Lumos Announces the eBook Publication of J.K. Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard, with all Proceeds Benefitting the International Children's Charity, Lumos

LONDON, November 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Today J.K. Rowling is issuing an online message to let readers in the digital world know about the eBook publication of The Tales of Beedle the Bard and encourage them to support the vital work of Lumos. J.K. Rowling's message can be viewed at http://www.wearelumos.org.

And a moving animation about the work of Lumos, narrated by J.K. Rowling, is available for the first time today.

About Lumos

Eight million children globally live in large institutions that deny them individual love and care, can damage their brain development and destroy their understanding of right and wrong.

Less than 10% of these children are orphans. Most have families who love them and want them, but they are separated because of poverty or discrimination. When they grow into adults, they struggle to cope in society.  Research shows they are:

• 10 times more likely than their peers to be involved in prostitution
• 20 times more likely to have a criminal record
• 500 times more likely to commit suicide

Lumos works at every level, from international decision makers to individual children, to transform outdated systems. Institutions are replaced with family and community based services, so that all children can have a real chance of a childhood and a future.

J.K.Rowling is the Founder and Chair of Lumos.

To find out more about the charity visit http://www.wearelumos.org

About Beedle the Bard

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of wizarding fairy tales mentioned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final book of the series.

J.K. Rowling originally produced an edition of seven handwritten, illustrated manuscripts.  In 2007, one was offered at public auction and sold for £1.95 million, setting a record auction price for any modern literary manuscript.

Following public demand 'Beedle' was published in hardback in 2008 and became the fastest selling book of the year. To date both the auction copy and the published book have raised over £18 million for Lumos.

Available for interview

Lumos' CEO, Georgette Mulheir, and Director of Programmes, Kate Richardson, are available for interview.

The eBook The Tales of Beedle the Bard price £3.99 is available from the Pottermore Shop http://www.shop.pottermore.com

SOURCE Lumos Foundation