The Ickabog was released digitally in 2020 as J.K. Rowling’s standalone fairy tale about a kingdom.
Rowling published the story online in daily instalments from 26 May to 10 July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. She had written it years earlier, originally intending it to be published after Harry Potter, but later returned to revise and release it.
The story is set in the fictional kingdom of Cornucopia. Its title refers to the Ickabog, a legendary creature whose supposed existence becomes entangled with fear, propaganda, political power, and injustice. The book is separate from the Harry Potter universe and does not continue Harry’s story.
A print edition followed in November 2020, with illustrations selected through a children’s competition. Proceeds from the book were pledged to projects supporting people affected by the pandemic, adding a charitable dimension to its publication history.