The Skull: A Spooky Illustrated Adventure Story for Kids Ages 6-9 by Jon Klassen

From Jon Klassen, the Caldecott Medalist and bestselling creator of This Is Not My Hat, comes The Skull, a wonderfully eerie yet gentle Halloween story perfect for independent readers aged 6-9. This gothic folktale, presented with Klassen’s signature dry humor and hauntingly beautiful illustrations, offers a touch of deliciously spooky fun that is mysterious but not too scary.

On a dark night, a girl named Otilla stumbles upon a lonely, abandoned house deep in the forest. Inside, she encounters a skull with a secret of its own. Together, Otilla and the skull face the shadows that arrive each night, discovering the strength that comes from courage and kindness. While the story has a shiver of creepiness, it concludes with empowerment and a reminder that even the strangest friendships can be the most comforting.

The Skull is ideal for families looking for a suspenseful but not-too-scary read-aloud and for children who enjoy spooky folktales with a twist of wit and charm.

Key Features/Benefits:

• A #1 New York Times bestseller.
• Features Klassen’s signature dry humour and hauntingly beautiful illustrations.
• A gentle Halloween story with a shiver of creepiness, ending with strength and empowerment.
• Explores themes of courage, kindness, and friendship.

Specifications:

• Author/Illustrator: Jon Klassen
• Reading Age: 5 - 9 years
• Print Length: 112 pages
• Binding: Paperback
• Dimensions: 15 x 1.2 x 20.2 cm
• Weight: 270 g
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 10 September 2026
• ISBN-10: 1529531055
• ISBN-13: 978-1529531053

The Skull is a mysterious, exquisitely presented gothic tale that is both haunting and charming, offering a dark, delectable adventure perfect for children who like something a bit different.