The Something

by Natalie Babbitt

"The truth is that Mylo was very much afraid of the dark," so begins Natalie Babbitt's beloved picture book The Something.Mylo...is afraid of an indefinable Something coming in through his window at night. Given some modeling clay by his concerned mother, he finally succeeds in making a statue of the Something...The clever, ironic story interprets common childhood fears of the dark in a way that should prove highly amusing to many small children."--Starred/BooklistThe Something was made into a short animated film of the same name in 2015.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction

Hardcover

First published March 28, 1980

About the author

Natalie Zane Babbitt was an American writer and illustrator of children's books. Her 1975 novel, Tuck Everlasting, was adapted into two feature films and a Broadway musical. She received the Newbery Honor and Christopher Award, and was the U.S. nominee for the biennial international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1982.

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had grabbed this one from the library book sale for my LFL for October and it never was chosen.

I liked it, but then I also like weird vintage kids books. I had not realized it was by the author of Tuck Everlasting, and did not know that she lived in Connecticut (as do I.)

[Jalissa Jalissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute. I love this author and always enjoy her stories so far.

[Catherine Petrini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this one in college when I was taking a course in children's literature. I just came across my old copy and re-read it. It's weird and whimsical, and I still found it enjoyable.

[Kest Schwartzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid. I read it twice, and there -wasn't- even a small person around. I might just use this book as my artist statement from here out.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this story was cute and that it would help my daughter with her nighttime fears. I thought she was into it because when I asked if she knew anyone afraid of the dark, she emphatically replied, "me!" But upon finishing the story, I asked her if she liked it, and she responded, "not really" and walked away.

[Kaitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be great to help kids dealing with their fears. It helps them learn how to face it head on in a way that is their own. It teaches them that what they are afraid of, isn't so scary after all.

[Gena Lott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives children's nightmares a fun new perspective.

[Galion Public Library Teens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review by B.B.: "I liked he did not get scared of the dark. What I disliked he didn't play with clay."

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly the kind of weird children's book I like. Only 3 stars though because there's not really a plot. I like the illustrations too.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun little book by a favorite author illustrator! Read for Dewey’s 24-hour Readathon!