The temperature dropped by like, two degrees, so I’m ready for fall now and PUMPKINHEADS IS THE PERFECT AUTUMN READ. This quick little graphic novel was infused with pumpkin spice and falling leaves, I swear.

Deja and Josie have worked at an epic pumpkin patch (that more captures the entire spirit of fall, honestly) every September and October for three years. Their friendship has blossomed over that time, but they always say goodbye every Halloween and part ways. This year, their senior year and the last year they’ll be able to spend working at the patch, Deja is on a mission to get Josie to talk to the girl he’s been quietly crushing on the whole time – and they go on one epic fall adventure on their very last day to get there.

My biggest, and really only, complaint with Pumpkinheads is how short it was! It took me like an hour to get through, but I could’ve read that book until November. It really captured a spirit I’ve been searching for the past few weeks as we move into colder weather, Halloween stores are opening, and kids go back to school. I highly suggest picking it up mid-October.

The characters were absolutely adorable. Josie and Deja really did become whole and rounded, even in the short time we had with them (this had been my biggest problem with Mooncakes, another great fall read: see that review here). I think that might be because of the heavy focus on just these two: no characters other than them were given more than a frame or two, and certainly not without them in it. While I love good supporting characters, I think they made a good decision here that only added to my enjoyment of Pumpkinheads. I could buy into their friendship and bond with each other because it was evident in the way they interacted and the history they shared; I didn’t need to see so many ways they worked together because they were already friends and they sold me on that. It was just feel good, from start to finish, and gave you that happy glow of knowing people just fit.

The art in this book was just phenomenal. Everything from the style to the warmth of the colors screamed cozy and I was all about it. I think Rowell and Hicks really knew what they were shooting for and how they wanted the reader to feel while they read, and they nailed it. It’s hidden in every detail.

I’ve essentially given you zero reasons not to read Pumpkinheads, so you’ll be glad to know you can already pick up a copy: it was released August 27th! Book best served with pumpkin pie and a blanket scarf. 🙂