The Skull
A Tyrolean Folktale
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Walker Books Ltd
Published:11th Jul '23
£14.99
Available for immediate dispatch.
Caldecott Medalist and #1 New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Jon Klassen delivers a deliciously macabre treat for folktale fans.
In a big abandoned house, on a barren hill, lives a skull. A brave girl named Otilla has escaped from terrible danger and run away, and when she finds herself lost in the dark forest, the lonely house beckons. Her host, the skull, is afraid of something too, something that comes every night. Can brave Otilla save them both? Steeped in shadows and threaded with subtle wit – with rich, monochromatic artwork and an illuminating author’s note – The Skull is as empowering as it is mysterious and foreboding.
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 * 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 *
- Winner of California Independent Booksellers Alliance Golden Poppy Awards 2023 (United States)
- Short-listed for Books Are My Bag Readers Awards 2023 (UK)
- Short-listed for Carnegie (CILIP) 2024 (UK)
ISBN: 9781529509571
Dimensions: 211mm x 162mm x 17mm
Weight: 405g
112 pages