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JK Rowling praises Pakistani girl's illustration inspired by her new book

JK Rowling praises Pakistani girl's illustration inspired by her new book

Just the magic we need in these times. You go, little Leila!
06 Jun, 2020

Chronicling through the lives of young wizards and witchcraft, Harry Potter has been a mesmerising turning point in many children's fantasies.

So when 10-year-old Leila found out that the British author was also inviting fans to help illustrate her new book, she couldn't help but get down to creating something for The Ickabog.

While contestants from Pakistan weren't eligible to compete, the mother-daughter duo thought it would be fun to just put it up on Twitter, just to see what happens.

"So last night, a close friend messaged me asking to retweet her tweet, where she’s posted an illustration her 10-year-old made for a competition for J.K Rowling’s new book #TheIckabog. It’s a competition but Pakistan doesn’t qualify for it. She asked me to tag JKR," her mother's friend posted on her behalf.

"So I made the case for little niece and tagged JKR. I didn’t expect her to notice but a part of me knows that Twitter can sometimes surprise you. So a little after midnight, I tweeted it and passed out after having planned to finish a half seen movie."

However, the morning took everyone by surprise, when the best-selling writer replied to the tweet, and said that she loved it.

"I LOVE this beautiful picture of the Dovetails' house, Leila! You've put so much of the story into the illustration: it's clearly a carpenter's house, with all those wooden accents, and I love the garden and flowers (but the sign to the graveyard adds a sad note broken heart,)" said Rowling.

We can only imagine the level of excitement Leila must be feeling right now. All the more reasons to love our favourite author.

Comments

Laila Jun 06, 2020 04:42pm
This is so heart warming. I bet my name sister must be over the moon of having JKR praise her beautiful illustration and acknowledging her efforts directly. See what open-mindedness and kindness can do?
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Chrís Dăn Jun 06, 2020 07:25pm
A great motivation for the young artist. Great.
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Sahmad Jun 06, 2020 08:23pm
Well done kid.
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Rush Sahota Jun 06, 2020 11:10pm
Beautiful illustration by Leila, keep going bete - it was nice of Ms. Rowling to recognize it and appreciate it.
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Thinker Jun 07, 2020 06:31am
Amazing ! well done Laila, and Thanks to JKR for her amazing gesture.
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Laila Jun 08, 2020 04:32pm
@Thinker actually I can't take any credit. The artist is LEILA.... lol just teasing you. Totally agree. That little girl must be so happy!
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INDEPENDENT Jun 09, 2020 08:23am
I would like to extend thanks note to Ms. Rowling for recognizing, motivating and appreciating a young 10 year old Pakistani girl for her talent. Hope Pakistani youngsters are allowed to participate in such events to show to the world how talented they are. Pakistan got talent. The world knows that Pakistani people are intelligent, charming and good looking.
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