Garlic and the Vampire
#1 in Garlic Series
on Goodreads (19,972)
What’s inside...
A farm-fresh debut graphic novel starring a heroine who is braver than she realizes. 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?
Discussion points
Why do you think Garlic was afraid of the vampire, and how did she overcome her fear?
What qualities do you admire in Garlic and other characters from the story?
How did the other vegetables react to the threat of the vampire? What does this tell us about teamwork?
If you were in Garlic's place, what would you have done differently?
What does the story teach us about facing our fears and standing up for ourselves?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by summarizing the plot with your child to ensure understanding. Emphasize the emotions that Garlic felt and ask your child to relate by sharing a time they felt something similar. Highlight key moments where Garlic shows bravery and teamwork. Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or solutions to the story’s conflicts, fostering creativity and deeper thinking. Lastly, apply the story’s morals to real-life scenarios your child might face, reinforcing the lessons learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage overcomes fear
Explanation: In 'Garlic and the Vampire', Garlic confronts her fears by facing the vampire rumored to live nearby. Despite her initial apprehension, her bravery helps her understand and confront her anxiety.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and the role bravery plays in overcoming everyday challenges, such as trying new activities or standing up for themselves or others.
Example Lesson: Empathy toward others
Explanation: Garlic, through her interactions with the vampire, learns that he is not as scary as the rumors suggest. This shift in perspective teaches her to understand and empathize with someone who is different.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate diverse perspectives and treat others with compassion, fostering a more inclusive attitude towards friends and classmates who may seem different.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Garlic collaborates with other vegetables to solve the problem of the vampire. This collective effort highlights the power of working together toward a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cooperate with peers in group settings like school projects, sports, or family activities, emphasizing that teamwork often leads to better, more inclusive solutions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Garlic uses her wits and courage to not only face the vampire but to come up with a creative solution that benefits everyone. This demonstrates effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and solve problems they encounter, such as resolving conflicts with friends or tackling challenging tasks at school.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and growth
Explanation: As Garlic steps outside her comfort zone, she discovers inner strengths she didn't know she had, which fuels her personal growth throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to try new things and embrace personal growth, helping them to become more confident and resilient in various aspects of life.