A review of John the Skeleton
by
Triinu
Laan
This picture book is a black, white, and neon pink look at a classroom skeleton named John who retires and moves to the country to live with Grams and Gramps in a cottage in the woods. Grams and Gramps have lived in this cottage for a long time, and it is described as a little bit crooked and a little bit under the weather. This perfectly describes what my fixer-upper home is like, with an inspired twist on words. John the Skeleton is a book in translation, and as such, it opens the reader to concepts, words, and illustrations that have a distinct Northern European flair. Gramps brings Grams a shawl from the market, a favorite bedtime story is a variation on "The Gigantic Turnip," and there's a sauna in the side yard. The family consumes smoked chicken, sauerkraut, gravy, and sweet kringle.
Each page showcases a swathe of pink to demonstrate that there is something bright happening - life is happening all around. John spends time in an outdoor summer kitchen, wears a jaunty top hat and overcoat, and experiences everything like the rest of the family: riding in the car, bonfires, baths, and snow angels, all conveyed with tenderness, dignity and respect. There is also a funeral, which celebrates life in a different way. That John is a part of all this feels very natural.
At 60 pages, this book is not quite a picture book and not quite children's fiction, while also being a mix of both. The publisher info says suitable for ages 5-8, I'd say older or younger depending on the interest.
John the Skeleton is the 2025 Mildred L. Batchelder Award winner. Originally published in Estonian as “Luukere Juhani Juhtumised,” the book was written by Triinu Laan, illustrated by Marja-Liisa Plats, translated by Adam Cullen and published by Yonder, an imprint of Restless Books for Young Readers. The Yonder imprint is devoted to bringing great stories from around the globe to English-reading children. They focus on how books from other countries, cultures, viewpoints, and storytelling traditions broaden viewpoints and perspectives. This book certainly places readers in the shoes of others beyond their community. The author note shares that the author believes that children are fully capable of discussing serious and complicated topics and this book touches on that, too.
Read more about all the 2025 ALA Youth Media Award Winners here.