Early Reader Review: John the Skeleton by Triinu Laan

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

John the Skeleton by Triinu Laan  

Publisher: Yonder
Publication Date: October 1, 2024 

 

Format: Paperback ARC

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

2022 Bologna Children's Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition winner

2021 The White Ravens catalog

2021 Tartu Prize for Children’s Literature

Everyone deserves a quiet, restful retirement. But for John, a newly retired classroom skeleton, life is just beginning. When John is adopted by Grams and Gramps and leaves the classroom to live on their farm, every day is an exciting new John rides in the car for the first time, makes a snow angel, scares away crooks, and becomes a source of comfort for Grams, Gramps, and their grandkids. With delightful illustrations and a charming cast of characters, John the Skeleton is a quirky, touching, and unforgettable book. Triinu Laan thoughtfully weaves aging and death into the fabric of life, crafting a tender portrait of what it means to care for one another, grow old together, and appreciate the little things.

Review: 

This is a translated book from Estonian but it works very well in the translation. It is about an elderly couple that help a classroom skeleton retire to the countryside. 

I love spooky, halloween themes especially this time of year when it is getting colder and darker, but John the Skeleton is a wholesome story about Gramps and Grams in the country and their skeleton friend. The main themes being about growing older together, grief and mourning and how it can impact people. 

This was a weird book - just meaning I am not sure how it will be recieved by younger readers. It is odd and a bit sad at times, and since it is international some customs might differ from ours (great learning opportunity, but for young kids a bit different).

I really enjoyedt this read John the Skeleton got a car ride and scared some people, Gramps and Grams dress him up and talk to him like part of the family. They personify him and take him on adventures - it is very cute. I think if you are looking for an interesting way to talk about grief and mourning, this would be a lovely book to bring into your household - especially if related to grandparents. 

Bonus points for "Gramps" that is what I called my grandfather. I miss him dearly and think about him every day. I think my Gramps would be just as fun if he had a skeleton.