The Skull

<p><b>A #1 <i>New York Times</i> bestseller!</b><br><br><i><b>“Reading this, I accidentally rediscovered </b><b>the power of a good story.”</b></i><br><b><i>Frank Cottrell-Boyce, </i></b><b><i>Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2024–2026</i></b><br><br>From Jon Klassen, Caldecott Medalist and bestselling creator of <i>This Is Not My Hat</i>, comes a wonderfully eerie yet gentle Halloween story perfect for ages 6–9.<br><br>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.<br><br>With Klassen’s signature dry humour, hauntingly beautiful illustrations and a touch of deliciously spooky fun, <i>The Skull</i> 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.<br><br>Perfect for:<br>- Independent readers ages 6–9<br>- Families looking for a suspenseful but not-too-scary read-aloud<br>- Fans of spooky folktales with a twist of wit and charm<br><br><b>“A mysterious, exquisitely presented gothic tale.”</b> <i>Sunday Times</i><br><br><b>"</b><b>Haunting and charming. </b><b>A dark, delectable adventure."</b> <i>Daily Telegraph</i><br><br><b>"Strange and deliciously creepy, this is the perfect read for children who like something a bit different."</b><i> Irish independent ‘The Best Spooky and Sweet Autumn Reads for Children</i></p>