The Skull

A haunting ghost story and #1 New York Times bestseller from Jon Klassen, creator of I WANT MY HAT BACK, ages 6, 7, 8, 9

Jon Klassen author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Walker Books Ltd

Published:11th Jul '23

Should be back in stock very soon

The Skull cover

A #1 New York Times bestseller!
“A mysterious, exquisitely presented gothic tale.”Sunday Times
"Haunting and charming. A dark, delectable adventure."Daily Telegraph

Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling and multi-award-winning 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.

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

“Children and adults alike will be captivated and uplifted by this book that is particularly perfect for spooky season – and ideal for newly-independent readers.” The Scotsman

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 The Carnegie Medal 2024 (UK)
  • Short-listed for British Book Design and Production Awards - Children’s Trade 2024 (UK)
  • Long-listed for Blackwell's Book of the Year 2023 (UK)

ISBN: 9781529509571

Dimensions: 206mm x 154mm x 20mm

Weight: 400g

112 pages