The Skull by Jon Klassen — Children’s Book Review
One of my favorites is the scene where Otilla collects bones in the snow and breaks one
“One night,
In the middle of the night,
while everybody else was asleep,
Otilla finally ran away.”
These lines greet us on the first page of the book. But why did Otilla run away? Who was she escaping from? The story doesn’t provide clear answers, leaving us with a sense of mystery.
The story revolves around a large house nestled deep in a forest, where a skull resides. This skull holds secrets, fear, and memories. When Otilla arrives at the house and encounters the skull, she becomes central to uncovering its secrets and plays a crucial role in the skull’s life.
Jon Klassen’s chapter book is more compelling than typical children’s literature. It’s gloomy but not dull. Klassen is both the illustrator and writer of the book. He is one of the most influential creators in children’s literature, known for his distinct style: dark and funny, humorous and surreal, minimal and whimsical. If you are a fan of children’s picture books, you are likely familiar with Jon Klassen.
He typically doesn’t include human characters in his books. Instead, he focuses on objects like stones, hats, and animals such as tortoises and fish. Readers find these works engaging. However, this book is different from his usual fare; it feels colder and more silent.
The tale is rooted in a Tyrolean folktale. Klassen discovered “The Skull” in a collection of folktales at an Alaskan library. It wasn’t until a year later that he revisited the story, considering it for his own adaptation. In the original, the skull transforms into a nurturing, motherly figure who fills the house with toys and companions for Otilla before disappearing.
I prefer Klassen’s adaptation to the original. One of my favorite additions is the scene where Otilla collects bones in the snow and breaks one — a moment not present in the traditional tale. This addition highlights Otilla’s bravery and her growing bond with the skull.
In conclusion, while reading Jon Klassen’s books usually evokes a sense of wonder similar to that found in the work of fable poets like Charles Simic and Russell Edson, this book did not quite elicit that same emotion for me. I found myself experiencing a new kind of feeling as if I were exposed to chilling memories.
Jon Klassen explores the narrative in “The Skull” more than he usually does, but the story needs a slightly stronger framework to support its subtle situation fully.
Despite this, I must admit that this is still one of the best children’s books available today.
Thu
THE SKULL: A Tyrolean Folktale By Jon Klassen
Publisher : Candlewick (July 11, 2023)
Hardcover : 112 pages
Reading age : 4+ years, from customers
