also similar to this. We, being humans, create complexities that don't exist. We imagine dilemmas which are totally unreal. We add new dimensions to every problem. We examine it from every angle. All the while, the solution lies before us, crystal clear. The only thing is, we overestimate the capability any situation has of confusing us.
So don't complicate things much. Remember that most of the problems you anticipate won't actually happen. Remember that things are actually much easier to solve than you think they are.Whether it is freeing yourself from a pair of Chinese handcuffs (inside joke) or finding a way to achieve your dreams, you'll eventually find a way.
Dream big and think big, but remember - Keep it simple!

Bored? Pick up a book!

Are you having one of those periods of extreme boredom? Are you reading this just because you're bored and have nothing else to do?
Well, then, that's awesome! 'Coz I'm going to tell you something about how to shush your boredom chip by reading books. 

BOOKS: 
In the first place, what is a  book? Ever looked it up on Wikipedia? 

'A book is a set of written, printed, illustrated or blank sheets, made of ink, paper, parchment or other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side.'

Alphabetic writing first emerged in Egypt, where papyrus was used as a substitute for paper - in fact, that's where the word 'paper' comes from.
Books were at first merely a collection of sheets, and over the years, have emerged to the form they are presently manufactured in.

All right, now to the main part. How do you select a book? Here are a few tips that I myself have used quite a few times.

• Choose according to your likes. If you're a fiction - lover, then choose fiction - related books, if you're a comics - lover then you should try out magazines and newspapers along with illustrated comics. For non - fiction lovers, there's always a huge range of biographies, autobiographies, some interesting accounts of people's lives and so on.
• Ask a friend. The best way to find out about new books is to ask your friends what they suggest reading. Most of the times, word of mouth is reliable. I've read a thousand books my friends told me to read, and a thousand others my cousins told me to read. And I loved almost all of them.
• Browse the web. Sometimes, you can find a book other people your age have been reading around the world. Lists of the top (number) famous books, and such other articles help too.
• Go author-wise. If you read a book you loved, look up the author's other books and try them. They're most likely going to interest you almost as much as the first. And sometimes, you like them even better than the first series/novel you read. The Host, for example, got me hooked so easily, it was amazing. Of course, I had to struggle through every part of the Twilight Saga, and now I think it was definitely not worth the effort.
• Pick up randomly. If you're browsing through a library's collections and have no idea whatsoever about which book you want to read, then it's your best bet to pick up random books that catch your eye. There's usually always a summary on the back cover and if it interests you, you could try it.

Maybe my tips helped you, or maybe not. But I've certainly entertained you for... two minutes, I think. I know there are a lot of people who might have read this in thirty seconds and to them I can only say - I understand why you're having a problem finding books. You've read them all!
Just kidding! No one's read all the books there are to read. Believe me, there's a whole host of novels that you've never heard of and that would greatly interest you, out there. You just have to find them.
Happy book hunting!

SOURCES - Wikipedia, and my experiences!

What happened on August 18...

Disclaimer : I don't own any of the characters in this world. Rick Riordan does! Only the plot is mine…



WHAT HAPPENED ON AUGUST 18…

                                       drop-jaw gorgeous banner by Azulive @ tda

 PART - I

It was the eighteenth of August. A fair morning dawned, the sun shone bright. Flowers blossomed, the mist cleared and the sky was blue with fluffy clouds. Of course, apart from being a really nice day, it was also Percy Jackson's birthday. His first birthday after the second giant war. "Oh, big affair", you would think, but for the demigods of Camp Half-blood, it was indeed a big day. It was the last day Percy and Annabeth were staying at camp. Then they would be off to New Rome, to attend college and do all the other 'normal' things demigods were usually denied.
Of course, a see-off party was in order, and what better way to do it than combining it with a birthday party?
Travis and Connor Stoll took charge of the fun department, of course. Food could be arranged in a snap. You had to say it, and you would have it! The decorations were left to the nymphs and satyrs. Chiron hinted that the gods themselves were going to present him with a gift for saving Olympus along with the Heroes of Olympus. The campers were awed upon hearing this, but they promised to keep quiet about it all and let it be a surprise to Percy.
Percy knew, obviously, that something was going on and he wasn't being told, but he took it in a good spirit and refused to be curious. He would wait until the D-day patiently.
And thus the D-day dawned bright and happy, with preparations going on full-swing and every person looking forward to the evening...

