Garlic and the Witch
#2 in Garlic Series
on Goodreads (10,820)
What’s inside...
Bree Paulsen's brave little protagonist, Garlic, is back in this charmingly illustrated standalone companion to Garlic and the Vampire. In this new tale, Garlic, along with friends Witch Agnes, Carrot, and the Count, faces a new challenge as they need an ingredient from the far-off Magic Market to create a vegetarian blood substitute for the Count. As they prepare for the journey, Garlic is also undergoing a transformation, turning human finger by finger. Though Witch Agnes considers this normal, Garlic is apprehensive about such a big change and isn't sure she wants to be human. This enchanting story beautifully explores themes of friendship, magic, and self-discovery.
Discussion points
What do you think Garlic learned about friendship during her adventure?
How did Garlic and her friends work together to solve problems?
What would you do if you were in Garlic's situation?
How do you think the witch felt when Garlic helped her?
What can we learn from the way Garlic treated others in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Garlic's shoes while discussing the questions. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings about the story. Praise their insights and draw parallels between the themes of the book and their own experiences. This will not only enhance their understanding but also boost their empathy and critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'Garlic and the Witch', Garlic learns to accept and befriend a witch, despite their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace the uniqueness of each person they meet, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage and Overcoming Fear
Explanation: Garlic faces her fear of the unknown by venturing into the witch’s world, showing bravery.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to face their own fears and understand that being brave can lead to new experiences and friendships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Garlic and the witch work together to solve problems, highlighting the importance of cooperation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, whether at school or in play.