Published: 2020
Author: J. K. Rowling
Illustrator: Various children around the world
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Young Adult, Adventure, Magic, Fairy Tales
Audience (Grade Levels): Middle School, High School, 3-7
Number of Stars: 5 Stars
Goodreads Link: The Ickabog
Triggers: Authoritarian governance/martial law, political corruption and propaganda, persecution of dissenters, mythical monster threats
Review By: MaryAlice Brennan-Steere
Publisher’s Summary:
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.
Features full-colour illustrations by the young winners of The Ickabog competition.
Review:
This book was originally published online in sections during the 2020 pandemic. Children were invited to enter their illustrations in the “Ickabog Illustration Competition,” and the winners of that competition have had their illustrations included in the print edition. The fairytale takes place in the land of Cornucopia, which is ruled by the feckless and vain King Fred the Fearless. The kingdom is known for its many culinary delights, including the “Hopes-of-Heaven” pastries that cause people to weep with joy. The tale starts out fancifully but turns much darker as the mythical creature, the Ickabog, becomes the scapegoat used to keep the citizens of Cornucopia in line. Advisors to the king abuse their power to spread lies, and subject the citizens to martial law while suppressing dissension in the kingdom. It’s a great story about bravery with a moral that falsehoods will eventually unravel and come to light. Middle school readers should enjoy this adventurous and action packed story.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- Social Studies / Civics: The novel provides a concrete allegorical study of how authoritarian systems operate. Teachers can utilize King Fred’s court to discuss how rulers and their advisors can abuse systemic power, implement martial law, spread state-sponsored propaganda, and manufacture a mythical “scapegoat” to weaponize fear and control a populace.
- English Language Arts / Media Literacy: The plot functions as a strong vehicle for analyzing themes of truth, misinformation, and individual bravery. Students can examine how a narrative arc transitions from a lighthearted fairy tale into a dark exploration of political deception, building a framework to discuss how systemic falsehoods eventually unravel when brought to light.
Readalikes:
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
- A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
