I can think of no other book to satisfy early autumnal cravings than Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks. Set in the Disneyland of Pumpkin-patches, complete with various Fall-themed attractions, Pumpkinheads introduces readers to Josiah and Deja, two Pumpkin-patch employees who embark on a last ditch effort to enjoy their last Halloween as employees of the Pumpkin patch. Naturally, this consists of Josiah acting on his crush for the cute fudge stand girl–a mission that Deja uses as an excuse to drag the two of them around the entire patch as they try to find her, sampling all the patch has to offer. From kettle corn to succotash, escapee goats and a pumpkin-head mime, this gorgeously illustrated book is an adventure that will make you wish you could relieve Halloween again and again in its pages and enjoy the night alongside the hilarious Deja and sweet Josie. (Spoiler alert: the pumpkin bomb looks too incredible to be real).
I loved how easily I was able to insert myself into this world. I desperately wanted the whimsy of the patch to be real–not only because of the delicious food–but because it seemed so inviting and wholesome. If only I could step into the pages of the book and enjoy Halloween with these characters, a feeling that only speaks to the fantastic skill that both author and illustrator are capable of. Rainbow’s quirky characters and Faith’s penchant for gorgeous and realistic illustration was so complementary that the whole volume is nothing short of Fall fueled wizardry.
This book will speak to every reader who has ever missed a place before they’ve left it. Deja and Josiah’s plight to have one last night at the patch without regrets is extremely universal. Perfect for readers embarking on their last autumn of high school or college, this will stir the nostalgia in just about anyone who picks it up and hopefully encourage the idea that leaving something or someone behind doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to it forever.
Grab your apple cider donuts and curl up with your warm beverage of choice as you welcome Fall with this perfect graphic novel. It’s too sweet to pass up as we welcome pumpkin season.
Advertisement