J.K. Rowling’s 2020 children’s fantasy novel published online during the pandemic was The Ickabog. Rowling released the story for free in installments on the internet beginning in May 2020.
The project was designed as a gift for children affected by school closures and disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rowling had written the story years earlier, before returning to it, revising it, and publishing it in print later in 2020. The online installments encouraged young readers to follow the developing tale.
The Ickabog is a standalone fairy tale rather than a Harry Potter book. It is set in the fictional kingdom of Cornucopia and concerns a feared creature, political manipulation, and the consequences of spreading a convenient story. Proceeds from the book were directed toward charitable causes supporting people affected by the pandemic.