The Clothesline is a picture book written and illustrated by Orbie. It is currently schedule for release on October 15 2019. This is a story about a little boy who lives above a convenience store with his mom. When he goes to spend his pocket money on candy—only when Mom’s not looking—he gives the knot on the clothesline by the outdoor stairs a good yank (it makes the best sound). One day, he tugs a little too hard, and takes the stairs a little too fast, and—whiiiiiz!—gets stuck hanging smack in the middle of the clothesline. He cries for help, but Mom doesn’t hear. He waits for someone to save him, but only a black cat slinks by. His arm gets tired—but if he hangs on with both hands, he’ll risk dropping his coins! It’s a true dilemma. Finally, he cries out so loudly that he tumbles to the ground. He still spends his pocket money on candy. But he NEVER touches the clothesline again.
The Clothesline has simple text and the images tell as much of the story as the words. It is in the style of a graphic novel, complete with sound effects and sequential storytelling. The illustrations show the fear, worry, and indecision of the young boy in trouble quite clearly, and his problem is one that most young readers could see themselves falling into themselves fairly easily. I am sure I would have done something similar in his position. The young boy is a good sympathetic character, gets himself into trouble doing something he knows is wrong but is very tempting and learns his lesson. I think I would have liked to see him a little braver when it is time to come down from the clothesline- but I was a tree climbing and jumping sort of kid. I liked the story, and the illustrations, and think that it could spark interest in graphic novels in young readers. However, it just did not wow me are strike the chord I was hoping for as I read.
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