The Skull of Truth: A Magic Shop Book – A Fantasy Tale for Children (Ages 10-12) About Charlie's Lying and Stealing

I've been slowly making my way through a long list of books recommended to me by a librarian friend of mine. One of them was a favorite from her childhood, "Jeremy Thatcher; Dragon Hatcher." While I DID enjoy the book, I couldn't help but find more than a few glaring plot holes with it, and thought it was just okay. But knowing that this was part of a series that featured a mysterious magic shop in each book, I was intrigued just enough to want to keep going and see if more of this "fantasy meets reality" world would be explored or explained. And I'm glad I did, because this story is far and away a better book, with a tighter plot, more likeable characters, and a stronger message.Young Charlie is a liar. He wasn't always that way, but ever since a school yard incident that made him lose a friend and be blamed for something he didn't do, he doesn't see much point in telling the truth anymore if no one will believe him, no matter whether he's truthful or not. But his life is turned upside down when, while on the run from a gang of bullies, he stumbles into a mysterious magic shop. There, he finds the Skull of Truth, which is exactly what the name implies---anyone near to and/or in possession of the skull is compelled to tell the absolute truth, no matter what. Now unable to tell any lies, Charlie's painfully truthful words seem to do more harm than good. And with the future of his favorite swamp, as well as his friendships on the line, Charlie must now choose his words carefully, as the nature of truth itself is more powerful than he could've ever imagined.This book is actually part of a series, in which all the books revolve around the mysterious magic shop in some way. But each book can stand well enough on its own that you don't have to have read the others. (As attested by the fact that I've been reading these out of order and didn't even realize it.) And while "Jeremy Thatcher" left me wondering if more of the history of the magic shop and it's curators would be explored, this book gave me some of the answers I was hoping for....kind of. While most of the shop's curiosities and its owner are still left a mystery, there's a few hints dropped here and there---mainly the notion that the shop appears wherever its needed the most, and any person who finds themselves there are there for a reason.Case in point, Charlie, who's practically a compulsive liar, is in need of a harsh lesson of how powerful the truth can really be. But he remains a likeable main character, and it's understandable why he tells tall tales all the time once the "frog incident" is explained. The Skull of Truth itself, named Yorick, is hilarious, with his running commentary that no one else can hear except Charlie. But mixed in with some wacky hijinks, the plot also takes a bit of a darker turn I was surprised to find in a series mostly aimed at young kids, from Yorick explaining how he died (with some great Shakespeare references), to Charlie having to patch things up with his best friend who's battling cancer (after the skull compels him to say something truly awful to his friend). (And the way he makes it up to him is really touching.) And during a memorable family dinner (with the skull forcing everyone to speak their true thoughts), Charlie's uncle is revealed to be homosexual---a rare instance of a gay character in a kid's book (written back in the 90s no less!). Thankfully, his coming out is treated with respect.From the above, it's easy to tell that this story takes on a much more serious tone than the other "magic shop" book, with timely lessons in the importance of telling the truth, and that sometimes, the truth CAN be harmful, and that there ARE times where it's better to lie. The key is knowing when it's a good time to fib or not. Suffice it to say, this story was a vast improvement from my first outing in this series, and I can't wait to read the rest.

Reading this book to my five year old. We do a chapter a night. She is advanced for her age and has no problem understanding the storyline. There are a few words or parts that I have skimmed over/changed to make more age appropriate, but overall I love the theme of the story. It has allowed us to address the topic of lying in a more positive and memorable way for her. This book has lead to lots of great questions and discussions!

I purchased this as an Accelerated Reader book for my 8-year-old; we both found it delightful. Yorick was a perfect image for his imagination and the fantastic quality of the story kept him constantly involved; I found the book both entertaining and thought-provoking. The truths that the skull forces people to tell gave us the opportunity for a number of real-life discussions. Coville is a terrific writer for all ages -- unlike many writers of "youth" books, he goes beyond the obvious yucky stuff that interests 8-year-old boys and brings so much more to life (even to a discussion of Shakespeare and the Tragedy of Hamlet!)

I loved reading this book in the series. It has a special parable told near the end that sums up how to live your life so that it seems like you're in heaven. Adults and children live it. My grandson is 9 and is very much hooked in the Magic Shop series. The best one is Jeremy Thatcher Dragon Hatcher.

This book is a tiny slow getting started, but once the reader is indulging thoroughly, there's no getting away. A great read for elementary-aged readers who are curiously considering adventures away from the parents. A totally safe way they can get that without the process of physically being in danger.Terrific for a parent to share with the child at bedtime. No gore or anything remotely gross, other than a skull.

My son and I love Bruce Coville. The Skull of Truth is no exception.

Great book!

Awesome book. Loved it even as a teen and I finally hunted this down.