Description

A #1 New York Times bestseller!

“Reading this, I accidentally rediscovered the power of a good story.”
Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2024-2026

From Jon Klassen, Caldecott Medalist and bestselling creator of This Is Not My Hat, comes a wonderfully eerie yet gentle Halloween story perfect for ages 6-9.

On a dark night, a girl named Otilla stumbles across a lonely, abandoned house deep in the forest. Inside waits a skull – who has a secret of its own. Together, they face the shadows that arrive each night… and discover the strength that comes from courage and kindness.

With Klassen’s signature dry humour, hauntingly beautiful illustrations and a touch of deliciously spooky fun, The Skull is ideal for kids who like their stories mysterious but not too scary. Parents can feel reassured: while this gothic folktale has a shiver of creepiness, it ends with strength, empowerment and a reminder that even the strangest friendships can be the most comforting.

Perfect for:
– Independent readers ages 6-9
– Families looking for a suspenseful but not-too-scary read-aloud
– Fans of spooky folktales with a twist of wit and charm

“A mysterious, exquisitely presented gothic tale.” Sunday Times

“Haunting and charming. A dark, delectable adventure.” Daily Telegraph

“Strange and deliciously creepy, this is the perfect read for children who like something a bit different.” Irish independent ‘The Best Spooky and Sweet Autumn Reads for Children

Publisher Review

A dark, delectable adventure. — Emily Bearn * The Daily Telegraph * A mysterious, exquisitely presented gothic tale about a runaway girl and a talking skull, who befriend each other, and a threatening headless skeleton. Klassen’s images make astonishing use of light and dark, especially in his rosy-fingered dawn. — Nicollette Jones * The Sunday Times * Beautiful, heartwarming, funny, and only very mildly spooky. If anyone can turn an obscure Middle-European folk fable into a bestseller, it’s Klassen. — Tristram Saunders * The Daily Telegraph * Klassen’s deadpan humour and shadowy illustration combine to darkly chilling effect as he harnesses the power of traditional storytelling. Brilliant. — Sally Morris * Daily Mail * “This is a delicious little horror, inspired by a Tyrolean folk tale, about a lonely, abandoned skull who plays host to a very brave little girl. It has surprises, a clever wit and some knockout illustrations.” * Big Issue *