This graphic novel has delicate, beautiful art work and a sweet story. Garlic must confront the new vampire who has moved into the area and protect her friends and family. This is a great book about stereotypes and making assumptions that kids will love. The gentle approach to the story makes it appropriate for all ages. Highly recommended.

It was an immense pleasure to read this a charming middle grade novel tackling anxiety and stereotypes. Garlic is one of the anthropomorphic vegetables helping to tend Witch Agnes' garden. After returning from the market one day, the group spies smoke billowing from the castle in the hills. Could it be...? With encouragement from Agnes and Garlic's best friend, the timid bulb sets off on the adventure and proves that there's more to her than meets the eye. Kudos to Paulsen for capturing the nuances of this particular experience.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

*Suitable for grades 2 and up!

What a wonderful story of facing your fears, and making friends in the least likely places!
Garlic is an extremely timid vegetable and afraid of making mistakes, and taking on new adventures. When smoke mysteriously appears one day up on the castle on the hill, the vegetables choose her to take on the adventure of hunting the vampire. Will she succeed, or will she be too afraid to take on the task?

Great art, and story that is easy for readers to follow!

Thank you netgalley for the chance to review!
Garlic is a garlic bulb who was brought to life by witch Agnes. Garlic and the other alive fruits and vegetables tend the garden and sell the fruits and veggies at the market. They find out that there is a vampire living in the castle. Garlic is elected to go since Vampires hate garlic. Come to find out the vampire is not so scary. At first I was thinking what am I reading? I did really enjoy it though. It was very wholesome and cute. However I think Celery is definitely a jerk. I would recommend to a friend.

This very sweet graphic novel is one for the readers who never think they can do the thing... until they do. Garlic and her fellow vegetables live with friendly Witch Agnes, where they work on tending her garden. But rumors start spreading that a vampire lives in the neighboring castle! Oh, no! Celery, a surly member of the bunch, decides that Garlic should go confront the vampire. After all, garlic repels vampires, right? Scared but resolute, Garlic sets out to face the vampire... and learns that rumors and stereotypes are no match for meeting and talking to someone!

I love Garlic and the Vampire's artwork, which is so warm and comforting, so cuddly and kind, that kids are going to love it. Garlic is a childlike, feminine character; a bulb of garlic with rosy cheeks, sporting a little red dress. Carrot, her best friend, offers sage advice and comfort, and sports a shirt, tie, and overalls. The vegetable characters are all anthropomorphic, with distinct personalities and expressive faces and gestures. Alice the Witch isn't at all threatening, with a warm burgundy top, forest green skirt, and a white apron; she sports less of a witch's black hat and more of a pilgrim's hat, not pointed but squared off, with a brown band around the brim. The colors throughout the book are warm, natural colors; lots of greens, oranges, and reds. Even the so-called horrible vampire looks like a kindly gentleman who'd rather have a cup of tea than rampage through a town. The character interactions are as humorous as they are gentle. Have this ready as an alternative to kids who aren't into the scary side of Halloween, but still want to feel a part of things. 

Visit Bree Paulsen's website to see more of her illustration work, and read her webcomic, Patrik the Vampire. 

Garlic the Vampire has a starred review from the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.

children's graphic fiction (2nd-5th grade?)

light story about anthropomorphic vegetables (enchanted by a friendly witch) and their encounter with an unknown vampire (who turns out to be friendly). Garlic is a well-meaning, anxiety-ridden young sprout who doesn't look forward to her adventure, but she finds that there is a lot to be gained from exploring outside of her bubble.

Should appeal to kids looking for more graphic adventure stories (though not of much interest to anyone else).

'Garlic and the Vampire' with story and art by Bree Paulsen is an adorable graphic novel about sentient vegetables and bravery.

A witch has a vegetable farm tended by anthropomorphic vegetables. Little garlic struggles with fears of being small. When a new neighbor has moved in to the lonely castle on the hill, garlic is selected as the only one who can do something since it's a vampire. She is sent off to meet the new neighbor. Can she overcome her fears?

First of all, I adored the illustrations in this graphic novel. I loved these character designs. The story is really great too and, since I'm writing this in October, seasonally appropriate. There are also good lessons about overcoming anxiety.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Harper Collins Children's Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for access to this arc.

