Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke. 240 p. First Second/ Macmillan, August, 2023. 9781250909541. Review of finished, purchased copy.
Middle Grade Monday features Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke. Milo has just moved to a new house and is bored and lonely. There are boxes everywhere, no friends and his mother's time and attention is monopolized by his twin baby sisters. When his mom asks him to find his sister's favorite sock in the basement, the simple trip downstairs turns into an odyssey, because a rat has stolen the sock and retreated into the dark recesses of the basement. Stalwart Milo follows, and follows and follows this rat into deeper and more mysterious sections of the basement. Will he ever return?
The art in this evocative tale is truly mind-blowing; subtle, sinister, and yet, occasionally oddly soothing. Read it through for the story, but reread it for the art! TMS students love Mr. Hatke's Mighty Jack and Zita stories. This is totally different style-wise. I hope his many fans love Things in the Basement as much as I. Highly recommend! Happy reading and happy snowy day! It's a gorgeous day here in northeastern NJ.
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