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Things in the Basement
From New York Times bestselling author Ben Hatke comes Things in the Basement, a young readers graphic novel about Milo, a young boy who discovers a portal to a secret world in his basement.
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.
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.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2023
12 people are currently reading
2034 people want to read
About the author
Ben Hatke
49books1,195followersBen Hatke is an author and illustrator of graphic novels and picture books. Most notably he is the creator of the Zita the Spacegirl graphic novel series.
He posts art and stories online at:
He posts art and stories online at:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
September 17, 2024
When I was a kid I was certain our basement was a place of horror. I’d never go down there and assume every odd noise I’d hear at night was a sure sign my assumptions were accurate. But eventually I faced my fears and fought…I don’t know, some cobwebs and shadows? and by the time I was a teen I had converted the basement into my bedroom. Fortunately I never had to share the space with anything like this�
Ben Hatke (Julia’s House for Lost Creatures and ) and has mastered the perfect mix of cute and creepy creatures and it certainly shines bright in his newest middle grade graphic novel, The Things in the Basement. Milo is tasked with retrieving his baby sibling’s missing sock from his creepy basement—tia Maria made it so it is important!—and what begins as chasing a rat who has stolen the sock turns into an epic adventure through mysterious hidden room after room and deep into the earth where all the lost socks of the world end up. Along the way Milo must face his fears of eerie spaces and spooky creatures but finds that a little kindness goes a long way and he begins to make friends. Though not everyone in this creepy labyrinth is friendly…some want to devour you whole! Will Milo ever get the sock back or will he, too, become another resident eternally haunting the basement?
I really love Hatke’s signature artwork and it makes this such an enjoyable experience (a lot of the creature designs will look vaguely familiar and the little musician mushroom buddies have appeared in other picture books). I also loved the whole variety of rooms opening into vastly different rooms like it was a haunted , with a bootleggers hideout, an artist studio and some super amazing Piranesi-esque caverns:
And the character designs are great, like this…nun with a bell for a face in a mysterious underground monastery:
Things in the Basement is super cute and fun and a lovely lesson on facing fears, especially to help and protect your friends. This is just as fun and magical for adults as it surely will be for the younger readers it is aimed at (it may be a bit frightening for real young readers but in more a cute way than a traumatic way). Ben Hatke is a joy and this is a perfect book to kick off Spooky Season which is just around the corner!
Ben Hatke (Julia’s House for Lost Creatures and ) and has mastered the perfect mix of cute and creepy creatures and it certainly shines bright in his newest middle grade graphic novel, The Things in the Basement. Milo is tasked with retrieving his baby sibling’s missing sock from his creepy basement—tia Maria made it so it is important!—and what begins as chasing a rat who has stolen the sock turns into an epic adventure through mysterious hidden room after room and deep into the earth where all the lost socks of the world end up. Along the way Milo must face his fears of eerie spaces and spooky creatures but finds that a little kindness goes a long way and he begins to make friends. Though not everyone in this creepy labyrinth is friendly…some want to devour you whole! Will Milo ever get the sock back or will he, too, become another resident eternally haunting the basement?
I really love Hatke’s signature artwork and it makes this such an enjoyable experience (a lot of the creature designs will look vaguely familiar and the little musician mushroom buddies have appeared in other picture books). I also loved the whole variety of rooms opening into vastly different rooms like it was a haunted , with a bootleggers hideout, an artist studio and some super amazing Piranesi-esque caverns:
And the character designs are great, like this…nun with a bell for a face in a mysterious underground monastery:
Things in the Basement is super cute and fun and a lovely lesson on facing fears, especially to help and protect your friends. This is just as fun and magical for adults as it surely will be for the younger readers it is aimed at (it may be a bit frightening for real young readers but in more a cute way than a traumatic way). Ben Hatke is a joy and this is a perfect book to kick off Spooky Season which is just around the corner!
December 13, 2023
"Okay. I'll do it. I'll get the sock." -- protagonist Milo, beginning his adventure, on page 31
Although a graphic novel aimed at the elementary school level, Things in the Basement also works for those of us who squarely came of age back in the 1980's - especially viewing such movies as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and The Goonies (1985), or even CBS-TV's annual airings of The Wizard of Oz - in which a resilient juvenile character experiences an otherworldly (underworldly?) adventure of a lifetime. Seven year-old Milo has just moved into an unfamiliar old suburban house, and is asked by his mother to retrieve his fussy infant sister's missing pink sock from their basement laundry room. Summoning all the gumption and grit he possibly can, Milo descends into the scary darkness and quickly finds himself involved an episodic escapade involving supernatural creatures, monsters, and spirits. Forming a loyal quartet (a la Oz) alongside his tight new pals that he christens Chuckles, Weepie, and Belle - and I would not dream of giving away their descriptions - they trek through an action-packed and suspenseful quest that was often rather endearing and usually just a whole lot of fun. Many thanks to GR friend Jen for recommending this quirky book to me.
