Which J.K. Rowling book was first released online as a free serial in 2020?

The Ickabog was first released online as a free serial in 2020.

Rowling published the children’s story chapter by chapter on a dedicated website during the COVID-19 pandemic. She described it as a fairy tale written years earlier, separate from the Harry Potter universe. The online publication began in May 2020, and the completed print edition followed later that year.

The story is set in the fictional kingdom of Cornucopia. Its plot centers on a frightening legendary creature called the Ickabog and the political consequences of fear, propaganda, and injustice. It is a standalone work rather than a Harry Potter prequel or sequel.

Rowling donated royalties from the book to support groups affected by the pandemic. The book also included illustrations selected through a children’s competition, giving young readers a role in the project’s presentation.