Mini Review: Garlic and The Vampire by Bree Paulsen

 This week I read Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen(2021). This is just a mini review for this wonderful story. Garlic and the Vampire is about a town of vegetable folk that learn that a vampire may have moved in the castle on the hill and the unlikely hero who is chosen to rise to the challenge. I adored this story. Garlic is such a relatable character. She lacks confidence in her abilities and often feels like a disappointment to those around her. what makes this story so endearing is the supporting roles. Despite feeling terrible she is surrounded by people who believe in her abilities and care for her. Within these short 160 pages Paulsen creates a world of characters that feel grounded and you care about. One of the core themes that struck me is that our internal anxieties and reality are two different ways of thinking. In terms of the visuals, the art is stunning. The warm tones create a cozy fall feeling. If you are looking for a short comfy read that is full of heart, I highly recommend picking this up.