The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale

The latest book by award-winning creator Jon Klassen is an adaptation of a Tyrolean folktale. Entitled The Skull, the story originated in the Austrian state of Tyrol. Klassen first encountered the folktale while browsing bookshelves in an Alaskan library. The story stayed with him for several years before he was able to read it again. He was surprised to learn the story as he recalled it was quite different to the tale in the book. He eventually decided to put his own imprint on a retelling of that story.

In The Skull, a young girl named Otilla ventures deep into a forest after running away from home. She happens across a large house that, at first, appears to be deserted. Otilla soon learns, however, that the old house is occupied by a kindly skull. Otilla is welcomed inside and is in the house that night when a headless skeleton arrives to try to take possession of the skull.

Each word in the written text has been carefully selected to be within the range of young readers but also have maximum effect in carrying the story forward in a satisfying manner. The story is told in a matter-of-fact fashion well-suited to the telling of folktales where extraordinary possibilities simply exist. In Klassen’s story, much remains unsaid. Readers learn nothing of the events that compelled Otilla to run away from home. There are no details regarding the skull and the headless skeleton’s relationship before Otilla’s arrival. There is no explanation as to how or why Otilla is not frightened by the talking skull. These omissions provide space for readers to fill in their own imaginative details. The omissions also keep the story moving forward in a satisfyingly simple manner.

Klassen’s illustrations were created in graphite and ink and were then finished digitally. The limited colour palette lends a mysterious and somewhat otherworldly element to the book. The splashes of ink add texture and depth to the illustrations. Without being particularly detailed, they are visually interesting.

It is difficult to be sure who might most enjoy The Skull. It is a story well told and skilfully illustrated. The subject matter, however—in part a skull hiding from a headless skeleton—is perhaps not something for the youngest readers. Older readers might wish for more drama and more action. Many readers might prefer greater colour and detail in the artwork. The audience might be limited, but The Skull is a thought-provoking and engaging work. Those who do read the book will be intrigued. They will turn to it on more than one occasion and think through the events of the story. With previous books, Klassen has enjoyed great popularity. The Skull will not garner the same large audience, but readers who favour gentle ghost stories with a touch of understated humour will embrace it with enthusiasm and delight.