First a disclaimer, this is not my usual middle grade book review, or my normal preschool book review. It falls in the middle and for some children could overlap them both. Officially recommended for ages 6-8 years of age, The Skull is a little gem. A treat for those who like something a bit scary or for children who have grown up with the picture books of Jon Klassen and love his artwork and clever edgy humor.

In The Skull our young protagonist is not one to be easily frightened. We don’t know why she has run away from home, but we do find she can take care of herself. Adults and children will love the illustrations and humor of this quirky story.

The full title of the book is The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale, but I feel that’s a bit of a misnomer. The story is a Klassen original. The Tyrolean version is for young children with a fairy tale ending complete with a magical woman who brings playthings, children, and a happy ever after home to the protagonist. The only thing the two tales have in common is a child and a skull.

I’m well over 8 years old and I keep revisiting the illustrations for this new classic.

If you’re a Jon Klassen fan his publisher has a newsletter with special offers…

https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/jon-klassen-35910-35910