Pre-order
1
of
1
The Skull
A Tyrolean Folktale
Brief 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...
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$1999
$2499
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Pre-order
Releases
1st
September 2026
(Approx. Date)
Pre-order "The Skull" now to secure your copy from our first shipment
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Skull
$1999
$2499
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Latest News
Exciting New Tonies - Minecraft / Chronicles of Narnia
New Bluey Toys have arrived at Toy Hero
Remembering Sir Sam Neill
I was so saddened when I heard of the passing of Sam Neill. I've enjoyed...
Book Briefing - 5th August
Welcome to this week's Book Briefing where we round up the news for the week!
Have you heard of ... SolarPunk?
I love a niche genre and discovering a range of books that have things in...
The Books I'd Recommend For Every New Parent
From the very first picture books, the life changing poetry, as well as the books...
See more
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
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’
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781529531053
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 10 September 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Walker Books Ltd
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 203.0mm
Weight: 270g
Pages: 112
About the Author
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.
Also by Jon Klassen
View all-
I Want My Hat Back
A bear searches for his missing hat in the bestselling, multiple award-winning picture book debut of Jon Klassen. In his bestselling debut picture book, the multiple award-winning Jon Klassen, illustrator of This Is Not My Hat and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, tells the story of a bear whose hat has gone. And he wants it back. Patiently and...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips early September -
I Want My Hat Back
Jon Klassen for the smallest hands! The very first HAT book in board book form. “The funniest book ever written” Jenny Colgan, Guardian “One of the simplest yet most original and entertaining picture books around” Telegraph A New York Times Bestseller and Best Illustrated Book The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks...Board book$1700Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
This Is Not My Hat
Winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal Winner of the Caldecott Medal A New York Times Bestseller "There is character and narrative drive, suspense, menace, morality and a twist." — The Sunday Times Jon Klassen for the smallest hands! A board book edition of the bestselling, multiple award-winning cautionary tale. A tiny fish proudly wears a blue hat. It fits him...Board book$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Your Island
From the bestselling creator Jon Klassen, Your Island is one in a trio of companion board books for the youngest of children. This is your sun. It is coming up for you. This is your palm tree. It can go over by the sun. With a minimal tableau of familiar objects and a gentle rhythm suited for reading aloud, an...Board book$1500Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
14% offWe Found a Hat
The award-winning author of I Want My Hat Back is at his glorious best Guardian, Best Books of the Year Two turtles have found a hat. The hat looks good on both of them. But there are two turtles. And there is only one hat... Evoking hilarity and sympathy, the shifting eyes tell the tale in this perfectly paced story...Board book$1800Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
13% off
Your Farm
From the bestselling Jon Klassen, Your Farm is one in a trio of companion board books for the youngest of children. This is your sun. It is coming up for you. This is your tree. It can go under the sun. With a minimal tableau of familiar objects and a gentle rhythm suited for reading aloud, a farm and all...Board book$1300Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Jon Klassen's Hat Box
Multiple award-winning and bestselling author Jon Klassen's acclaimed and bestselling hat trilogy is now available for the first time as a hardback boxed set. The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. A fish has stolen a hat; will he get away with it? Two turtles have found one hat, but the hat looks good on both of...Box Set$5999Elsewhere:$6999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
We Found a Hat
Picture-book lovers will delight in We Found a Hat … it's short on words but long on meaning – Guardian Hold on to your hats! From the Kate Greenaway-winning creator of I Want My Hat Back and This Is Not My Hat comes the much-anticipated conclusion to the celebrated hat trilogy. Two turtles have found a hat. The hat looks...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
This Is Not My Hat
A sneaky fish learns a lesson in crime and punishment in the bestselling, multiple award-winning sequel to I Want My Hat Back. Winner of the Caldecott Medal and Kate Greenaway Medal 2014 From the creator of the bestselling I Want My Hat Back and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole comes the story of a tiny fish who proudly wears...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips late August -
