- Graphic Novels
- Ages 8–12
- Fantasy
Garlic and the Witch
Book 2 of 2 in GarlicView the full series
A tender companion story about change, identity and Garlic worrying about becoming human. It keeps the first book's cosy magic while giving anxious readers a reassuring story about growing into yourself.
- Best for8–12
- FormatGraphic
- Length160 pp
- Read aloud~1 hr15 min
The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Conversational
- Comedic
Tone
- Warm
- Gentle
- Heartwarming
- Whimsical
- Bittersweet
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
Garlic is settling into life with Witch Agnes, Carrot and the Count, who has turned out to be a friendly neighbour rather than a frightening vampire. But Agnes needs a rare ingredient from the distant Magic Market to make a vegetarian blood substitute for the Count, and Garlic finds herself preparing for another nervous journey. At the same time, something strange is happening to her own body: finger by finger, she seems to be turning human. Agnes says this is normal garden magic, but Garlic is frightened by the change. What if she is not ready? What if she does not want to change at all? This standalone companion to Garlic and the Vampire is a quiet, emotionally generous graphic novel about transitions, selfhood and friendship. Bree Paulsen's soft artwork and gentle humour make the story feel safe even when Garlic is scared.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
- 1
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 9
- 11
- 13
- Best fit · 8–12
- Read aloud · 7–11
- Independent · 8–12
Prose load
Light
Visual support
Very high
Reluctant-reader friendly
Very
Read-aloud quality
Workable
Works well for
- Bedtime
- Reluctant readers
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
4 / 5 · Bedtime-friendly
Sensitive-child
3 / 5 · Mostly fine
Graphic intensity
1 / 5 · None
Best for
- Cosy graphic novel
- Anxious readers
- Change story
- Gentle fantasy
- Autumnal reading
Avoid if
- Wants fast action
- Prefers realistic stories
- Dislikes body change themes
Particularly good for children who are…
- Anxiety and worry
- Reluctant reader
- Low self esteem
In the classroom
How it works in school.
A cosy, charming graphic-novel series about an anxious garlic bulb finding courage — a gentle reluctant-reader pick that opens talk about worry and confidence.
A book children love that happens to support school — never a stand-in for the texts a class is taught with. Reviewed for the classroom · June 2026.
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
The specific weight is Garlic turning human — finger by finger, the change happening whether she wants it or not, the second Garlic asking what it means to become someone new. A reader who loved the first book gets a tender story about growing up before being ready.
- Transformation
- Friendship and belonging
- Secret world
- Making a difference
Why parents love it
The Garlic sequel about identity and change — Garlic slowly turning human, anxious about the transition, the Count and Witch Agnes supporting her through it. Useful for any child anxious about growing or changing in ways they can't control. Cosy-graphic-novel comfort.
- Beautiful illustrations
- Bedtime appropriate
- Conversation starter
- Quick to read
In the series
Garlic.
2 books · open the series →
About the author & illustrator
Bree Paulsen.
If you liked this
Three ways out of this book.
If you liked this, try…
Lateral matches. Same shelf, different texture.
Come into this from…
Easier or preparing reads — perfect lead-ins.
Where to go next…
Escalation reads — a step up in scale, silliness, or stakes.
More like this…
Books that share themes and topics with this one.
Buy or borrow
Pick up a copy.
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