I picked that book up (with my girlfriend) not knowing much about the author or his previous work, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The story is quite unusual and a little spooky, but it also has a lot of heart.

“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.”

Blurb

The book tells the tale of a young girl and right away, the eerie setting drew me in. The story is simple but has this fairy tale vibe that feels timeless. What’s especially interesting is that it’s inspired by an old Tyrolean fairy tale, which gives it a unique, folkloric feel. I loved how it managed to be both creepy and sweet at the same time. It’s not a scary book in the traditional sense, but it has just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked.

The illustrations are gorgeous and fit the tone of the story perfectly. The muted colors and minimalist style made the whole book feel like a dream. Even though the pictures are simple, they have so much personality, and every page feels carefully thought out.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It’s a short, memorable story that’s perfect for anyone who likes something a little spooky but not too dark. Even though it’s aimed at younger readers, I think people of all ages can appreciate its mix of creepiness and kindness. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by Jon Klassen in the future!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️