I found a book that I might not have liked as much if someone had not said they liked it. Which is odd, especially for me, because usually if someone says they like a book, I immediately say I probably will not, as my tastes are different from most peoples. However, this person has recommended a few things that I have enjoyed, and a few things I have not, therefore, I usually try their recommendations.
The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale has an interesting history. This you do not learn about until the end of the book but knowing that makes the book even more unique and frankly, special. The story is offbeat with it opening with the introduction of our main character, Otilla, by telling us, she has finally run away. This alone makes it intrigue as we never learn why or from whom (or what).
And what follows is an old world, European folktale. Otilla runs away only to find a spooky house that has a skull in the window. They have a polite conversation, and the skull invites her to stay with them, but as payment, Otilla must carry the skull around. (So far, so good. I am digging it.) Of course, there is the bottom half of the skull that has a thing or two to say (how, without a mouth, I am not sure, but they are vocal about what they want) and our heroine stops the skeleton (in a very permanent way) from causing trouble.
Jon Klassen is the author and illustrator of this story, which I am assuming maybe more picture book format than a graphic novel. Since I read this via online, I need the final results. Their signature style is obvious. There is little color except for browns, grays, and darker imagery fill the pages. However, such as one of the images I picked, you can see how color is used, too. There is a feeling of coolness coming from the page. It is not for all readers/listeners, but a strong child (and of course, adult) would appreciate the maturity and yet, enjoy the story. I am not-so-patiently waiting for mid-July 2023 to see the result, as online Edelweiss reading gets the job done, but is not satisfying.