“You may think this strange, but Mrs. Beamish was glad to hear Mr. Dovetail cry, because tears can heal a mind, as well as laughter.” ― J.K. Rowling, The Ickabog

The Ickabog is a children’s book written by J.K. Rowling, the same author who created the Harry Potter series. But this book is different. It’s not about magic schools or wizards—it’s a made-up tale filled with excitement, mystery, and a little bit of danger.

Rowling wrote it during lockdown and even shared it online for free at first. Now it’s available in print with fun drawings, many made by kids from around the world. The story takes place in a made-up kingdom called Cornucopia.

Everything seems perfect until the legend of the Ickabog—a monster no one has seen—starts causing fear and trouble. This book is about being brave, standing up for what’s right, and telling the truth, even when it’s hard. If you like stories with heart, humor, and some mystery, The Ickabog is worth reading.

Plot Summary

“Tears can heal a mind, as well as laughter.” ― J.K. Rowling, The Ickabog

The story takes place in Cornucopia, a rich kingdom known for its amazing food and happy people. But in the poor north, called the Marshlands, there’s an old legend about a monster called the Ickabog. Most people think it’s just a scary tale—until something strange happens.

King Fred the Fearless is a selfish ruler who cares more about his image than his people. After a visit to the Marshlands goes wrong, his advisor, Lord Spittleworth, blames the Ickabog and uses the story to spread fear. Spittleworth lies to gain money and power, while the king believes whatever he’s told.

Two kids, Daisy Dovetail and Bert Beamish, begin to see the truth. As lies grow and the kingdom suffers, Daisy and Bert go on a journey to find answers.

In the end, they learn that telling the truth, being brave, and standing up for what’s right can change everything.

Characters and Character Arc

King Fred wants to be liked more than he wants to be a good king. He learns that being kind and brave is more important than looking important.

• Daisy Dovetail is smart, brave, and never gives up—especially when she knows something is wrong.
• Bert Beamish starts out unsure, but he finds courage and becomes a true friend.
• Lord Spittleworth lies to gain power and doesn’t care who gets hurt.
• Daisy and Bert change a lot throughout the story. They grow up fast, and their friendship helps them stay strong.

Themes and Plotline

This story isn’t just about a monster. It’s about what happens when people lie and how important it is to speak up.

Some of the big themes are:

• Telling the truth even when it’s scary
• Doing what’s right even if others don’t
• Friendship and bravery and how people can help each other through tough times
• Power and fairness and how leaders should care about the people they lead

The book mixes adventure, humor, and real-life lessons in a way that’s easy to follow but still makes you think.

What Genre Does The Ickabog Focus On?

The Ickabog is a fantasy fairy tale with a strong moral message. It takes place in a made-up kingdom and includes a legendary monster, a selfish king, and brave children who stand up for the truth.

While it’s written for kids, the story has lessons that readers of all ages can understand. It uses familiar fairy tale ideas like a misunderstood monster, corrupt rulers, and kids who challenge unfair adults.

There’s no romance, but there’s plenty of adventure, mystery, and heart. You can expect light fantasy with a few dark moments, emotional storytelling, and even illustrations in some editions.

At its core, the book is about honesty, courage, and standing up for what’s right—even when it’s hard. It’s the kind of story that’s both fun to read and meaningful to think about.

Ratings and Reviews

“Tears can heal a mind, as well as laughter.” ― J.K. Rowling, The Ickabog

Goodreads

On Goodreads, The Ickabog has an average rating of 3.89 out of 5, based on approximately 54,972 ratings and 6,608 reviews.

• One reader commented, “A sweet fairy tale with a meaningful message. My children and I enjoyed it thoroughly.”
• Another mentioned, “The story had its moments, but it felt darker than expected for a children’s book.”

Amazon

On Amazon UK, the book holds a strong 4.7 out of 5 rating from over 18,660 reviews.

Readers appreciate the interesting story that includes excitement with moral lessons. J.K. Rowling’s storytelling is praised for being both easy to follow and enjoyable for a younger audience. While aimed at children aged 7–10, many adults have found the tale fun and thoughtful.

What Makes The Ickabog Stand Out?

• Pandemic Creation: J.K. Rowling wrote The Ickabog during the COVID-19 pandemic and first shared it online for free, hoping tit would comfort and entertainduring tough times.
• Classic Fable Feel: The story shows the style of old fairy tales, offering lasting lessons wrapped in a creative story.
• Balancing Darkness and Hope: While the book goes into themes of fear and dishonesty, it ends with messages of hope, courage, and truth winning in the end, making it a special part of children’s books.

Who Should Read The Ickabog?

The Ickabog is a great pick for kids ages 7 to 12, but older readers might enjoy it too—especially if they like stories with a deeper message.

It has some dark moments, like lying, fear, and loss, but they’re handled in a gentle way that’s easy for kids to understand. The book doesn’t avoid tough topics, but it talks about them in a calm, thoughtful way.

It’s a good fit for kids who enjoy fairy tales, adventure, and stories where the heroes are kids who stand up for what’s right. It’s also a nice read for families to enjoy together—there’s plenty to talk about.

If your child liked books like The Tale of Despereaux or The BFG, this one will probably be a hit.

Book Recommendations if You Liked The Ickabog

If you liked The Ickabog Tan, you’ll also like these books:

• The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
• N_Nevermoor_by Jessica Townsend
• Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
• Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty

Conclusion

The Ickabog is more than just a fairy tale—it’s a story about truth, courage, and standing up for what’s right. With a mix of excitement, mystery, and heart, it’s a great book for kids who enjoy meaningful stories. The characters are easy to care about, the plot keeps you interested, and the lessons are clear without being preachy.

Even though it was written during a tough time, the book brings hope and shows how even small voices can make a big difference.

It’s best for ages 7 to 12, but older readers will enjoy the story, too. Whether you are reading it alone or with family, it’s the kind of book that stays with you after the last page. If you like classic stories with a modern feel, The Ickabog is definitely worth a spot on your shelf.

More From the Author

J.K. Rowling is best known for writing the Harry Potter series, which follows a young wizard and his friends through magical challenges, problems, and lessons about friendship, courage, and standing up for what’s right.

She wrote The Ickabog during the COVID-19 lockdown to share a meaningful story with kids and families. It’s different from her other books—there are no magic wands or spells—but it still has heart, bravery, and important lessons.

She has also written books for adults and teens under both her real name and the pen name Robert Galbraith.

Other Books by J.K. Rowling

For Children and Young Readers

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard
• Quidditch Through the Ages

For Adults

• The Casual Vacancy
• The Cuckoo’s Calling (Cormoran Strike series, as Robert Galbraith)
• The Silkworm
• Career of Evil
• Lethal White
• Troubled Blood
• The Ink Black Heart
• The Running Grave
• If you liked The Ickabog, the Harry Potter series is a great place to start next!