PERCY
Something was definitely not normal at camp. Everyone rushing about, giving me suspicious looks and then rushing away. My mother's insistence that I spend the whole of today with her. She might have spared a thought for me, after all. I would be seeing her every now and then because she was going to shift to San Francisco. But it would be almost impossible for me to visit camp after shifting to New Rome. I deserved to say a proper goodbye to my safe haven.
Anyway, I was not about to spend my birthday being miserable. I was going to eat blue cake, blue muffins, blue biscuits... and well, you get it. I would have a blast with Mom and Paul and enjoy my birthday totally!
With these happy thoughts, I finished my morning training and then packed up some stuff to take home.
A whistle to Blackjack and he was there, my mighty Pegasus, flapping his wings eagerly and bowling me over with all the latest gossip from Pegasi-town. I'd already said goodbye to Annabeth and spent about five minutes wondering why she categorically refused to come home for my birthday with me. Maybe Mom had told her we wanted a family day and being Annabeth, she had obliged readily.
Sighing, I took off on Blackjack and made my way home. I was greeted by my overjoyed mother and a grinning Paul. After the bone-crushing hugs session and a fist bump with Paul, we started our feast. Mom's food was all blue, of course, and I had the meal of my life!
We were chatting, catching up with each other's news when the window rattled open and Jason flew in. Yes, he actually flew into my house, shouted "Percy's needed at Camp Halfblood NOW!" and pulled me out of the window with him. Paul was staring open-mouthedly and Mom was just standing there, and waving goodbye. After getting over my shock, the fear began to set in. "Can't we take the subway, Jason?", I asked him. "No, we can't. We need to get back, and fast!"
Now the fear turned into dread. "Is Annabeth okay? Grover? And everybody else?" "Yes, everyone's absolutely fine, Percy. Now shut up and be a good passenger, will you?" Jason snapped.
Figuring something really bad would happen if I spoke again, I decided to obey my pilot's orders. We were back at Camp in no time at all (which was like five long days for me) and he dumped me unceremoniously on the ground. I got up and immediately punched him on the nose. "What happened, and why exactly did I have to endure that dreadful journey?" Jason simply pouted and replied,"You'll see soon enough. Come on!"
Then he dragged me off to the Big House and locked me in the Rec Room. I pounded my fists and he gave a shout, "Mischief, thou art afoot!" "Don't quote Shakespeare!" I shouted to the empty dark space around me.
"Okay, calm down!" I told myself. First, I had to find the light switch. That done, I sighed in relief as the whole room lit up in a moment. I almost expected a shout of "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PERCY!" but knowing my friends, I suppose that was too much to hope for. The room was well and truly empty and I was well and truly locked in…


PART - II

Olympus was in chaos. Artemis said the boy deserved a gift. Apollo and Hermes nodded. Athena said Zeus must not break his word. He had already told Chiron that the boy would be rewarded on his birthday, and now it must be done. Ares glared at the goddesses vehemently, but kept quiet. He was not in Zeus' favour at the moment. Poseidon did not intefere and looked on gravely as the argument raged around him. Hestia was, as usual, by the hearth and Dionysus was trying to summon up a bottle of wine. Aphrodite was playing with her hair, Hera was staring into space and Demeter was trying not to look bored. Hephaestus was the only one listening attentively, yet silently.
This was a very common scene in the Olympus throne room, but this time, the argument was very silly. Zeus had decided that Percy Jackson must be rewarded on his birthday for saving Olypmus along with his friends. Any desire of his would be fulfilled. But at the last minute, the plan had changed. Ares, still fuming about the attention the boy got, had suggested 'casually' that the boy might choose immortality and one day, usurp Zeus' throne. He had laughed and called it a joke, but now Zeus was paranoid.
Just when things were about to get out of hand, Hephaestus spoke, "Father, I do not think Jackson will choose immortality. He had already turned it down once. In any case, if that is all the problem is about, then you can grant him anything he desires, but immortality."
Zeus was pleased with this simple suggestion and decreed that Percy would receive his due, after all. Poseidon smiled to himself, wondering at how the Olympians could sometimes be more foolish than a pack of donkeys.
Of course Percy wouldn't choose immortality without Annabeth, and maybe not even if it was offered to both of them...

