What was J.K. Rowling’s first published short story collection in the Wizarding World?

J.K. Rowling’s first published short story collection in the Wizarding World was The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

The book was published in 2007, shortly after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In the fictional world, it is a collection of wizarding fairy tales translated from ancient runes by Hermione Granger. The stories include “The Tale of the Three Brothers,” which explains the origin of the Deathly Hallows.

The collection is presented as a book associated with Albus Dumbledore, who provides notes on the tales. In the real world, Rowling wrote and illustrated some handwritten copies before a larger edition was published for readers. Proceeds from the original charity edition supported the Children’s High Level Group, later renamed Lumos.

It is distinct from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages, which are fictional Hogwarts textbooks presented as companion works. Beedle’s book is a collection of stories and commentary.