Walker Books
The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale | Paperback | Children's Book on Fairy Tales & Folklore
The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale | Paperback | Children's Book on Fairy Tales & Folklore
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“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
Awards: Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2023)
Books Are My Bag Readers Awards (2023)
The Carnegie Medal (2024)
Blackwell's Book of the Year (2023)
California Independent Booksellers Alliance Golden Poppy Awards (2023)
British Book Design and Production Awards - Children’s Trade (2024)
Connecticut Nutmeg Children’s Book Award (2026)
Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature (2023)
British Book Design and Production Awards - Children's Trade (2024)
Connecticut Nutmeg Children's Book Award (2026)
“A dark, delectable adventure. ” — Emily Bearn
“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
“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
“Klassen’s deadpan humour and shadowy illustration combine to darkly chilling effect as he harnesses the power of traditional storytelling. Brilliant. ” — Sally Morris
“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
Reading age: 6 years or older
Ideal For: Perfect for independent readers aged 6-9 who love spooky folktales that are mysterious but not too frightening, and for Halloween read-alouds at home.
Details: Paperback | 112 pages | 20.2 × 15.0 × 1.2 cm
About the Creators: Jon Klassen is the author-illustrator of I Want My Hat Back, We Found a Hat and This Is Not My Hat , the only book to ever win both the Kate Greenaway and Caldecott Medals. He also illustrated Triangle , Square, The Wolf , the Duck and the Mouse , Extra Yarn and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole , all written by Mac Barnett, as well as Ted Kooser's House Held Up by Trees. Before making picture books, he worked as an illustrator on the animated feature film Coraline. Originally from Niagara Falls, Canada, Jon now lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and son. Find Jon online at www.burstofbeaden.com and on Instagram as @JonKlassen.
Publication details
- Published
- 2026
- Publisher
- Walker Books
