In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world of literature has had its share of surprises, and one of the most delightful has come from none other than J.K. Rowling. The author recently revealed that she has been working on a children’s chapter book, titled The Ickabog, for the past decade, and she’s decided to share it online for free.
Rowling shared on her website that she began crafting this story during breaks between her Harry Potter projects. However, it was eventually put away, gathering dust in the attic for nearly ten years. The book took on a special meaning for her as she used to read it to her younger children at bedtime. But with children around the globe facing lockdowns, she thought it might be a comforting read for them too.
“A few weeks ago, I casually suggested at dinner that maybe I should take The Ickabog down from the attic and publish it for free for the kids stuck at home. My teenagers were really supportive, so we dug out the old box,” Rowling explained.
A Story for Young Readers
This new tale, aimed at children ages 7 to 9, is not a spinoff from the Harry Potter series, but rather a story focused on themes of truth and power, which resonate with many of the challenges we face today. However, Rowling emphasized that it is not meant to directly reflect the current global situation; the core themes are universal and can be applied across various times and cultures.
Chapter Releases and Donations
Starting from May 26th until July 10th, Rowling plans to release a new chapter every weekday, providing a much-needed distraction for young readers during these tough times. In addition, she has committed to donating all royalties from The Ickabog to organizations impacted by the pandemic once it is published.
Invitation for Young Artists
In an exciting twist, Rowling is also inviting children to contribute their artistic talents to illustrate the book. Selected artwork will be featured in the print, eBook, and audiobook versions set to release in November 2020. Parents can submit their kids’ art and read the first two chapters directly on her official website.
Additional Resources
For those interested in the intricacies of parenthood and home insemination, consider checking out this post about it, which has valuable insights. Also, for further information regarding infertility, the CDC provides an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, J.K. Rowling has made a generous move by releasing her long-shelved children’s book, The Ickabog, online for free, aiming to bring joy to children during the pandemic. With ongoing chapter releases and an invitation for young artists to contribute, this initiative not only entertains but also supports those affected by the crisis.