Reviews

I loved this book! I'm not sure I would've liked this when I was a kid, but it's charming even if a smidge dark/sad. Otilla and the skull's friendship was darling. Love Jon Klassen's art (I Want My Hat Back, anyone?) and the art in this book was charming and beautiful.

"Would you give me some tea, please?" said the skull.
Otilla took a teacup and poured the tea through his mouth onto the chair.
"Ah, nice and warm," said the skull. "Thank you."

Content Warnings

okiecozyreader's review

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dark lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

4.5

The Skull is based on a Tyrolean folktale that he found in a book of folktales in a library in Alaska. (It is here, also: http://oaks.nvg.org/tirk.html). In the author’s note for this book, he writes that he changed the ending to the way he remembered it, instead of what it was in the original story.

I love the moodiness of the art. I think a lot of students would appreciate the spookiness of the story.

This does read like a longer picture book. It’s a little over 100 pages but I read it (to myself) in about 10 minutes maybe. I do think it would make a fun October read, but it is a little morbid (the boy chops up bones and throws them into a neverending pit).

theoisnotalive's review

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adventurous dark mysterious

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

bought this for 4 bucks at salvation army cus caught my eye and cus i like having this stuff for work. was NOT expecting to genuinely enjoy this as much as i did omg. at a certain point i was just like wait, who /are/ these characters? i can already tell that this is one of those books i'll have a hard time getting outta my head

also the art is so gorgeous and creepy, idk if the story would've been the same for me without it. perfect mix of childish n creepy PLUS the colours r so good.

the book is probably too scary for me to actually use in a work setting tho lol but i have decided that i should definitely read more folktales

princessmud's review against another edition

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dark lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

librarianally's review

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

oldandnewbooksmell's review

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adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Otilla has run away from terrible danger and has now found a big abandoned house in the middle of the dark forest. Her host, the skull, is afraid of something that comes every night. Can brave Otilla save them both? Filled with rich, monochromatic artwork, The Skull is a retelling of a traditional Tyrolean folktale.

I wish that I had these types of books as a kid - a bit spooky and dark, but still with a good story to it.

I absolutely loved the artwork of this story. The words were sparse but the art was amazing.

The author’s note at the end was also amazing - as a librarian myself, I love when others speak of our superpowers 🙂

Overall, this isn’t just a children’s book by any means. I think those of all ages will enjoy it. It’s a quick, quirky read that doesn’t really sit on horror, but definitely gives off spooky vibes.

mxunsmiley's review against another edition

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5.0

So gorgeous and endearing that I desperately want a physical copy.

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