The Battle of the Vegetables, written by Matthieu Sylvander, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Jonathan M.
Summary: The Battle Of The Vegetables written by Matthieu Sylvander and illustrated by Perceval Barrier is a graphic novel split into three parts, and it accompanies the events of a vegetable garden brought to life. Following the main characters Leeks in the first story, Carrots in the second, and Mixed Vegetables in the third, this humorous novel is sure to make young and older audiences stay on the tip of their toes wanting more. In the leek story, the leeks are the protagonists and the antagonist is a cow pretending to be one of Santa’s reindeer. When he appears over the fence “Three leeks faint, their delicate nerves overcome with emotion.” The other leeks all have many questions. As the cow regales the leeks with exaggerated tales about his life, the leeks decide they also want adventure. Will the cow/reindeer lead them astray? In the carrot story, they overheard what was going on with the leeks. “The leeks are so stupid,” they said. They start thinking about their own security measures and strategy for survival. But then forget their original question. The carrots decide they will be much safer in a tunnel. The carrots run into some bats. They ask the bats what they eat and the bats coyly respond that they are frugivores. The bats invite the carrots to a warren. Unfortunately, it is a rabbit that informs the carrots of what a warren is. Finally, in chapter 3, the author states that “the great majority of leeks and carrots grow without drama. They even take a certain pride in that.” Readers will be treated to a scene from Romeo (the leek) and Julienne (the carrot). A scandal grows and insults fly. A potato appears, then cauliflower, then broccoli. Readers will have to find out what happens to the decimated vegetables.

Straight Talk for Librarians: The Battle Of The Vegetables-- although funny and a crowd-pleaser, has several themes and lessons that younger readers are exposed to when read. The first story makes it very clear from the start; that general consensus isn't always based off of correct perceptions, and to never trust that a stranger will tell you the truth. Although the second story is filled with much of the same messages, Sylvander is still able to create a compelling story that is truly entertaining. The illustrations are mostly in shades of green and orange. Filled with great vocabulary throughout, an audience--even older readers, can learn new vocabulary and be reminded of the messages that should be taught to every person at the end. Violence is not always the answer, and in most situations, love can triumph over hate. Readers will question the relevance of war in today’s society. The conversations between the vegetables in the speech bubbles are hilarious. Readers will be laughing out loud. I think that since this book was originally published in Europe and translated to English, the insults are really funny and not censored. “The leeks are geeks, “ “Potato head, wets the bed!”, Carrot root, face like a boot!” and lots of puns abound. It is truly a delight for readers of all ages. This book appears looks unassuming, but the drawings, the name-calling, the puns, the play on Romeo and Juliet is super fun and engaging. It is also very thought-provoking as it is a commentary on the absurdity of war. The author very cleverly wove a lot into this story. Readers will learn about leeks, frugivores, insectivores and what warrens are. It definitely appeals to older picture book readers and middle school students looking for droll humor. Side note: Droll came into English from the French drôle. This book was originally published in French by a writer who has written 8 books and in his other job is a seismologist who lives in Toulouse, France. What a great connection to a high school French class! It would be fitting to read this story with a bowl of vegetable soup! Or maybe before kicking off a war unit in a high school history classroom.