Early Book Review: Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke

Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on August 29 2023. It was supposed to just be a normal basement—some storage boxes, dust, you know, the usual basement stuff. But when Milo is sent by his mother to fetch a sock from the basement of the historic home they've moved into, Milo finds a door in the back that he's never seen before. Turns out that the basement of his house is enormous. In fact, there is a whole world down there. As Milo travels ever deeper into the Basement World, he meets the many Things that live in the shadows and gloom...and he learns that to face his fears he must approach even the strangest creatures with kindness.

Things in the Basement is a beautifully drawn graphic novel and imaginative story that kept me guessing what twist might happen next. I loved the idea of Milo exploring his new home, and a mission from his mom made it even more engaging. It took me awhile to get into the swing of the amount of imagination explored here- because the adventure starts of with things that totally could be real. I loved how things slowly got stranger and more intense. Milo's journey covers the idea of courage and bravery, but also friendship and kindness. Hatke and his art style just added extra layers of goodness to this book and I think it will become another favorite for fans of the author. 

Things in the Basement is a wonderful graphic novel that will spark the imagination of many, and make some readers remember days when we more easily explored like Milo.