Although a graphic novel aimed at the elementary school level, Things in the Basement also works for those of us who squarely came of age back in the 1980's - especially viewing such movies as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and The Goonies (1985), or even CBS-TV's annual airings of The Wizard of Oz - in which a resilient juvenile character experiences an otherworldly (underworldly?) adventure of a lifetime. Seven year-old Milo has just moved into an unfamiliar old suburban house, and is asked by his mother to retrieve his fussy infant sister's missing pink sock from their basement laundry room. Summoning all the gumption and grit he possibly can, Milo descends into the scary darkness and quickly finds himself involved an episodic escapade involving supernatural creatures, monsters, and spirits. Forming a loyal quartet (a la Oz) alongside his tight new pals that he christens Chuckles, Weepie, and Belle - and I would not dream of giving away their descriptions - they trek through an action-packed and suspenseful quest that was often rather endearing and usually just a whole lot of fun. Many thanks to GR friend Jen for recommending this quirky book to me.
September 25, 2023
This was spooky and charming, the perfect read for a fall day! (Or night, if you're brave!) I loved the style of the art, the murkiness of the basements, and sub basements, and sub sub basements!
September 25, 2024
This book is pure art. I grabbed this from the library because I wanted a spooky kids book about a kid venturing into the basement and facing unknown, kid appropriate horrors. When I was a kid, I was terrified to go in the basement after dark. I thought the book would go in that direction. I had no expectation that I would fall deep into the beauty of incredible illustrations of a world beyond imaginations in this story. It does have some spooky elements, but it's so much more. It's an epic adventure, in a basement. You have to read it to find out what that entails. I really would like to get a paper copy of this book. My experience of reading this on the kindle was like enjoying a delicious dessert. I fell into the textures of the illustrations, the light and darks, the incredible shading and fantastic artistry. I can't imagine how much I would enjoy actually holding it in my hands.
Yes, I am going hard in describing my experience with this book. It deserves it. Dialogue is minimal in this book, but you don't need much. The pictures tell everything. It's a graphic novel, so that's how it should be. But there's something so expansive about this book. It's like falling into another world. Loved it!
Yes, I am going hard in describing my experience with this book. It deserves it. Dialogue is minimal in this book, but you don't need much. The pictures tell everything. It's a graphic novel, so that's how it should be. But there's something so expansive about this book. It's like falling into another world. Loved it!
May 23, 2024
Omg five stars all the way!!! This was creative, funny, surprising, and the art was great!! I loved this from start to finish as our main character goes on an adventure to find a precious missing sock for his baby siblings. There are monsters, ghosts, friends, and more!!
It doesn’t take long to read, so you can devour it in one sitting. And I totally recommend you do because that’s how cute this graphic novel is! I highly recommend this to those looking for something fun and comical to enjoy. This is a middle grade book, but I recommend it to those who are young at heart also.
It doesn’t take long to read, so you can devour it in one sitting. And I totally recommend you do because that’s how cute this graphic novel is! I highly recommend this to those looking for something fun and comical to enjoy. This is a middle grade book, but I recommend it to those who are young at heart also.
January 18, 2023
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!
October 17, 2023
I completely loved this one. The familial love and the friendship storylines were so sweet. It was action, adventure and the ending was too funny and I want to read the sequel for sure! This was so inventive and fun. The artwork was perfect for this story, the colors were gorgeous and the character growth was believable.
I can see middle grade readers and above really enjoying this one. It had D&D vibes, so if you are into that, this would scratch that itch I think.
5, this was so much more than I was expecting and I want to see the adventures continue, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley and First Second for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I can see middle grade readers and above really enjoying this one. It had D&D vibes, so if you are into that, this would scratch that itch I think.
5, this was so much more than I was expecting and I want to see the adventures continue, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley and First Second for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
This was a cute graphic novel!
I looooooved the art style! Especially when the illustrations covered a full two page spread! Some really beautiful shading and colour work throughout.
The story was simplistic but effective.
Overall a 3.75 ⭐️ for me.
I looooooved the art style! Especially when the illustrations covered a full two page spread! Some really beautiful shading and colour work throughout.
The story was simplistic but effective.
Overall a 3.75 ⭐️ for me.
May 22, 2024
This was a strange little story, but, intriguing nonetheless. I think young children and reluctant readers would devour this book. It has lots of detailed artwork and very few words. It's almost like the reader is taking an adventure back through different eras of artwork while the main character is on a mission to find a missing sock in the basement (or is it a labyrinth?). I think most everyone can relate to having a missing sock. Often times, we have no idea where it ends up. This is an interesting imagining of where one might be!
