J.K. Rowling publishes new book 'The Ickabog' online for free
Author J.K. Rowling has another surprise for children and children at heart this quarantine season as she announces the release of her new book 'The Ickabog.'
'The Ickabog' is a book that Rowling started to write in between Harry Potter books and had originally intended to publish after 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.'
However, after writing the last Harry Potter book, Rowling decided to take a break from publishing and so the writing of 'The Ickabog' was put on hold.
On her website, Rowling wrote in a statement, “…the first draft of The Ickabog went up into the attic, where it's remained for nearly a decade. Over time I came to think of it as a story that belonged to my two younger children, because I'd read it to them in the evenings when they were little, which has always been a happy family memory.”
The Ickabog by J.K. Rowling | Source: The Ickabog website
During the lockdown, Rowling decided to resume writing 'The Ickabog' with the help of her children, who are now teenagers.
She announced that 'The Ickabog' will be published for free in installments on its official website from May 26 to July 10, and the actual book will be released in November of this year.
Rowling also pledged to donate all her royalties from 'The Ickabog' to help those who have been affected by COVID-19, and that she'll be sharing full details about it later this year.
But, that's not all! Rowling also encouraged everyone to illustrate 'The Ickabog' for a chance to have his or her artwork included in a printed version of the book.
The Ickabog Illustration Competition | Source: The Ickabog website
Although she won't be judging the official competition, as it is ran by her publishers, Rowling can still see your artwork and probably share and comment on it, if you post it on Twitter with the hashtag #The Ickabog.
As of writing, two chapters have already been published on the website of 'The Ickabog'.
The first two chapter of The Ickabog | Source: The Ickabog website
So, what are you waiting for? Head on out to the website of 'The Ickabog' and explore the new and incredible fictional world that J.K. Rowling has created for you this quarantine season. Enjoy!
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