Bree Paulsen

n a Nutshell: An adorable sequel that takes Garlic’s story into an unexpected dimension. Enjoyed it just as much as the first graphic novel. Works as a standalone but better if read in series order. Great for middle-graders, fun for all.

Plot Preview:
Garlic, Carrot and the other veggies are still at work in Witch Agnes’ garden when Garlic discovers an unwelcome change: her hands have begun to resemble human hands. The Count and Witch Agnes try to reassure her that it is a natural development, Garlic isn’t so sure. Changes are never good, right?

My review will be almost the same as that of the first book because my feelings are almost exactly the same!

Bookish Yays:
🥕 While this graphic novel is primarily a sequel, the first chapter reveals how the magical vegetables came into being. This was interesting to read!

🥕 The anthropomorphic veggies are again fun, though they have a reduced appearance in this sequel. The queen of the show this time is clearly Garlic, who has learnt to cope with her anxiety issues to a great extent. It’s a treat to see how far she has come from that hesitant Garlic of Book One. Celery redeems himself to some extent, and Carrot is as awesome as ever.

🥕 Agnes and the vampire (who is not ‘Patrik’ from ‘Patrik the Vampire’, unlike what I had assumed) are as awesome as they were earlier. I doubt I’ll ever root for a vampire as much as I rooted for the Count.

🥕 There are two broad story arcs: Garlic’s fear of turning human and the making of the “blood” juice for the Count. Both works wonderfully in parallel, with Garlic’s confidence in the latter task juxtaposing with her apprehension over her possible transition into a human. Unlike the earlier graphic novel, the storyline in this book is more nuanced. There are some surprises that I didn’t see coming. The revelations are unexpected but not undesirable. The ending is a bit too twee but works for the target age range.

🥕 Yet again, the story offers some valuable life lessons: Don't be afraid of adventure, See the positive in every situation, Not all change is bad, and Make peace with the changes in your body because you are still you even if your body changes.

🥕 The illustrations are in the same palette and style as before, sticking to earth and nature tones to match the strong nature-based theme and characters.

Bookish Mixed Bags:
🍇 “Oh Grapes!” (Still find this phrase wacky, though it doesn’t pop up as often as in Book One.)

I had read the first book of this series (Garlic and the Vampire) with my daughters just a couple of days ago, and after enjoying it a lot, were eager to get to this sequel. It lived up to our expectations, and earned exactly the same ratings from us: 4.5 from me, 5 from DD1, and 4 from DD2. (Yup, my younger one was again the Grinch. This time, Carrot’s appearance was the culprit – sheesh!)

Much recommended. The book is aimed at middle graders, but it makes for a sweet and relaxing pick even for older readers. The storyline is mostly a standalone but better if you read the series in order as Garlic’s growth is more appreciable if you know her from the earlier book.… (more)

In a Nutshell: A sweet middle-grade graphic novel featuring anthropomorphic vegetables, a witch, and a vampire. Great story, cute illustrations, nice themes, lovely ending. Much recommended!

Plot Preview:
Garlic likes to work in the vegetable garden along with Carrot and the other vegetables. However, she is very uncertain of herself and constantly battles self-doubt and anxiety. Even Carrot’s encouraging words and the kind witch Agnes’ encouragement don’t help.
When the vegetable village learns that a vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that Garlic is the best *person* to drive him away as vampires hate garlic. However, Garlic herself isn’t sure if she has what it takes to do such a brave thing. But can she let her friends down?

Bookish Yays:
🥬 The anthropomorphic veggie characters, each with their distinct personality traits. My favourites were Garlic, her best friend Carrot and the dour-faced Potato. I hope kids will learn to love veggies more after reading this book. (Then again, this story might also make them hate Celery! 😉)

🥬 The only two human-like characters are Agnes the kind witch whose garden the vegetables work in, and the Vampire (I wonder if he is Patrik from this author’s unfinished graphic novel series!) I love how both of them break stereotypes. Kids books rarely show these types of characters in a positive light, so it will reinforce the idea of not judging based on looks or hearsay.

🥬 The plot is simple and yet carries many important life lessons for little readers. It covers the themes of mental health and anxiety. It demonstrates the importance of having a good and reliable friend on whom you can count for encouragement and positive thinking when you feel low. It also shows the necessity of sleep during times of stress.

🥬 The illustrations are perfect for the story. The colour palette is kept earthy, in keeping with the dominant characters and the nature-focussed narrative. I especially loved the illustrations under the chapter titles, which showed a garlic clove budding into its own new plant.

Bookish Mixed Bags:
🥦 The only part I am unsure about is why the vegetables use “Grapes!” and “Cheese ‘n’ chives!” as exclamatory phrases. Though Grape and Chive aren’t characters in this book, it still feels funny to see one vegetable using another veg/fruit name to exclaim.

All in all, I enjoyed this book. (I read this along with my daughters, and it received a 5 star and a 4 star from them respectively. The younger one wasn’t too impressed with the vampire – sheesh!) It’s always great when a book keeps the age of its target audience in mind and caters to that level. This novel delivers in terms of plot, characters, message, and illustrations, so it deserves a solid rec.

Much recommended to all middle-graders, whether they love their veggies or not, whether they hate vampires or not. This book will entertain and educate them on both the above points, and more.

I’m moving on to the sequel with greater expectations. Fingers crossed!

4.5 stars. (My rating, as well as the average of my daughters’ ratings.) Rounding up wherever applicable coz I love veggies!… (more)