J.K. Rowling has published The Ickabog's first chapters online

J.K. Rowling surprised everyone by announcing a new book -and then publishing the first chapters on a new website.

The iconic author said the book, called the The Ickabog, will be released chapter by chapter online, for free, during lockdown.

She did however warn fans the book, "is not a Harry Potter spin-off."

Rowling also announced that she wants children to submit their drawings and illustrations for the story, with some of the best included in a published version of the complete book.

Have you started reading The Ickabog? Then head over here to leave your review.

When the book does go on sale the money raised will go to charity to help those who have been badly affected by coronavirus.

The book is being published chapter-by-chapter on a new website

"Over 10 years ago, I wrote a stand-alone fairytale called The Ickabog," she posted on Twitter, adding, "the manuscript went up into the attic, where it remained until a few weeks ago."

"I always meant to publish it, but after the last Potter was released I wrote two novels for adults and, after some dithering, decided to put those out next."

"Until very recently, the only people who'd heard the story of The Ickabog were my two younger children."

Having used her time in lockdown to edit and rewrite parts of the book, J.K. decided to release The Ickabog for free: "So children on lockdown, or even those back at school during these strange, unsettling times, can read it or have it read to them".

"We'll be publishing a chapter every weekday, starting at 3.00pm today and ending on July 10th," Rowling explained. "You don't need to register to access the story. You can read it for free on a new website we'll be launching shortly." She said.

Sneak-peeks of pages posted on Twitter reveal the names of characters called Bertram and King Fred.

Rowling says the story was written to be read aloud, but is suitable to be read alone by children between seven and nine.

The Ickabog will be the first children's story book that the author has published that is not related to the Harry Potter story or set in the Wizarding World.

Have you started reading The Ickabog? Let us know what you think about it in the comments.