PERCY
So I was shoved into a dark room with only Chiron's horrible records and a much-weathered (sat on at points of time) ping-pong table for company.
At the very least, they could have given me some warning or a chance to defend myself. I would certainly have killed Jason with no remorse, the ride he subjected me to was horrifying.
I set about trying to break the door down, but it didn't budge an inch. I started thinking. Maybe they had Frank in grizzly form holding the door in place. Yes, maybe I could convince him to back off. He's seen what I can do when I get angry. I called out to Frank, "Move back, Grizzly! I'm furious now..", before hearing a chuckle from outside. I stopped dead in my tracks. I had just been fooling around, but maybe there was someone guarding me. All I had to do was convince them.
But my hopes were dashed to Hades when an all-too-familiar voice spoke sarcastically, "No way, Jackson! Tell me you did not think Frank in grizzly-bear form was guarding you.
"Annabeth, is it you? Let me out!" "Not that easy, Seaweed Brain. You're gonna have to try a lot harder than this!"
"It's my birthday, Annabeth. Please be a darling and let me out!"
Annabeth whistled casually. So she couldn't be emotionally blackmailed. But bribing was definitely worth a try.
"Alright then, I'll buy you a library, Wise Girl!"
Wise Girl pretended to consider for a moment, before replying, "Tempting, but still not enough."
"Hmmm... what about our very own house in New Rome, with a built-in three-floor library, and a command room with all super-speed Internet and super-advanced gadgets?"
Annabeth gasped at that. I knew she would take her time on this one, so I wandered to the other end of the room, wracking my brain for another exit method.
Just as Annabeth called out, "I'm not letting you out, so don't get your hopes up!" time seemed to slow down in the room. The clock was ticking slower, I was walking like a turtle and then everything stopped altogether. A portal dazzled to life on the ping-pong table and out stepped Hecate, the goddess of magic. "Come, Perseus" she said and waited. If you would unfreeze me, I thought, unable to move my lips. She seemed to realise it, though, because she snapped and suddenly, I was sucked into the portal. I landed in an undignified heap again, but this time I looked up to see that I was in the Olympus throne room…


 The campers were longing for the party to begin. Leo Valdez was to unveil his special gift to Percy, the Stoll brothers were organising some fun games and of course, there would be unlimited, delicious food!

So when they heard the news of Percy's disappearance (may I add, again!) there were a lot of worried faces, a lot of disappointed faces and a lot of stunned faces all around Camp. The juicy bit of information spread like wildfire and soon, everyone was talking about it. 

Chiron had to interrupt to prevent Annabeth from breaking down in front of everyone. And when the campers heard of Percy's whereabouts from Chiron, there was even more gossip to spread. What would Percy choose? Immortality? Peace? What, what, what, what? That was the red question, that no one (save Annabeth, perhaps) could answer with certainty.

PERCY

I rose from my awkward position on the floor of Olympus' throne room as gracefully as I could, only to face numerous immortals staring at me like I was a prize exhibit.

I straightened up and bowed to Poseidon. I greeted Zeus next, with a muttered "A great honour, mighty King of Gods". I had learnt long ago that it stands in your best interests to behave with the gods as appropriate. My feud with Ares was still smoldering in the cauldrons of our hatred for each other... but that is another long story.

"I suppose you are wondering why you were summoned here, Perseus Jackson!" Zeus told me gravely. I nodded. 

"We Olympians have decided to reward you for saving Olympus" he continued. Again, I was tempted to add.

"I, Zeus, King of Gods, proclaim that this boy, Perseus, shall have anything he desires, but immortality!"