Anthropomorphic veggies with consciousness including an anxious bulb of Garlic are the main characters – along with a vampire, in this cute children’s book. The artwork, which with it’s brown and green palette makes me think of old fashioned fairy tale books, is fantastic. I immediately knew I was in one even before I watched a bulb of talking Garlic hurry into the start of her day.

Along with being chronically late, Garlic has a lot of anxiety. At first I was a bit lost in the market setting as veggie stallholders sell fresh and bottled versions of themselves (which made me uncomfortably think of cannibalism) to human customers. Garlic is also worried that by her lateness she’s angered a witch. It’s not until chapter two that it’s revealed that Witch Agnes magicked them into consciousness in order to help her grow her garden. In the interim, some veggies have branched out into cultivating herbs and other things that interest them. Witch Agnes is like a very encouraging school guidance counselor about this. Unfortunately she happily tells Garlic that maybe one day Garlic will also be able to do the magic to make other veggies become conscious. At that point, Garlic worries that she’s already sold sentient garlic in the market. Not, perhaps, the thing to bring to mind of a Bulb who’s already anxious.

But as Witch Agnes attempts to talk Garlic down from her anxiety, something else is seen. Someone might be in the abandoned castle and Celery, for one, is sure something awful will happen. Carrot tries to calm the situation while phlegmatic Potato tells the facts. Witch Agnes – who doesn’t appear to know when to keep her mouth shut – unintentionally sows the seeds (pun sort of intended) of hysteria among some of her veggies one of whom seems to hold a grudge against Garlic and suggests that she be the one to scope out the situation.

Who knew seeing veggies wearing dresses, aprons, overalls, and boots could be so cute. The facial expressions let me follow along with exactly what they were thinking and feeling (watch out for celery, it seems benign but has hidden intentions). The friendship between Carrot (who might be non binary) and Garlic was delightful. But wow, the pressure put on Garlic – even by her best friend – was intense. She might have a natural defense against a vampire but she’s also got anxieties and self doubt issues.

Sure, the overall message is nothing new but after my initial hesitations about veggies selling their non-sentient (we hope) brethren to be eaten, and the pressure whipped up by one certain long, light green, selfish vegetable, I found that this actually has a cute and non threatening ending. Garlic discovers a new friend, makes all the rest of the veggies proud of her, but best of all finds her courage and discovers she can face her fears. Still, the next bunch of celery I see is going to get the side-eye. B-

Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on September 28 2021. Garlic feels as though she’s always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it’s nice and safe. But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that, in spite of her fear and self-doubt, Garlic is the obvious choice to confront him. And with everyone counting on her, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire, hoping she has what it takes. After all, garlic drives away vampires…right?

Garlic and the Vampire is a great graphic novel for young readers. Garlic is a little anxious about what other people think of them, about being late, about disappointing others, and accidentally growing sentient garlic like themselves. You know, the normal stuff. I love that the main character is nervous and sweet- trying their best to do the right thing even when it is not easy for them. I liked the collection of living produce, and how their personalities are varied, just like people. Garlic, like it or not, faces their fears everyday- even when it means confronting a vampire. I think it is the very anxiety that keeps Garlic on her toes is what helps her stand up and do the right thing and face the possible outcomes. I thought the artwork was very well done, and matches the tone of the story very well, adding detail and depth to each page.

I really enjoyed reading Garlic and the Vampire, and think it will be a favorite for many.

This book is so cute! I love Garlic, Carrot, and Count. This book teaches a good lesson about facing your fears and realizing that they might not be as scary as they seem!

Thanks to NetGalley for the digital copy for review.
Garlic and the Vampire written by Bree Paulsen is a delightful story of veggie friends who help Witch Agnes run a farmer's market. Each character; celery, carrot, onion, potato, etc contribute to the valley's garden. The main character, garlic, is a sweet, sometimes clumsy and forgetful veggie, meaning no harm to anyone. She takes pride in the garden and enjoys helping Witch Agnes during market time. One day potato notices smoke coming from a mansion's chimney high up the mountainside. What we learn is the mansion has been vacant for centuries since the vampire vacated long, long ago. Fearful the vampire is back, the vegetable friends select garlic as a volunteer to visit the mansion to see if vampire has returned. If so, it would be her mission to vanquish or get rid of him. Celery is selected by Agnes to accompany garlic and the two head off to the mansion to find the inhabitant. Who will it be and will they come back alive? A quick and enjoyable read for audiences in grades 1 - 3.
#GarlicandtheVampire #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to the eARC. This was adorable. Garlic is an anxious vegetable. So when it is decided that she would be the best candidate to confront a new vampire in town, she is distressed. But she is also determined to protect her friends. I loved the art and the gentle story. There are great messages about believing in yourself and about judging others.

