Illustration of garlic family sharing food with chipmunks
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Madison Safer, Illustration from The Garlic Eaters by Madison Safer (Somewhere). © 2026 Madison Safer. 

Special Storytime: Madison Safer

Artists & Authors
For Families
-
Reading Library

Free with Museum Admission

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. Join author/illustrator Madison Safer as she reads her latest picture book The Garlic Eaters, answers questions, and does a drawing demonstration.

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.

A book signing will follow the program. Can’t make it? You may reserve signed books.

Who You'll Meet
Photo of a woman with long dark hair, smiling

Madison Safer

Madison Safer is an illustrator who is happiest in a forest full of mushrooms. Her work is often centered around themes of nostalgia, home, and the quiet woods of New England. She is inspired by Russian folk art, 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 best found drinking tea, practicing her challah braid, or stealing flowers.

Author Website
Visit the shop

In the Bookshop

Illustration of two children painting, surrounded by objects of different colors

Before Colors

illustration of a Jewish family with babka bread

Bring Back the Babka

Illustration of a family wearing garlic hats in the woods

The Garlic Eaters

Illustration of two children playing instruments, surrounded by swirling music

Before Music