Garlic and the Witch

Bree Paulsen’s brave little protagonist, Garlic, is back in this charmingly illustrated standalone companion to Garlic and the Vampire, serving up another tale of friendship, magic, and self-discovery. Give both books to readers who fell in love with Tidesong or Witch Boy!
Garlic loves spending time with Witch Agnes, Carrot, and her new friend, the Count, who has proven to be a delightful neighbor to the village of vegetable people rather than a scary vampire. But despite Agnes’s best attempts to home-brew a vegetarian blood substitute for Count, the ingredient she needs most can only be found at the Magic Market, far from the valley.
Before she knows it, with a broomstick in hand, Garlic is nervously preparing for a journey.
But Garlic is experiencing another change too—finger by finger, she appears to be turning human. Witch Agnes assures her that this is normal for her garden magic, but Garlic isn’t so sure that she’s ready for such a big change. After all, changes are scary…and what if she doesn’t want to be human after all?\nFrom School Library Journal\nGr 3-6-Garlic and friends return for an even cozier sequel. A morning surprise signals that Garlic may be slowly transforming into a human, so she seeks out Witch Agnes's help. Turns out the transformation is just part of Garlic's growing, as it will be for all the other anthropomorphic vegetables. Still, as the Count says, "Big changes can be scary." Luckily, Garlic isn't alone. A quest to the Magic Market-with a few snags-shows Garlic's growth beyond the physical as she comes into her own. Paulsen effectively expands the agricultural world she conjured in Garlic and the Vampire, including adding a brief origin story. Nearly wordless sequences and a cottage-core palette establish an impeccable visual serenity. Light Frog-and-Toad-esque romance takes the wholesomeness even further. The cast of human characters is diverse in skin tone. Carrot uses they/them pronouns. VERDICT A must-have for sweater-weather season or anytime.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.