This story is based on a bedtime story Rowling told to her own children over many bedtimes. When the first coronavirus lockdown started it was decided to publish this a chapter at a time online - so that families and young readers had something to look forward to in the difficult weeks that followed. The story has now been published in a generous format hardback with illustrations provided by children from all over the world, all winners in the Ickabog artwork competition.
This is very definitely a fairy-tale in the traditional manner. The good land of Cornucopia gets slowly taken over by two devious Lords – gloriously named as Spittleworth and Flappoon – after a tragic accident whilst the King is on a hunt for the terrifying monster – the Ickabog. There follow awful machinations resulting in parents being thrown into the deep dark dungeons and their children being placed in a truly awful orphanage.
But, as with all good fairy-tales, the ingenious captives, both young and old, manage to slowly outwit the bad guys – and is the monster really as awful as he or she has been painted?
A delightful story that will appeal to many many children and families. The great joy of the book is the huge variety and creativity this book has stimulated in children all around the globe in their illustrations. A fun read!
Once upon a time there was a terrible monster called the Ickabog. ?Or so the story goes . . . ? Prepare for a legendary adventure from one of the world's greatest storytellers J.K. Rowling, now featuring striking illustrations from award-winning illustrator Ben Mantle. ? Once upon a time there was a tiny kingdom called Cornucopia, as rich in happiness as it was in gold, and famous for its food. From the delicate cream cheeses of Kurdsburg to the Hopes-of-Heaven pastries of Chouxville, each was so delicious that people wept with joy as they ate them.
But even in this happy kingdom, a monster lurks. Legend tells of a fearsome creature living far to the north in the Marshlands... the Ickabog. Some say it breathes fire, spits poison, and roars through the mist as it carries off wayward sheep and children alike. Some say it's just a myth...
And when that myth takes on a life of its own, casting a shadow over the kingdom, two children - best friends Bert and Daisy - embark on a great adventure to untangle the truth and find out where the real monster lies, bringing hope and happiness to Cornucopia once more.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was J.K. Rowling's first novel, followed by the subsequent six titles in the Harry Potter series, as well as three books written for charity: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages and The Tales of Beedle the Bard. The Harry Potter novels have now sold over 450 million copies worldwide and been translated into 77 languages.
Click here to see the new Harry Potter books site with illustrations by Jonny Duddle.
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