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The Skull

A Tyrolean Folktale
By Jon Klassen
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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
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$2499
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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

Collections

Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Jon Klassen Young Adult Young Adult Mystery & Thriller

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.

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