Stopped reading after several chapters. Characters have no depth or dimension whatsoever and I didn't want to spend any more time reading about the bumbling king and his awful advisers, or seeing any more virtuous servants and soldiers die. The children's artwork is a lovely inclusion, however.

Cute kids book. A little strange and not in the Harry-Potter-magical way, but still a story that younger kids would enjoy. I plan on reading it to my kids soon. What I absolutely loved about this book were the pictures she used from kids all over. Those drawings truly made the book special. ( )

I was shocked by the number of people who were murdered, hurt or beaten in this book; it was very, very dark and I would never read it to a sensitive child. Still, I enjoyed it very much, four stars. ( )

Is it a children’s book or an adult book? I have no idea. It was like, be a good person, don’t bully but then murder murder. I wanted to like it but I’d rate it the worst book I’ve read all year. I would never read this to a child and I will never read it again. ( )

I loved this book; it’s needed in our starkly divided political climate—for all parties. A king, especially his advisors, create a horrific backstory about the existence of ickabogs. The people are forced for various reasons to believe this story. This results in high taxes, executions, and imprisonment to prop up the lies. In true Rowling fashion, teens save the day. I’m a strong believer in a healthy distrust of those who can tax and imprison us, or in the least “ban” people and/or their beliefs, especially if we don’t toe the party line. Well written, and dark. So I wouldn’t share this with younger kids. ( )