The Rock from the Sky
Look up! From the Caldecott Medal-winning creator of the Hat trilogy comes a new deadpan gem. Turtle really likes standing in his favourite spot. He likes it so much that he asks his friend Armadillo to come over and stand in it, too. But now that Armadillo is standing in that spot, he has a bad feeling about it... A...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2199Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
We Found a Hat
A New York Times bestseller! Hold on to your hats for the conclusion of the celebrated hat trilogy by Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen, who gives his deadpan finale a surprising twist. Two turtles have found a hat. The hat looks good on both of them. But there are two turtles. And there is only one hat... Evoking hilarity and sympathy,...Hardback$2700Elsewhere:$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
This Is Not My Hat
The 2013 Caldecott Medal winner! From the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling and award-winning I Want My Hat Back comes a second wry tale. When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it’s a good thing that enormous fish won’t...Hardback$2600Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
More from Children's Books
View all-
New Release
Cass and the Beast
A sweeping and original picture book about a girl who chooses not to be afraid, a modern-day heroine in a story we feel in our bones like an ancient folktale. When a fearful beast arrives in the township, Cass finds her courage and is rewarded with a wild and magical journey. The creature takes her on a thundering ride through...Hardback$2399Elsewhere:$2999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseThe Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseRoyalslinger
K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseDetective Beans and the Map of Mystery
Enjoy this new DETECTIVE BEANS adventure in the bestselling and award-winning graphic novel series by Li Chen! Your favourite kitten detective is back with a new mystery to solve . . . and treasure to find! When Captain Scuttlebeard gives Beans a treasure map, Beans is determined to find the prize at the end. The clues take him all over...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseMei Mei the Bunny
Mei Mei the Bunny is Laufey's picture book debut about a bunny learning to believe in herself through music. Experience a heartwarming tale of self-belief in this enchanting picture book by GRAMMY Award-winning musician Laufey. Meet Mei Mei, a little bunny with a big dream—to spread joy through her music! As her debut recital at the H'Opera House draws near,...Hardback$3199Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseHunted: Wolf Girl 15
Just when Wolf Girl is finally reunited with her father, he is torn away from her once more, and Gwen vows to stop at nothing to track him down. But danger is closing in: a giant snow leopard and a mysterious hooded figure are hot on their trail. As Gwen and the pack race through deep caverns to snowy peaks,...Paperback$1699Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseWhat If You Could
From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for teens on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong. When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people in the world leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed — herself included....Paperback$2599Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove
Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Dawn Raid: The Apology
This sequel to Dawn Raid follows Sofia Savea’s family, 50 years later, as Sofia's grandson becomes involved in the quest for a government apology. INVERCARGILL, 2020 Wow, I thought I knew a bit about the dawn raids, but this is HUGE. It happened to my OWN family and I never knew! I had no idea that Granfia and her family...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseBig Bang Bread
In this time-travel storybook and cookbook with a cosmic twist, take a journey through time and space to discover the secrets of baking! Did you know that bread is made from stardust? Board the rocket and blast off on an adventure through time and space to discover the secrets of a home-baked loaf! Big Bang Bread is a kids' time-travel...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseB is for Bird
From award-winning artist, Lily Emo, comes a beautiful celebration of birds. Paired with a fun rhyming story, gorgeous illustrations, and fold-out pages, this book is set to be a favourite for everyone and the perfect gift. Make your way through the alphabet with this stunning book featuring a cast of familiar birds. From albatross to fantails, gannets to quail, and...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Signed CopyThe Curse of the Carnivorous Cactuses
(Sam: Nothing could be as bad as being covered in icky purple blobs ... wait, what does carnivorous mean again?) The gang is determined to defeat Glam-Evil and her nasty curses so that they can save their park and get back for Shackleton and Amelia's very first sleepover. But Glam-Evil has a few new tricks up her ultravillainous sleeve ......Paperback$1400Elsewhere:$1499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
