JK Rowling magic really happens for three Irish children

"My auntie was bawling crying and her face was all black from her mascara — tears of joy because I had won the competition."

Lottie, Elias and Charlotte

When Harry Potter author, JK Rowling, released a new story online this summer, three Irish children never dreamed their drawings would be found within the pages of the physical book.

A beautiful hardback edition of The Ickabog is now on sale and it features full-colour illustrations by the young winners of an illustration competition. Originally penned as a bedtime story for her own children, JK Rowling invited kids from all over the world to illustrate the story while spending time at home during the Covid-19 pandemic.