Ben Hatke's newest graphic novel adventures starts with a lost sock. Milo, a brown-skinned young boy, trudges off to the basement, at his mother's behest, to search for one of his baby sibling's socks that's gone missing in the basement laundry room. Before Milo can get the sock, though, a rat grabs it and runs away. Milo, following the rat, discovers a series of secret chambers, all of which lead to a subterranean fantasy world inhabited by equally fantastic denizens including a floating skull, a one-eyed tentacled creature, and a ghost. Milo will need all of his new friends to help him locate the sock and get back home. Hatke seamlessly blends fantasy and reality, using his color palette to transport readers: murky greens and browns, cool blues and purples, and the warmth of a small torch all come together to provide a breathtaking fantasy landscape. Sparsely worded, Hatke uses his illustration to weave a tale of friendship and bravery.

Milo goes on a epic adventure to rescue his baby sister’s sock after it goes missing in the wash. The side characters were charming and weird. Such a fun time.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this one early in exchange for an honest review!
Y'all, I love Ben Hatke. I love his art style! I love the stories he tells, and the fantastical critters that live in those stories! I love the fact that he can, like, juggle things that are on fire* (The last one is not really relevant, but also yes it is).

This one is a fun middle grade graphic novel that would make for an amazing video game, and provides the answer to one of life's greatest mysteries: where do missing socks go? Kiddos as young as 8 would enjoy it, I think; one uhhhh critter is much more unsettling than the rest, but isn't anything most elementary school kids can't handle.
Hand this one to a child (or..anybody) who enjoyed Margo Maloo or Coraline (or wants to enjoy Coraline, but it's still 2 spooky).


*For real! Check his Insta. He's so talented.

Milo is sent by his mom to find a pink sock which belongs to one of the twins, and everyone knows, basements can be a bit creepy, especially when Milo and his family have just moved into the house. Poor Milo--displaced by the twins and sent into a strange basement for a sock. As Milo wanders deeper into the secret rooms, caverns, and mazes under his homes's basement, he encounters many odd but friendly characters who provide him with the companionship and adventures he needs. Of course there is an unsavory character to add to the plot. You should definitely add to your graphic novel collection
Thank you to First Second Books, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, and NetGalley for the digital arc.

What a delightful read! My elementary school students will totally enjoy the uproarious pages and plot of this book.
The everlasting mystery of where socks go when they disappear is humorous on its own but this book presents a quirky explanation that is so outrageous it will bring a smile to the readers on every page. The illustrations are bold and imaginative and are bound to keep everyone engaged. The themes of curiosity, inquisitiveness, family love and responsibility, are all ingenious and gloriously presented. This is sure to be a hit in my media center.

This book answers a question that I've long had---where do lost socks go? (Spoiler alert, moms, they do NOT become tupperware lids). The story, in and of itself, is fabulous.

A nearly wordless graphic novel with illustrations so rich and intricate you could spend hours pouring over it. Okay, so my daughter did. It's perfectly atmospheric--I mean, look at the cover! Hatke has masterfully create the world and the mood along with it.

Teachers, I can see this being part of all kinds of lessons:
In art class, telling your story through images, how colors lend to a mood you want your reader/viewer to feel.
In reading class, that all important skill of using the pictures provided for context and to improve literacy.
In a writing class, how images drive the story, or even as a prompt--how would you tell the story in words?

Overall, adored this. Hatke had me years ago awith Zita, and he's delivered yet another gorgeous book.

I had two thoughts while reading this book:

2. "What species of fungi went into Hatke's body to create this book and how much would it cost to air a PSA about it?"

2. "It's like if 'Coraline' had been written by Salvador Dali."

Simultaneously both disturbing and delightful.

Milo is sent to the basement to search for his baby sibling's missing sock and discovers a whole world filled with mysterious creatures around each dark corner.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful and the story told elegantly through few words. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves when the art tells the bulk of the story!

I always enjoy a good Ben Hatke graphic novel, and Things in the Basement was no exception. I loved the characters, even ones that never spoke, and enjoyed the long journey in search of a sock.

That was so good. It was sweet and fun and great art. Love love love. I must now go and read everything by this author.

Ben Hatke is one of my go-to graphic novel writers because his books are so unique! Things in the Basement takes the legend of one sock disappearing and turns it into a whole adventure into a never-ending basement filled with mazes, creatures, and unlikely friends.

I liked this, but didn't love it. I think younger audiences will enjoy it more. The art was beautiful and I liked the spooky and friendship elements, but parts of it were a little too silly for my liking. I did, however, like the overarching theme of conquering fear with friendship

This is a good graphic novel for readers who want something creepy but not too scary. It has a ghost story element and things that go bump in the night, but the monster is more gross and parasitic than scary. In the end, there are friendships, heros, and a happy ending. The quest that leads to these adventures may appeal to teens who are starting to become interested in D&D.

I think this was a cute story, and I liked the illustrations a lot!

Ben Hatke has an incredible gift of being able to convey emotion, plot, setting, and tone through his exceptional artwork. This graphic novel is very nearly wordless. There are some, but the art takes center stage. My middle school readers will pick this up because of Hatke’s body of work, but I believe it is a special treat for our ELL and SPED students.

A wondrous fantasy set in an everyday world. Owly styled icon thought balloons convey emotional content efficiently, allowing the setting to take center stage. Characters are relatable, and the evolution of their relationships is sweet and rewarding. Another satisfying outing from Hatke.

Ben Hatke's Things in the Basement follows a boy who is sent to the basement to retrieve a special sock for his baby sister. Milo's mother is busy taking care of twin babies and sends him on his quest. Milo's mother sings, nurses, and rocks the babies while she waits for Milo. Her love is heartfelt.

Although he's apprehensive, Milo bravely goes down the basement steps of their new house and sees a rat carry away the precious sock. This hero's journey, depicted in gorgeous illustrations, begins with a mundane setting and ventures deep underground into fantastical worlds. Our hero meets unusual friends along the way and a green glob of a monster. He remains loyal to his friends and they to him. We get an art history lesson along the way.

Ben Hatke's graphic novels are my go-to recommendations for reluctant readers. Things in the Basement has just made that list.

Thank you to First Second and NetGalley for lending me this ebook. My opinions are my own.

Creepy and adorable all at once! The perfect introduction to kids horror for readers who might not be ready for R.L. Stine. Ben Hatke does an amazing job blending spooky and lighthearted.

Ever wondered what happens to the lost socks? Well, Milo probably never expected that a simple errand to retrieve his baby sister's sock would morph into an epic quest.

This graphic novel is perfect. Visually stunning with fantastic use of color and whimsical illustrations. The story is adventurous and a bit spooky. Ben Hatke does it again!

Such an adorable graphic novel. Kept me guessing until the end…and the end cracked me up. Imagine a world where all the lost socks go. That’s where Milo adventures to while searching for his sister’s missing sock. He meets new friends, travels down down down, not knowing if he will find the sock nor how big this basement actually is. The illustrations were perfect, aligning with the mood of the story. I really hope there’s a sequel!

This was such a fun, adorable middle grade graphic novel! There were so many layers - literally and figuratively - and it kept me guessing and turning the page. I loved the art work, and the idea of the humungous basement with sock rats. I loved the team work and bravery and friendship and family. I think this was such a fun book and I hope there is a sequel in the works!