J.K. Rowling Releasing Brand New Children's Book Online For Free

J.K. Rowling has released the first two chapters of a brand-new children's book for free online.

The Harry Potter author revealed on Twitter she would be sharing the 'stand-alone fairy tale', titled The Ickabog, online for free so kids can enjoy it during these 'strange, unsettling times'.

PA

In a series of tweets, Rowling wrote that she first penned the book more than 10 years ago and had planned to publish some time ago but after the last Potter book was released she decided to make the switch to writing for adults meaning that, up to now, the story had only been heard by Rowling's own kids.

Sharing some photos of a black box, which contained the manuscript, she wrote: "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.

"Opening the box was like opening a time capsule. Most of the story was handwritten, but bits had been typed up. When I put it into some kind of order (I'm not renowned for my filing skills) I had a patchwork first draft."

Twitter/J.K. Rowling

Rowling added: "Anyway, over the last few weeks I've done a bit of rewriting and I've decided to publish The Ickabog for free online, so children on lockdown, or even those back at school during these strange, unsettling times, can read it or have it read to them."

Rowling went on to explain that between one and three chapters will be published every weekday on The Ickabog website starting today (26 May) and ending on 10 July.

She also urged children reading along to get involved by creating illustrations for the book and the best ones will be included in the print edition of the book, which is to be published in November this year.

The author went on to say that all royalties from the print edition of the book will be donated to 'projects and organisations helping the groups most impacted by covid-19'.

She finished the series of tweets by saying: "Whether you read it yourself, or have it read to you, I hope you enjoy it."

You can read the first two chapters, and keep up with new ones, on The Ickabog website here.

Topics: Harry Potter, Interesting

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19