07/12/2021
Enchanted to help Witch Agnes in her garden, anxious garlic bulb Garlic and her best friend Carrot live in a fruit- and vegetable-populated hamlet at the edge of a forest. When Agnes, who appears white, discovers that a gray-skinned vampire has taken up residence in a nearby castle, mean-spirited Celery nominates vampire-repellent Garlic to deal with the menace and “protect the folks in town.” Garlic sets off with encouragement from Agnes, who insists that Celery accompany her. Debut graphic novelist Paulsen lingers visually on dew-covered cabbages, wonderfully squat produce homes, and other horticultural and domestic delights. Her warm, autumnal palette and attention to shape and contour add to the appeal of the pastoral setting, and comic overreaction brings a cartoon sensibility to the characters’ plight. Garlic’s love of gardening provides ample metaphors for inner growth, the dedication to “all the anxious bulbs” makes clear Paulsen’s sympathy with worried Garlic’s struggles (mostly fear of judgment and of others’ perceptions), and Garlic’s bravery under duress serves to remind readers of their own strength. Ages 8–12. (Sept.) ■
"In this down comforter of a graphic novel, Garlic discovers that she is braver and more capable than she ever believed when she is called upon to save her friends. The color palette is folkloric, drawing on lush earth tones to highlight this cozy little village where people and vegetables live harmoniously—this is cottagecore through and through." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
"Gorgeous artwork featuring anthropomorphized plants and colors reminiscent of those used in Kate Greenaway stories make this a joy to read... Perfect for chapter-book readers and up, this will delight anyone wanting a light adventure heavy on friendship and self-actualization." — Booklist
"Both art and text are well-paced, and humor abounds. Fashionable farm attire (think overalls and aprons) and lighthearted slang phrases such as “Oh grapes” and “Cheese ’n’ chives!” contribute to successful world-building. Speech balloons in various colors and shapes showcase characters’ emotions and tones of voice, and bright motion lines pop atop dark autumnal tones and thick outlines. Especially notable is the cartoonist’s playful exploration of scale and perspective—as well as the story’s lighthearted approach to risk-taking, caretaking, and social-emotional growth." — Horn Book (starred review)
"Readers will cheer Garlic’s growth from anxious to triumphant, though children looking for a spooky vampire tale will soon discover that this depiction is more cheerful than chilling. Delightful." — Kirkus Reviews
"Debut graphic novelist Paulsen lingers visually on dew-covered cabbages, wonderfully squat produce homes, and other horticultural and domestic delights. Her warm, autumnal palette and attention to shape and contour add to the appeal of the pastoral setting, and comic overreaction brings a cartoon sensibility to the characters’ plight." — Publishers Weekly
"In this down comforter of a graphic novel, Garlic discovers that she is braver and more capable than she ever believed when she is called upon to save her friends. The color palette is folkloric, drawing on lush earth tones to highlight this cozy little village where people and vegetables live harmoniously—this is cottagecore through and through."
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
"Gorgeous artwork featuring anthropomorphized plants and colors reminiscent of those used in Kate Greenaway stories make this a joy to read... Perfect for chapter-book readers and up, this will delight anyone wanting a light adventure heavy on friendship and self-actualization."
"Both art and text are well-paced, and humor abounds. Fashionable farm attire (think overalls and aprons) and lighthearted slang phrases such as “Oh grapes” and “Cheese ’n’ chives!” contribute to successful world-building. Speech balloons in various colors and shapes showcase characters’ emotions and tones of voice, and bright motion lines pop atop dark autumnal tones and thick outlines. Especially notable is the cartoonist’s playful exploration of scale and perspective—as well as the story’s lighthearted approach to risk-taking, caretaking, and social-emotional growth."
Horn Book (starred review)
"Gorgeous artwork featuring anthropomorphized plants and colors reminiscent of those used in Kate Greenaway stories make this a joy to read... Perfect for chapter-book readers and up, this will delight anyone wanting a light adventure heavy on friendship and self-actualization."
2021-07-14
Garlic is late for market day, but her friend Carrot doesn’t mind covering for her. It’s a bustling time, with different vegetables selling unmagicked versions of themselves in an old-fashioned rural village. In this cheerful, boldly inked graphic novel for younger readers, these (totally adorable) anthropomorphic plants with diverse genders live side by side with humans, all under the watchful eye of the kindly but powerful Witch Agnes, who created them as “mute little helpers” but has enjoyed their growth into independent contributors to the community. When the vegetables notice smoke trailing from the chimneys of a nearby castle, Agnes uses her magic to investigate and discovers that a vampire has moved in. Nervous Garlic is tasked with slaying the bloodsucker, given their folkloric revulsion to her kin. Antagonistic Celery goes with her reluctantly, payback for his willingness to sacrifice her for the mission. Vampire lore and information about witchcraft are woven throughout, and Witch Agnes’ wisdom often speaks directly to the audience. It’s a quick but packed read, and readers will cheer Garlic’s growth from anxious to triumphant, though children looking for a spooky vampire tale will soon discover that this depiction is more cheerful than chilling.
Delightful. (Graphic fantasy. 7-10)