I sighed and looked directly at Zeus, "Yes, sir! I would not dream of asking you for that gift, anytime."

"That is as it should be. Decide quickly now, puny mortal!" Zeus thundered.

Apollo jumped up immediately and told me, "Ask for a car-chariot like mine, Percy. Then we both can go for joyrides together!"
"No, ask for a long, happy life with Annabeth!" Aphrodite exclaimed. Athena looked up at that and glowered at me.
"I think we should let the boy decide. It is his birthday, after all!" Artemis said. At this, all the gods fell quiet and looked towards me, curious to listen to my choice.
To be frank, I didn't know what I wanted exactly. I opened my mouth to say so, but shut it again. Something was taking shape in the back of my mind.
"Well, if I could, I would ask for all you gods to never have children with mortals again..."
At that, all the gods looked at me so strangely that I hastily said, "But of course, that is not possible. Neither can I ask you to leave my life alone and never put me or Annabeth into danger again."
It was fate that kept putting demigods in danger, that much I had learnt from my experiences. Olympian gods, though immortal, had hardly any measure of control over their situations. I don't know if Capital-G God exists or not, but if he does, he is the only one who can decide my fate.
"I wish to ask this of you, then. I want a life for demigods like me, outside of fighting monsters. A life like there is in New Rome. Annabeth and me can go there if we so wish, but that is only because we are heroes now - heroes who saved Olympus. But what of those children who have never left camp, and probably never will until there is another war? What of those demigods who do not wish to spend their entire lives training for something that might never happen? What of those who want a normal life, at least, as normal a life as a demigod's can be?
All of them cannot go to New Rome. Our Camps are not as friendly as to allow that. So I ant you to create a connection between Camp Half-blood and Camp Jupiter. I want you join them magically, or otherwise, which will make them one large Camp. Or create a free portal between both Camps.
I want Greeks and Romans to train together, to learn each others' languages, to live together if they so wish. I want New Rome as a safe haven for all demigods, regardless of their origin. Only then will your different forms be reconciled with each other forever."
A stunned silence greeted me. I could see different reactions and emotions running on the faces of the Olympians.
I could also see that I had dropped a bombshell, making such a wish. Maybe I shouldn't have. But I was happy I did. You see, on the way back from Greece, the Seven Heroes of Olympus had talked quite a bit about the life of a demigod and we had concluded that something like my wish would be the best solution to our problems. We would actually get a choice whether we wanted to fight monsters or not. It wouldn't be forced on us. But at the time, none of us had ever thought tit would be possible. Now I had seen a way, and though it seemed crazy, I had taken the chance. I knew Reyna wanted this too, she had told me personally. I also knew that even if the campers rejected the idea at first, they would soon see sense and agree to the arrangement.
The Olympians must have been having a silent discussion, because a grave voice snapped me back to reality…


“You ask for a lot, my boy! Couldn’t you be satisfied with something else?”Artemis asked, shooting a worried look at Zeus.
“I’m sorry, Goddess. This is what I want, and nothing else will please me - not wealth and not health.” Percy replied.
Zeus looked thoughtful, and after a minute he spoke, “You will have it, Perseus. I am pleased with your selflessness. But of course, convincing the others will be up to you and I am sure the consequences of the action will be your responsibility. Think hard, nephew!”
“My decision has been taken, oh Zeus! I am sure about this.” Percy said without any hesitation.
Zeus’ expression grew lighter and he snapped his fingers once. “It will be done on the next full-moon day. Until then, prepare yourselves.”
This scene enfolded in the Gods’ throne room after Perseus Jackson asked for his wish on the 18th day of August.