An endearing tale of anxiety and how the “people” we meet aren’t who we assume them to be. This book had SO much potential but didn’t deliver the way I hoped it would. The illustrations are gorgeous, scream Fall, and I wish I could live inside of them. You know, pull a full on Mary Poppins. Not only that, but the portrayal of Garlic’s anxiety was PERFECT. Also, the growth cycle of a garlic clove for each chapter coinciding with the growth of the character!? GENIUS.

However, where is the representation? The only rep given is SO MINIMAL that it feels like a lazy cop-out to say “well, we did the bare minimum & included something so, no one can say we didn’t”. I find that so unacceptable. Especially given the amount of humans that are included in the book.

Also, why is the witch so stereotypical? I wish she was more cottagecore, ethereal and dare I say, a woman of color. We are so far beyond stereotypes in this day and time that it would have been so nice to see the illustrator have more imagination when it comes to that character.

As far as the writing goes, where is Celery’s character arc? You know, when he learns the error of his ways, apologizes, or we at least find out why he’s being so awful. Is it REALLY because Garlic accidentally knocked over his stand so long ago?

This is a cute story but it feels very rudimentary and would be better suited for a younger demographic than 3rd-12th graders and anyone that’s JUST getting started into the GN genre and needing an easy intro.

Bree Paulsen has produced the most adorable fantasy graphic I think I have ever read! So precious! I think anyone who has EVER been anxious or scared can get behind Garlic, we get it little veggie friend. Garlic is an anxious little produce person who prefers to sleep late and tend her garden. Really, who doesn't? When a blood thirsty (alleged) vampire moves in nearby causing quite the stir in her little community. So, it's up to Garlic to be brave and drive away the vampire.

Garlic puts on her big kid pants to help her community and friends! She's so brave and everyone can feel inspired when they read this comic. Awesome story, lovely artwork, and super characters, so check out Garlic and the Vampire ASAP!

*Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an absolutely delightful story of making new friends and over coming anxiety and self doubt. The drawings were super sweet and the colors were perfect.

Let me confess something right off the bat, I fell in love with this book based on the cover. That darling little head of garlic, with her tiny little mallot and stake, her 'lil boots and yellow scarf. I was instantly hooked. Readers will be thrilled to know that Garlic the Vampire lives up to the promise of it's cover. Garlic is a sweet little character that I related to, she is happy in her own little garden, getting up late and living her best life exactly as she wants it to be. But she is ready to face her fears when her little vegetable townsfolk turn to her to take on a vampire that moves in. The book is charming, and I really need to have this become a series on Netflix or HBOMax. I'm buying a copy for all my friends.

I found this book absolutely charming. Garlic is one of the talking and walking vegetables that help Witch Agnes maintain her farm and sell produce at the local farmer's market. Garlic has overslept, again, and is late for her shift. This sets the scene for us to see just how shy and anxious Garlic is but when news comes of a vampire moving into town Garlic faces her fears, puts her anxiety to the side, and confronts the vampire to help save her friends and the town.

Magical creatures, witches, vampires, beautiful artwork, authentic anxiety rep, and even a character who casually uses they/them pronouns makes this book a must-read!

Garlic and the Vampire is a brief and enjoyable graphic novel that is appropriate for children of all ages. It tells the story of a humanoid garlic and her fellow humanoid vegetable friends who are worried about a vampire that has moved into the castle on the hill. The story deals with themes of confidence and not judging others before you get to know them. These messages would be a great lesson for very young readers, who would love the art style and cute vegetable characters. It's a brisk and fun graphic novel that I recommend.

This was genuinely one of the most precious, wholesome, delightful things I've ever read in my life. If you enjoy cute, fluffy graphic novels featuring magical creatures, witches, vampires, beautiful artwork, and sweet, authentic anxiety rep, you absolutely, 100% need this in your life. Oh, and the main character's best friend casually uses they/them pronouns, and frankly, I would fight for Garlic and Carrot without hesitation because they're both flawless, soft little beans who deserve only happiness. No, you're emotional over fictional produce-people.

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!

The cutest, sweetest thing you'll read this year. Garlic is the hero we've always dreamed of and this story is the cozy, rainy day story that will find its way stuck in your heart.