Oversleeping on Market Day confirms Garlic’s worries that she’s a disappointment to those around her. Brought to life with a number of other vegetables by kind Witch Agnes, Garlic (a personified garlic head on a human-like body) is most comfortable in the security of her garden plot, growing garlic for the humans in the village. But the arrival of a vampire at a nearby castle threatens those humans, and petulant Celery is eager to suggest that Garlic is the obvious choice to confront the newcomer and determine his intentions (she’s garlic after all, and it’s a vampire). Garlic is truly afraid to go, but she does it anyway because it’s the right thing to do. To his dismay, Witch Agnes appoints Celery to accompany her. Celery bails at the first opportunity, but Garlic continues in spite of her fear, only to discover that the vampire isn’t so scary after all. In fact, he’s just as gentle and affable as Witch Agnes. This charming graphic novel soft pedals the scariness while delivering a sentient vegetable as memorable heroine. (Ages 7-10)

An enchanting, farm-fresh debut graphic novel starring an unusual heroine who is braver than she realizes, for middle grade readers looking for a cozy, adventuresome read in the vein of Witch Boy or Be Prepared.

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?