May 21, 2024
am i nearly sixteen? yes, yes i am. is this a children’s book? yes, yes it is. was it absolutely adorable? yes, yes it stinkin was.
this was honestly so cute, i wish i grew up with books like this.
this was honestly so cute, i wish i grew up with books like this.
October 22, 2023
This is such a fun story, full of imagination, spooky and a little bit scary without being terrifying, with lovable characters that shouldn't be judged by their appearances. Milo's family has moved into a new house, and his mother asks him to go to the basement to find his little sister's missing sock (it must've gotten lost in the laundry). Now, basements are creepy - I've never lived in a house with one, but I remember the basement at my Aunt Annabel's house well, what thrilling fun it was to explore! Milo spots a rat running off with the sock, and discovers a whole other world down there, below the basement. He makes some unexpected friends, discovers that sometimes others look scary but turn out to be very nice, and by facing your fears, you often find they're not as scary as you thought. The art is delightful throughout, and the ending leaves open the possibility of a second book, because now that Milo's found the missing sock, there's a box up in the attic...
October 30, 2023
4.5
This has the exact Ben Hatke style I love! The creatures in this all feel so unique- especially the bell shepherd- and I love the use of color as we explore deeper into the basement world. This is a standard "kid on a quest creating allies" type of story that didn't feel standard. I, personally, could've read more (maybe we'll get that attic story as a sequel!).
This has the exact Ben Hatke style I love! The creatures in this all feel so unique- especially the bell shepherd- and I love the use of color as we explore deeper into the basement world. This is a standard "kid on a quest creating allies" type of story that didn't feel standard. I, personally, could've read more (maybe we'll get that attic story as a sequel!).
September 14, 2023
I loved it. It's been a long time since I've read a graphic novel so different.
You never know where it will take you or what you will find.
It reads in the blink of an eye and metaphorically talks about many important things in life.
I found it a nostalgic novel in many ways.
You never know where it will take you or what you will find.
It reads in the blink of an eye and metaphorically talks about many important things in life.
I found it a nostalgic novel in many ways.
July 15, 2023
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.
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.
February 4, 2023
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!
September 26, 2023
A delightful story about Milo, a boy who has been sent by his mother to find his baby sister's missing sock in their new house which has a whole lot of basements.
Delightfully whimsical illustrations, as one would expect from Ben Hatke.
Delightfully whimsical illustrations, as one would expect from Ben Hatke.
January 8, 2024
Things in the Basement is a terrifically fun adventure that will be most appealing to younger kiddos whose creative juices still tend towards dream logic. That is, if you like disconnected fantasy ideas in a fast-paced, beautifully illustrated mish-mash, this book is for you.
Milo is sent to the spooky basement of his new home by his mother. He's on the hunt for his baby sister's pink sock, but just as soon as he spies the sock, a rat drags it away - and keeps dragging it deeper and deeper into the undercarriage of the house. As Milo descends through caves and castles, he meets an assortment of odd characters who help him with his quest. It's like an even more kid-friendly version of the Bone series as our hero and his gang of adventurers try to save the day (find the sock).
Lessons are learned and adventures are had - Things in the Basement is often sweet and gently scary. It's a superb piece of graphic fiction for a young audience.
Milo is sent to the spooky basement of his new home by his mother. He's on the hunt for his baby sister's pink sock, but just as soon as he spies the sock, a rat drags it away - and keeps dragging it deeper and deeper into the undercarriage of the house. As Milo descends through caves and castles, he meets an assortment of odd characters who help him with his quest. It's like an even more kid-friendly version of the Bone series as our hero and his gang of adventurers try to save the day (find the sock).
Lessons are learned and adventures are had - Things in the Basement is often sweet and gently scary. It's a superb piece of graphic fiction for a young audience.
November 19, 2023
I really appreciate Ben Hatke’s story telling through imagery. I always hand his graphic novels to reluctant or emerging readers as on the whole they don’t rely on the text to do the story telling. This fantastical graphic novel into Milo’s basement in search of a sock was a Ghibli-like, imaginative adventure.
July 24, 2024
2023 Cybils finalist for Graphic Novel
It was a bit dim for my old eyes, and I did notice the repetitions (kid sees scary thing, kid is scared, scary thing turns out nice) but there was enough variation (sock rats, green glob monster) that I was kept interested. The frame story was cool, and the basement stuff was expansive on several levels.
It was a bit dim for my old eyes, and I did notice the repetitions (kid sees scary thing, kid is scared, scary thing turns out nice) but there was enough variation (sock rats, green glob monster) that I was kept interested. The frame story was cool, and the basement stuff was expansive on several levels.