PERCY
I was terribly scared I had crossed the limit. I was sure the Gods were discussing just how to zap me to Hades, but then Zeus’ speech came and my joy knew no bounds. We were getting what we wanted, at last. My insides did a little dance as Hecate transported me back to the locked room.
Crap! The locked room! Annabeth! It all came flooding back to me as I realised how much my disappearance would have scared her, and the camp.
I shouted out, and running footsteps were heard. The door opened and Annabeth flung herself at me. I found myself caressing her hair, and telling her it was alright. I promised I would never scare her like that again and she stepped back. She surveyed me for a moment and then burst out, “That’s it, right? You’re immortal, aren’t you?”
I was so bewildered, I laughed. “No way, Annabeth. Immortality, for me? Never! Zeus would never allow it.”
Annabeth laughed with me then, “I knew you wouldn’t choose it and leave me behind. But… one can never be too sure, right? So what did you ask for?”
I told her, and for a moment she looked at me with her mouth hanging open. Then, she screamed.
Let me just say that it was some time before we both calmed down enough to walk out of the Big House. By mutual understanding, we had decided to keep the matter to ourselves until we were alone with the rest of our best friends.
We had the best party ever… and I was so touched. Leo’s gift was amazing - an entire cabin for sword-training and archery practice (need I say, I suck at it). It had state-of-the-art facilities and I was left gaping, and mouthing, “Wow!”
The games were pretty cool, too! Me and Annabeth had the most fun time since Gaia’s defeat, ever!
But that night, as I fell into the dreamy lull that precedes sleep, I knew what the best parts of the day had been - Mom’s blue cake, Paul’s comforting handshake, Annabeth’s loving hug and my friends’ warm wishes!

                                                   

                                                           

Why Harry Potter’s awesome!

I know there are around ten thousand or so reasons why Harry Potter is popular, entertaining and engrossing, but here I will state the reasons I think are the best!

• Interesting Plot - Harry Potter was the most popular children’s fiction for ever so long, and I still rate it the best novel I have read, and most of the credit goes to the plot. It is imaginative and well thought-out. Sometimes, you have to think a little to sort a few thing out in your head and sometimes, you can’t wait for the next twist in the story!
• Perfect Language - Not too simple, not too complex! That’s the language J.K. Rowling uses, and it appeals to children of all ages very much. Reading the books is simply a pleasure, what with the philosophical quotes, laugh-till-you-burst jokes and vivid descriptions!
• Theme - The story revolves around a young hero who has had a hard life. As we follow his adventures, he learns the most important lessons of life - that friendship matters beyond anything else, courage and determination will take you anywhere, and the most important of all - love conquers all. The lessons it contains are not pushed down your throat, but you definitely know they’re there, and it does change you in a way, reading this series...
• Characters - Over the course of the story, the characters grow into so much more than they were at first. Unexpected sides are revealed, as with Neville. Unexpected people make a mark on your heart, like Luna. And unexpected twists make you rethink everything you ever thought about a character ( you know and I know whom I’m talking about ).

So that was for people who wanted honest opinions why Harry Potter is definitely worth the read.
Now to come to the more important points!

• Hermione Granger - I think Harry Potter is one of the very few books that has a female main character whose only job is not just to look beautiful and agree with everything everyone else says (I’m not going to pretend I didn’t just take a dig at Twilight!!)
• Love - the most powerful magic - Harry Potter is also one of the very few series where love is not the mushy teen romance stuff, but actual love. Love for life, love for friends, love for your own, love for the world in general.
• There’s Fred and George - You do not just put down a book that involves characters like Fred and George, who can keep you laughing for days together!
• People all over the world read it - Everyone has heard of Harry Potter. Find me a single teenager who has never heard of the book, and… we all know no such person exists. And yes, Harry Potter has such a large readership over the world, it is taken for granted that it is one of the most popular children’s books, which implies it’s awesome!

I could go on and on forever, but what I really want to know is, do you agree with me? And do you have more reasons to add to my list? As a true Potterhead, I entreat you to answer me honestly and frankly!

