Walker Books Australia
July 2023
Imprint: Walker Books
ISBN13:9781529509571
Australia RRP:$32.99
New Zealand RRP:$35.99
I’ve been in love with Jon Klassen’s work since I Want my Hat Back (2011!! can you believe that??), and have read it aloud too many times to count, each time to the accompaniment of howls of shock and laughter at the end. Kids just love it, and they love Klassen’s offbeat humour, evidenced by the fact that his books are consistently so very popular (and worn out in library collections).
This deliciously spooky new offering was inspired by a Tyrolean folk tale which Klassen discovered in a library, and turned over in his mind for about a year, until he decided to re-visit it, and discovered he had inadvertently completely changed the narrative.
So while it is inspired by the folk story, it has transmogrified into this superb new dark fantasy, another which children will absolutely love. Otilla has run away to escape a dangerous situation, and becomes lost in a dark and forbidding forest. When she happens upon a large, gloomy house the only response from within is from a skull perched high on a window sill. The Skull promises to let the child in, if she will promise to carry him, given he can only roll and so it is.
Inside the house, Otilla makes some strange discoveries like the wall of masks, and the deep bottomless pit, but unexpectedly discovers that the Skull is also afraid. Can she be brave enough for them both and help her new friend?
It is a weird and strange friendship for sure, but one that is also warm and caring, and children will respond so positively, quickly pointing out that appearances are not paramount. The kindness that both Otilla and the Skull extend to each other is oddly tender and far from creepy, and Otilla’s calm and resolute courage saves them both.
As usual, Klassen’s distinctive illustrations are a perfect match for the quietly sombre narrative. I cannot wait to share this with some kids, and it’s already in my bag for whichever class I happen to have next week as this can just as easily be used in a lower grade group as an upper one. Just wonderful!! Highly recommended for readers of all ages.
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