Garlic and the Vampire

"Bree Paulsen’s debut graphic novel for middle-graders, Garlic and the Vampire, is utterly charming. Garlic is one of the vegetable folk who tend Witch Agnes’ garden. She has anxiety, is best friends with Carrot, and definitely doesn’t want an adventure. But then a vampire moves into the neighborhood, and suddenly everybody is relying on Garlic to deal with the newcomer! This is such a warm-hearted story – and it has neat vampire lore and a caution against assumptions. Paulsen’s illustrations glow, the palate all late summer gold and green and rust, and expressive characters. I desperately want to be Garlic’s friend, and you will too. (For ages 8 to 12)"