The Ickabog by J.K. Rowling

 

Last week, I read The Ickabog by J. K. Rowling. This fairy tale is about a small kingdom, Cornucopia, known for its happiness and gold. When King Fred hears about a monster in the northern Marshlands that allegedly ate a man's dog, he and his advisors, Lord Spittleworth and Lord Flapoon, take a team to hunt the monster. On this hunt, a terrible accident occurs and Lord Spittleworth begins to weave a tangle of lies to cover what really happened. This misadventure and the events that follow have a profound effect on two children, Bert Beamish and Daisy Dovetail, whose parents worked in the palace. As they grow up in the increasingly corrupt kingdom, they realize that not everything is what it seems and decide to go on an adventure to the Marshlands with their friends, Martha and Roderick, to find out the truth about the Ickabog and bring happiness back to Cornucopia.

I thought that this fairy tale was absolutely wonderful. I was so excited to read another children's book by J. K. Rowling and the story really resonated with me in this day and age because it shows what happens when people in power constantly tell lies. I had read reviews beforehand, so I knew this book would be darker than expected. Lord Spittleworth and Lord Flapoon are not good men, and they take advantage of their friendship with King Fred who is somewhat of a pushover and does not really know what is happening in his kingdom. On the other hand, the protagonists, Bert and Daisy, are brave and caring and I hoped that they would have a happy ending and be reunited with their parents who were held captive in the palace's dungeons. This book is full of twists and surprises. and I wasn't sure the monster was real or not for much of the book because it seemed like the only monster was Lord Spittleworth. Additionally, the artwork in the book is by children in the United States and Canada, who won an illustration contest Rowling ran earlier last year. The illustrations are beautiful and I loved seeing children's interpretation of the characters and settings. Anyone who is a fan of Harry Potter or fantasy will enjoy The Ickabog.