Fairuza Balk’s talented narration will draw listeners into this retelling of a mysterious Tyrolean folktale. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss the rich sound effects and music that bring Jon Klassen’s tale to life. Balk captures the youth and curiosity of Otilla, a young girl fleeing into the forest who discovers a mysterious home inhabited by a skull. Balk renders Otilla and the skull’s warm dialogue, conveying their easy friendship and growing trust. When the skull confesses the scary truth about what haunts him every night, Otilla bravely stands up for her friend. The author narrates his afterword, explaining how he transformed the original tale.

Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile’s website. Published by Dreamscape.

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