This is what I wanted Garlic and the Vampire/Witch to be, but it wasn’t. This short book was so much fun, full of mischief and shenanigans in the best ways possible. It was very whimsical, magical, and really cute. It made me laugh out loud, and I just loved how snarky Alcatoe, the witch, is. There is quite a bit of humor in this story that had me grinning the whole time. 

This is labeled as a graphic novel, but it reads like a children’s picture book. But I adored the illustrations. They are so much fun, and there are lots of little gems hidden throughout the pages. I think kids would love this book. There are lots of tiny creatures and characters to find, and so many details to enjoy. At times, the double pages look like a board game, which was entertaining to look at. I loved the art style and dark, fall colors. The vibes in this book scream fall and Halloween. So it’s a wonderful book to read during this time of year. 

The story had a great flow and was very magical. The kids go on an amusing adventure without any woke messages or too complex a story, which is a breath of fresh air. It’s a very silly, quirky book, and I enjoyed themes of friendship, chasing your dreams no matter how old you are, standing up for yourself, and not caring what others think. 

It’s a super short, easy read, so perfect for beginner readers. I would definitely read more of this world. I had a really good time with it. Highly recommend!!