The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett is a classic well-loved by children around the world. It was first published in its entirety in 1911 and is now one of Burnett's most popular novels.
It follows the story of Mary Lennox, a young sulky girl of age 10 living in India.
She was taken care of from her birth by servants, since her parents didn't want her and were too busy to care for her themselves. As a result of this, she is spoiled and can't do even the simplest of things by herself.
When her parents die in the cholera epidemic, Mary is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven in Yorkshire, England. He lives in a big house called Misselthwaite Manor, and it is surrounded by gardens and beautiful moorlands. Mary is at first astonished at the way of living in England, but absolutely denies having any interest or curiosity in it. She behaves like her usual self - spoiled, selfish and attention-seeking until she begins to realise slowly that her behaviour will get her nowhere in life. With the help of people she meets at Misselthwaite Manor, she gets over her pettiness and starts gardening to make herself strong and healthy. She soon falls in love with roaming her uncle's courtyards and gardens, talking to the old gardener Ben Weatherstaff and petting his tame robin.
One day, while walking on a new path, she discovers a garden with rose trees but she cannot find the door to it. She finds out from her friend and maid, Martha Sowerby, that the garden was the late Mrs. Craven's. After her death, Mr. Craven locked up the garden and also his soul, in his deepest parts.
Then Mary finds the key to the garden's door accidentally and also the door to the garden. She starts reviving the garden with the help of Martha's brother, Dickon.
One rainy day, when she has to stay in the house and is exploring it, she hears loud wails. When she asks Martha about them, Martha shrugs off her queries. Her curiosity aroused, she sneaks to the room from where the sound seems to be coming in the night and finds a young boy in the bed. Colin is Mr. Craven's son and is proclaimed a hunchback by a relative cum doctor. Colin has to stay in bed for fear that his back may bend and as a result, he has never walked out of his room by himself. Mary takes it to her head to help poor Colin and goes about it secretly.
The secret garden is by now coming on well, and Mary decides to take Colin to the garden without anyone's knowledge. The story continues until Colin not only stands, but runs and is finally cured of his so called 'illness'.
This story amuses you, frustrates you, engages you and teaches you some valuable lessons of life.
So the next time you are asked to review a classic in school, you know which book to pick!

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is the 'Grimms' Fairy Tales' of the magical world. Just like we muggles (I totally don't want to be included in that group, but let's face it - I haven't got my letter yet!) can reel off Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Hansel and Gretel by-heart, children of the magical world have heard The Tales Of Beedle the Bard a million times over.
There is not really much difference between Muggle fairy tales and Wizards' fairy tales - both emphasise the victory of good and the downfall of evil, both usually have 'happy endings' and both aim to teach little children the values of life through an interesting means.
But a primary difference is that magic is considered a thing of fairy tales (pun not intended) in Muggle stories and it is this magic that tends to be the root of all problems or fixes. In wizard fairy tales, though, the heores and heroines are adept at magic and yet, they face just as many problems as any other person would and it is finally the goodness of their heart that tides them through difficulty.
And remember that you might say fairy tales are full of miracles ad things which would never happen in everyday life, but children from magical backgrounds also find it hard to believe some of the things that happen in their fairy tales. To make things clearer - in The Tale of the Three Brothers, the appearance of Death in the story seems like fantasy even to Ron, who was exposed to magic since his childhood.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a compilation of five famous wizarding stories, "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot", "The Fountain of Fair Fortune", "Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump", "The Warlock's Hairy Heart" and "The Tale of the Three Brothers".
After the Harry Potter series was complete, J.K. Rowling made seven handwritten and self-illustrated copies of The Tales of Beedle the Bard and distributed six to people who were deeply involved with Harry Potter. The seventh was sold, and the money was donated to a charity. And then, the book was released in Standard and Paperback form to the public. The book contains commentary from Dumbledore at the end of each tale and his views on each of them.
These stories are amusing, entertaining and contain a storehouse of information about wizards' practices, especially those of the olden times when wizards were not concealed from the world. Dumbledore's commentary provides a world of insight about how the tales were received by the public in general and children especially.
There are also hints to the truth behind the Deathly Hallows in "The Tale of the Three Brothers", which the readers can relate to if they have read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard may seem like a book meant for a young audience and it probably is, in the wizarding world. Nevertheless, Harry Potter fans will find themselves engrossed while reading the book and of course, need I say it, we all will jump at the chance to read some personal views penned down by Dumbledore himself!

Sources : The Tales of Beedle the Bard
               Wikipedia
                Harry Potter Wiki