The rating of a four for Things in the Basement is because of the illustrations. While on the surface, Ben Hatke’s story and art are not huge “wows” (the illustrations are not overly colorful, or detailed; the story is slow to build up), there is something about them that makes you want more. The focus you need for the illustrations means you need to read the images as the book itself is mostly wordless. There are some interesting twists and turns and the “creepy factor” is a “know your reader” situation. Things can be a bit intense, but not necessarily inappropriate. (Though the “bell faced person” was a bit much for me. And the goat really got mine!)
The story itself is familiar, a young child must overcome fears and the typical selfishness we all have (especially when a child is asked to do something they are not thrilled about. Such as Milo’s task of finding a missing sock in the basement, that was made by special yarn by their aunt, and belonging to one of his younger twin siblings), to be able to finish their quest. A classic feeling starts things, and even though the journey itself feels “old school,” the overall things are contemporary in the way they play out. You can feel the old-school influences but nothing overtakes what is happening, therefore taking you out of the adventure by thinking of another story arc. The best part I felt was the question of, do you take this story literally or is it just the imagination of a clever child?
The ending allows for a sequel (and the official title does have book one in it), but I actually do not want one. I like how things end and I don’t want to lose the magic of Milo and the adventure he takes.