Reviews

Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke

zabcia's review against another edition

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5.0

95%

an endearing, unique, dreamlike adventure with marvelous characters; read in a well-lit area to see the details. this would make a fantastic late 90s-era Disney movie

rileylopez's review

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

estein80's review against another edition

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

bethmitcham's review

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adventurous challenging funny reflective medium-paced

4.25

cmah's review against another edition

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5.0

So cute! Loved this!

erine's review against another edition

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5.0

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 [b:The Skull|60539545|The Skull|Jon Klassen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1671459705l/60539545._SX50_.jpg|95411730]). 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.

klsriley's review

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adventurous dark inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

aerinelisabeth's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Another really cool world built and adorable characters along the way. My 8yo read this and then passed it to me, and I'm glad they did! 

bosswench's review

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4.0

 Ben Hatke feels like Graeme Base for my son's generation. This is the highest of praise, because your girl was RAISED and NOURISHED by Graeme Base. I'm not saying the art styles or stories are similar, exactly--but they're lush and detailed and created with respect and a real understanding of how kids tick. Things in the Basement was so clever and weird. 

annieharhar's review

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0