Garlic has a long history of being associated with supernatural and magical beliefs, particularly in relation to protection against witches. In folklore and superstition, garlic was believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits, demons, and witches. The association between garlic and witchcraft can be traced back to ancient times. In many cultures, garlic was considered a potent symbol of protection against dark forces. It was often used in rituals and ceremonies to create a barrier against witchcraft and evil spells. One popular belief was that witches were repelled by the strong smell of garlic.
Before she knows it, with a broomstick in hand, Garlic is nervously preparing for a journey.
Her first middle grade graphic novel, Garlic and the Vampire , received a starred review from The Bulletin of the Center for Children s Books , which called it folkloric a down comforter of a graphic novel. There are a few sticky storytelling moments it s hard to believe that it would take the witch so long to remember that a plant called bloodroot might be helpful in synthesizing blood, and it s unclear for quite a while that Garlic s concerns revolve around her number of fingers.
One popular belief was that witches were repelled by the strong smell of garlic. It was believed that carrying or hanging garlic in doorways and windows would prevent witches from entering homes and causing harm to the inhabitants. Garlic was also sometimes worn as a charm or talisman by individuals as a personal protective amulet.
GARLIC AND THE WITCH
In this follow-up to Garlic and the Vampire (2021), vegetable helpers become human.
In Paulsen’s first foray into this world, Garlic and her vegetable friends showed up fully formed. The second installment explains how they were harvested when melancholy, light-skinned Witch Agnes decided to grow herself some helpers, making her world a brighter place. She’s still working on a blood substitute for her vampire friend, Count, and sends Garlic and Count to a far-off market to retrieve some bloodroot. Garlic, meanwhile, is worried about sprouting a fifth finger, not having been told that she and her vegetable friends would eventually become human. There are a few sticky storytelling moments—it’s hard to believe that it would take the witch so long to remember that a plant called bloodroot might be helpful in synthesizing blood, and it’s unclear for quite a while that Garlic’s concerns revolve around her number of fingers. The cheerful art, rendered in an autumnal palette, and relatable characters remain the series’ main draws, though this story veers a bit more toward cloying sentimentality than the first, with many overt conversations about being yourself and embracing change even though it’s scary. Still, though, when the vegetables turn into a multiracial group of humans, readers will close the book feeling good.
Earnest and thoughtful. (Graphic novel. 7-10)
Pub Date: Sept. 6, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-06-299512-4
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2022
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More by Bree Paulsen
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In addition to its protective qualities, garlic was also believed to have the power to reveal the presence of witches. According to some legends, if a person suspected someone of being a witch, they could hold a clove of garlic near the suspected witch. If the garlic began to rot or turn black, it was seen as a sign that the person was indeed a witch. The association between garlic and witchcraft remains prevalent in modern-day folklore and popular culture. In books, movies, and other media, garlic is often portrayed as a key element in protecting against witches and other supernatural beings. This portrayal has helped to perpetuate the belief in garlic's magical properties. While the belief in garlic's supernatural powers may be rooted in folklore and superstition, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that garlic has any magical or protective properties against witches or other supernatural entities. However, garlic does have numerous health benefits and is widely used in culinary traditions around the world..
Reviews for "Garlic crafts in witchcraft: creating homemade tools"
1. Jessica - 2/5 stars
I didn't enjoy "Garlic and the Witch" at all. The premise seemed interesting, but the execution fell flat for me. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them or become invested in their journey. The writing style was also quite dull, with long-winded descriptions that felt unnecessary and slowed down the pacing. Overall, I found this book to be unengaging and underwhelming.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars
"Garlic and the Witch" was a disappointment for me. While I appreciate the attempt to blend magical elements with a modern setting, the story lacked coherence and structure. The plot jumped all over the place, making it hard to follow and even harder to care about the outcome. The dialogue was also stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to engage with the characters. This book simply did not deliver on its promises, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 1/5 stars
I regret picking up "Garlic and the Witch". The writing was incredibly amateurish and riddled with grammatical errors and typos. It felt like the author rushed through the editing process, and it made the reading experience unbearable. Additionally, the characters were poorly developed and lacked complexity, making it impossible to become invested in their stories. This book was a complete letdown, and I wouldn't waste my time on it again.
4. Michael - 3/5 stars
"Garlic and the Witch" had its moments, but overall, it fell short of my expectations. The story had potential, but it lacked depth and left many loose ends unresolved. The pacing was also inconsistent, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. While the writing style was engaging at times, it wasn't enough to make up for the shortcomings in the plot and character development. Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to its intriguing premise.
5. Emily - 2/5 stars
"Garlic and the Witch" was a book that promised much but delivered little. The concept of witches and garlic had the potential for a unique and exciting story, but it was poorly executed. The plot meandered and lacked a clear direction, leaving me feeling confused and uninterested. The characters were forgettable, and their motivations felt contrived. Overall, this book didn't captivate me, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling read.