The bestselling and acclaimed author Jon Klassen discusses his new book for young readers The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale (Candlewick, 2023), with Joseph Planta.

The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen (Candlewick, 2023). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Skull

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

One of the more captivating books of the year is latest from the acclaimed and bestselling author Jon Klassen, The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale. A #1 New York Times bestseller when the book was released this past summer, it got great notices and further cemented Mr. Klassen’s reputation as an exceptional author and illustrator. Hailed as a masterpiece, The Skull is described as a haunting, charming narrative. It may be for younger readers, but older ones, myself included found a lot to think about amidst the sharp text, and haunting illustrations. I’ll ask Jon who joins me now, about the first time he came across the folktale that inspired The Skull, and where. I’ll ask him about memory, how he works, what he uses when he works, and how the characters in the book interact; Otilla, a child who’s run away from home, and this skull that she encounters. I’ll also ask Jon about his career and how his work has been regarded, here in Canada, where he was born and raised, and in the United States, where he lives and works now. It was in the New York Times recently, that he was described as a national treasure. I’ll ask him about that, and more. Jon Klassen is the bestselling author and illustrator of the Hat Trilogy, which has sold over a million copies, and which spent 100 weeks on the bestseller list. He is a recipient of the Governor General’s Award, and Caldecott Medal, as well he is a Member of the Order of Canada. The Skull is published by Candlewick. Visit https://linktr.ee/jonklassen for all the links to Jon’s socials and books. He joined me from Los Angeles, nearly one month ago. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Jon Klassen; Mr. Klassen, good morning.

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