July 28, 2024
Love everything this author has made, this is a great book for a new reader! Daven and Fio blew through it and I loved how some of the thought bubbles involved symbols that the kids had to piece together to understand.
January 19, 2025
(3.3) Awesome detailed panels with expansive artwork of an underworld that lies beneath a mystical basement. The limited dialogue is great for younger readers.
September 7, 2023
So imaginative and cute!! I always love Hatke's work!!
September 25, 2023
4.5 stars--I completely understand the buzz for this junior graphic novel.
What child hasn't imagined something spooky was hiding in the basement? In this delightfully-illustrated story, a boy's search for a missing sock turns into an incredible, labyrinthine adventure in a basement that seems to descend into the far reaches of time. I loved the dreamlike quality of the story and, of course, Weepie, the giant eyeball-octopus creature!
What child hasn't imagined something spooky was hiding in the basement? In this delightfully-illustrated story, a boy's search for a missing sock turns into an incredible, labyrinthine adventure in a basement that seems to descend into the far reaches of time. I loved the dreamlike quality of the story and, of course, Weepie, the giant eyeball-octopus creature!
August 15, 2023
Secret passages with undiscovered rooms and locations will entice readers and make their imaginations soar in Ben Hatke’s Things In The Basement. The characters Milo meets along the way are interesting. Such impressive world-building in the illustrations, which are intricate and full of details to explore. I love, love, love the promise of more at the end. Students are going to keep this title in high demand and require libraries to order more copies.
Imaginative
Curiosity-inducing
Will pull you in deeper and deeper as you read
Imaginative
Curiosity-inducing
Will pull you in deeper and deeper as you read
February 27, 2024
Some of the most enchantingly colorful artwork I've seen in a while. Beautiful use of color to draw out emotions, and the drawings are so fluid and fun. The story is very sweet, with a cute cast of characters and little dialogue that still packs a lovely punch. Just a grand book all around. I could stare at that artwork for hours.
December 16, 2023
The inner child in this body of mine, remembers basements of many kinds, this story is the reason why. Hilarious and scary all at once, oddly cute. Mark Z. Danielewski of mind boggling and terrifying read—HOUSE OF LEAVES probably would recognize his house in there�?
June 17, 2024
A wonderfully cute children’s fantasy, it’s a little dark and sort of scary at first, but that’s not a bad thing! It sets the tone superbly. I’ll admit It took me a few pages to get used to Hatke’s unique art style, but it quickly won me over, and now I think it was perfect! Chuckles, Weepie, and Belle all made great companions for Milo, who turned out to be an excellent wizard and hero! Great stuff. Four solid stars!
February 2, 2025
Almost wordless. A little creepy, a little mysterious, a little funny: it's all good.
December 16, 2023
This was a cute story with beautiful art work. The characters in this story were super cute and endearing and I enjoyed their little journey together. I loved the concept because what kid isn’t at least a little afraid of their basement? That being said, I left this story with so many questions, which to be fair, I am an adult reading a middle grade graphic novel, but I’m not sure if that makes it better or worse. The basement world was so massive, and it looked like there was an established world that we just didn’t really get to learn much about. You could see interesting looking symbols and statues throughout the world but we didn’t get to learn anything about them or the reason behind anything that happens. Granted, again, middle grade, I know. But I would have loved just a bit more world building and to feel like I really understood a bit more behind the story. At face value though, this was cute, eerie but not scary, and a pleasant little adventure.
December 31, 2023
Quite possibly the best answer to the question of where odd socks disappear to.
Milo heads to the basement on a quest to find a younger sibling’s lost sock and is quickly swept into a whole other realm all seemingly located within his house. Gives off bigger-on-the-inside vibes, with a dash of Narnia.
The second book this year to offer up a Skull as a main character (see ). Also features a very sad tentacled eyeball, a goat named Ophelia who misses her boyfriend, a wandering goat boyfriend named Ibn Battuta, a ghost, several musical mushrooms, and a set of chattering teeth that are completely out of control.
I found this wildly delightful with just the right balance of spooky, humor, and heartfelt friendship.
Milo heads to the basement on a quest to find a younger sibling’s lost sock and is quickly swept into a whole other realm all seemingly located within his house. Gives off bigger-on-the-inside vibes, with a dash of Narnia.
The second book this year to offer up a Skull as a main character (see ). Also features a very sad tentacled eyeball, a goat named Ophelia who misses her boyfriend, a wandering goat boyfriend named Ibn Battuta, a ghost, several musical mushrooms, and a set of chattering teeth that are completely out of control.
I found this wildly delightful with just the right balance of spooky, humor, and heartfelt friendship.
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