Monday, January 11, 2021

Bibliophile's Corner

Ickabog
by J.K. Rowling

Flap Copy Description:
Once upon a time there was a tiny kingdom called Cornucopia, as rich in happiness as it was in gold, and famous for its food. From the delicate cream cheeses of Kurdsburg to the Hopes-of-Heaven pastries of Chouxville, each was so delicious that people wept with joy as they ate them.
But even in this happy kingdom, a monster lurks, Legend tells of a fearsome creature living far to the north in the Marshlands...the Ickabog. Some say it breathes fire, spits poison, and roars through the mist as it carries off wayward sheep and children alike. Some say it's just a myth...
And when that myth takes on a life of its own, casting a shadow over the kingdom. Two children - best friends Bert and Daisy - embark on a great adventure to untangle the truth and find out where the real monster lies, bringing hope and happiness to Cornucopia once more.

My Thoughts:
During the lockdown of 2020, Ickabog was first published online for children to enjoy. While J.K. Rowling has dealt with professional issues due to her political views, that's not what this review is about; it's about this fantastic book, that was illustrated by the winners of the Ickabog artwork competition. The artwork from children in both the United States and Canada, is nothing less than spectacular, and the talent of the iconic British author, jumps off every page of this original fairy tale. I highly recommend Ickabog to readers of all ages!