*Publication Date: October 6, 2026*
Published by Somewhere Books, a sibling imprint of Ayin Press
A whimsical and warmhearted picture book about displacement, belonging, and the magic of a shared meal.
Deep underground, a tight-knit family lives inside a great garlic bulb—sleeping on garlic cloves, bathing in garlic juice, and wearing garlic peels for clothes. But after a very hungry mole tears through their roof, the Garlic Eaters are forced aboveground into a world that isn’t sure what to make of them.
Rooted in Jewish experiences of diaspora, The Garlic Eaters is a story for young readers about home, loss, and what it means to belong. Throughout history, garlic has followed Jewish communities—tucked into pockets, hung on doors, and shared with neighbors. Writer and artist Madison Safer weaves that history into a tale of Yiddish imagination and tenderness, introducing young readers to the universal experience of starting over somewhere new—and finding, against all odds, a community to call your own.
The Garlic Eaters includes an author’s note on the Jewish diaspora, a glossary of Yiddish terms, and a recipe for the Garlic Eaters’ favorite soup to enjoy with the whole family.
Reboot Studios is a Presenting Partner on The Garlic Eaters, supporting its development, release, and educational impact.
The Garlic Eaters is a new title from Somewhere, a publishing imprint dedicated to children’s books, art books, comics, zines, and other graphic and illustrated works.
About the Author
Madison Safer is an illustrator who is happiest in a forest full of mushrooms. She is inspired by Jewish paper cuttings, quilt patterns, and the warmth of a fire after a very cold day. When she is not napping or drawing, Madison is most often found drinking tea, practicing her challah braid, or stealing flowers. She is the illustrator of many children’s books, including Before Music: Where Instruments Come From (written by Annette Bay Pimentel) and Bring Back the Babka! (written by Marilyn Wolpin). Her forthcoming books include Hanukkah Is Here, Good Medicine (written by Kate Hoefler). Madison lives with her mischievous pup, Virginia Woof, in the sleepy hills of Western Massachusetts.
Book Details
66 pages | $22.95 | Hardcover | 8.25 x 10.75 in | ISBN: 978-1-961814-36-3 | e-ISBN: 978-1-961814-37-0
Publication date: October 6, 2026
