The Skull
By Jon Klassen
Published by Candlewick
Jon Klassen's decision to retell and illustrate the Tirolean tale "The Skull" benefits us all. Not only do we get delightfully spooky images where the whites of the girl's eyes stare out of her shadowed face, a reverse image of the black depths where the pale skull's eyes should be, we also get a satisfying fairy tale where good triumphs in the end. Together, the girl and skull make a powerful team, defeating a headless skeleton that tries to capture the skull nightly; they live together happily ever after. Ingenuity and courtesy on the girl's part are rewarded, and by treating each other with respect and compassion, Otilla and the Skull discover in one another a suitable companion. The predictability of traditional literature provides comfort in what could otherwise be a very creepy story.
The art is perfect for the tale, and the tale is perfect for spooky or snowy season.
An aside: Tirol holds a special significance for me, as that is where I spent a year in college for study abroad, so a Tirolean tale held especial appeal.
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