People around the globe have found comfort and escape in the magical world of Harry Potter during these difficult times. And, now readers have another reason to rejoice. J K Rowling has released the first two chapters of her brand new book!
The 54-year-old author will be publishing a children’s book called ‘The Ickabog’ on her website in daily installments for free, reports the BBC. The British writer feels the book will keep kids entertained while they stay at home during the lockdown. It is a beautiful story set in an imaginary land and is aimed at children aged between seven and nine.
The first two chapters of The Ickabog are available for free here:https://t.co/afFEfRQQ5C
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 26, 2020
However, Rowling has made it clear that her new book is in no way related to the ‘Harry Potter’ series, reports NDTV. She revealed that she had originally come up with the idea while drafting ‘Harry Potter.’ However, she only read the story to her kids and decided not to publish it up until now.
“My now teenagers were touchingly enthusiastic, so downstairs came the very dusty box, and for the last few weeks I’ve been immersed in a fictional world I thought I’d never enter again,” the author was quoted saying.
Over time I came to think of The Ickabog as just for my family. The manuscript went up into the attic, where it remained until a few weeks ago.
This is the very dusty box I got down from the attic.
(It's a Net-A-Porter box and might well have held a premiere dress.)4/13 pic.twitter.com/vg8F5Qx33M
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 26, 2020
Well, whatever the reason be, the fairytale has sure become a magical read for kids and adults alike. Several people reminisced their ‘Harry Potter’ days and thanked the author for the lovely book during these uncertain times.
Thank you so much. We are all massive Harry Potter fans in our house and the HP books were the first ones that got my eldest daughter and reluctant reader hooked. All 3 of mine will be all over this…and me!
— Ellie16 (@Ellie0633) May 26, 2020
The intense excitement and rush of memories of 11 year old me starting HP that I just got from reading #TheIckabog was intense! Thank you @jk_rowling you have such a unique way of capturing adults in a children’s story!
— Erin Perry (@ErzerPerzer) May 26, 2020
I’m 64 years old and love all your works. Have reread all the Potter books since being at home and just devoured the first two chapters of #TheIckabog thank you for your writing and your world citizenship and Philanthropic spirit. @jk_rowling You are a gift.
— Marty Dunleavy☘️🌊🇺🇸 (@LaborIrishDem) May 26, 2020
I was having a terrible day until I saw this, now I'm so glad, can't wait to read it!!! 😍
— Maaaaaay (@btwimloony) May 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/WitchBray/status/1265289258480394240?s=20
Thank you SO MUCH for introducing me to Cornucopia TWO DAYS before my birthday! 😭✨🎉
What an AMAZING gift! 😍😍😍
Made my day and my quarantine so much better ❤️— Tabatha de Lacerda (@tabathalacerda) May 26, 2020
@jk_rowling I just ZOOMED through the chapters and can't wait for more! My imagination is already creating images; from Lord Flapoon on a horse, to what the Chouxville pastries must taste like.
My nephew is going to love the book. Thank you for everything❤#Ickabog #TheIckabog
— Maddy Eisenberg (@maddyeisenberg) May 26, 2020
What a wonderful treat. I just read the chapters and am excited for more! My son is still too young to enjoy this yet (20 months old) but this is being added to our ever-growing list of books to introduce (including Harry Potter) when the time comes! Thank you!
— Sarah Thorpe (@samirishoboe) May 26, 2020
My 8 year old says "your books are my favourite, every time I read them it puts a smile on my face, can't wait to read this". Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️
— Sonja Davies (@sonjafrank) May 26, 2020
Thank you very much Mrs JK..you are an inspiration Inspiration and role model to the kids and also to adults I myself am a science teacher for the last 12 years and I Are used to read books until Harry Potter came on the scene so I congratulate you and your team thx Mitch x
— Mahendra Chauhan (@mchauhan2505) May 26, 2020
Many teachers were also very happy to find such a good read for their students:
I’m a secondary school English teacher in London- think you so much for every you do to encourage children to read- many of my pupils are extremely disadvantaged- giving this for free is in the true spirit of lockdown- thank you and take care x
— Miss Wilkinson (@bow_english) May 26, 2020
I’ve just shared this with my year 5 class- we are all very excited to reward this. Thank you for sharing xxxx
— Lucy Griffiths (@LucyGriff76) May 26, 2020
While sharing the story, J K Rowling asked young artists to share their artworks to enter a global competition. The best illustrations will be used in the printed copy of the book.
Here’s 5 year old Saul’s Ickabog #theickabog – loved the first two chapters and thank you pic.twitter.com/2SAiLGsQCC
— Mandy Mazliah (@sneakyvegblog) May 26, 2020
wonderful!! Thank you so much for this. ✨My daughter is sketching the characters as I read her your words! #TheIckabog pic.twitter.com/yBKiC0dDkm
— Victoria lungu (@Victorialungu8) May 26, 2020
Another Ickabog, this time by Ruben, aged 10 #TheIckabog pic.twitter.com/nGoCdsJaWy
— Mandy Mazliah (@sneakyvegblog) May 26, 2020
I’m showing the Ickabog’s first ever readers these pictures as they come in, and this one got a big ‘aaaaah’ #TheIckabog https://t.co/63mMFbtrNF
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 26, 2020
I can totally see why Lord Spittleworth wanted to marry her #TheIckabog https://t.co/cCyNbFWAlb
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 26, 2020
I LOVE this Ickabog! #TheIckabog https://t.co/VdbjMwQt4Q
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 26, 2020
This Spanish Ickabog is AMAZING. #TheIckabog https://t.co/klWnvtpyQ0
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 26, 2020
Well, we can’t wait to buy the book once it is published in November. As per reports, the author will donate the royalties from the published book to coronavirus relief efforts. And, as for now, you can read the first two chapters here.