Book cover of I Was: The Stories of Animal Skulls

I Was: The Stories of Animal Skulls

ISBN

Publisher & Publication Year

Candlewick, 2024

Publisher's Book Page

Author

Katherine Hocker

Author's Website 

Illustrator

Natasha Donovan (Metis Nation of British Columbia)

Synopsis

Summary

Strong, smooth domes, skulls are more than remnants of creatures that used to be. They are artifacts that allow us to travel back through time. Every ridge, hollow, and crevice of a skull reveals something about an animal’s habitat, food source, and skill set. By observing the characteristics of six different animal skulls, readers can learn about the lives once led by a lynx, a deer, a beaver, a hummingbird, a wolf, and an owl.

Notable Achievements

ALSC Notable Children’s Books Nominee (2025)

Reviews

Kirkus: "Donovan’s carefully detailed skulls, most placed on the ground in outdoorsy settings, make it easy to follow Hocker’s beautifully penned poetic references."

The Horn Book: "Hocker reminds readers that there is more to nature than a casual glance affords... the text flows smoothly, and both the facts presented and the plea to appreciate the multiple ways nature speaks to us are clear."

Educator Guide

Link to Guide

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