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Pumpkinheads

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In Pumpkinheads author Rainbow Rowell and artist Faith Erin Hicks have teamed up to create this tender and hilarious story about two irresistible teens discovering what it means to leave behind a place―and a person―with no regrets.

Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends.

Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.

But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if—instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years . . .

What if their last shift was an adventure?

209 pages, Hardcover

First published August 27, 2019

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About the author

Rainbow Rowell

136 books141k followers
Rainbow Rowell writes all kinds of stuff.

Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS, LANDLINE, SLOW DANCE).

Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK, FANGIRL) .

Sometimes — actually, a lot of the time — she writes about lovesick vampires and guys with dragon wings. (THE SIMON SNOW TRILOGY).

Recently, she’s been writing comics, including her first graphic novel, PUMPKINHEADS, and the monthly SHE-HULK comic for Marvel.

She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

More at rainbowrowell.com.

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5 stars
29,899 (34%)
4 stars
34,479 (39%)
3 stars
17,953 (20%)
2 stars
3,155 (3%)
1 star
1,206 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 15,392 reviews
Profile Image for emma.
2,317 reviews77.7k followers
September 23, 2022
HAPPY FALL!!!

----------------

It is taking...everything I have not to stop writing this review and pick up this book instead.

I could justify it so easily. “Just refreshing the ol’ memory,” I could say. “It’ll take less than an hour. And think of the review! Masterful, probably.”

https://emmareadstoomuch.wordpress.co...

Wow, I am really convincing myself. THIS IS DIFFICULT.

This was exactly what I wanted it to be. I wanted to read this book desperately that on release day, I dragged myself to Target (by which I mean journeyed out to Target with great delight because that place is the best), and when Target didn’t have it, I did the unthinkable.

I went to the dreaded Books-A-Million in the mall, which I hate because a) it’s small, b) it’s weirdly dark, c) the employees are overbearing in a way that borders on unsettling, like YOU’RE BOOK PEOPLE TOO YOU SHOULD KNOW I DON’T WANT THIS, and d) the books are so expensive that it seems like they’re adding on to list price.

And they didn’t even have it either.

Anyway, eventually (after an excruciating wait), I got this book, and oh boy was it worth it.

What I wanted:
- autumn-ness
- trademark Rainbow Rowell Banter & Chemistry
- friendship
- delicious treats
- pretty art
- cuteness

I got all that in HEAPS.

This is probably the most charming book I’ve ever read? It’s so funny and cute, and the characters are so lovely, and the little world of the pumpkin patch is a goddamn delight.

The first time, I read this fast because it’s addictive, and the second time, I read it slow because it’s filled with lovely little Easter eggs and funny things and turns of expression on the characters’ faces and wowow.

It’s just perfection.

Bottom line: As a reward for writing this review, I’m going to reread the book now.

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reread 4

i have been in one of the reading slumps of my life, but then my guardian angel (presumably) gave me an idea...

IT'S BASICALLY FALL IN MY HEAD AND THAT MEANS IT'S TIME FOR THIS SLUMP-KILLER.

update: it worked? maybe? at least it was fun and delicious.

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reread 3

phew. i almost let fall pass without rereading this book

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reread 2

i read this book, and then i took a day, and then i read it again.

do i want to read it again already? naturally.

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reread 1

i'm reading it again.

yes, it's been 2 days.

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pre-review

I LOVE THIS BOOK AND I WANT TO LIVE INSIDE IT.

but i will settle for rereading it immediately.

---------------
tbr review
I AM READY FOR FALL AND I AM READY FOR THIS BOOK
Profile Image for Emily May.
2,107 reviews315k followers
September 26, 2019
This is such a sweet, fun book. Perfect for autumn!

Two friends - Deja and Josiah - who only see each other at the pumpkin patch where they work during autumn, are working their last shift together. But, this time, they decide to change things up. They abandon their post at the Succotash Hut and go on an adventure around the pumpkin patch, eating s'mores, taking hayrides, getting lost in the maze-- all while searching for the girl who Josiah has been crushing on for years. He's finally going to ask her out... if he can find the nerve!

It's a warm, feel-good story with wonderful artwork. The only slight issue I had is But whatever. Still highly recommended for those looking to get into the autumn/fall spirit!

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
Profile Image for NickReads.
461 reviews1,266 followers
June 28, 2020
Maybe it is just the quarantine that is making me crave human contact, but this story was so gooooood
Profile Image for Miranda Reads.
1,589 reviews163k followers
April 29, 2021
description

...I'm your friend. And friends don't let friends live small lives.
Every October, Deja and Josiah work together at the pumpkin patch - stirring the pots at the Succotash Hut.

Their Pumpkin Patch is the best one in the entire world and every year, they count down the months until it opens up again.

They are the best of friends every autumn and always have so much fun...but...this is the last one before college.
Deja, I don't want October to be over. Because October means you.
Josiah is bummed out and Deja has an idea - she will help Josiah accomplish his wildest dreams - talk to the cute girl across the way.

The cute girl is gone when they get there...but there's no way Deja is gonna let Josiah get out of this. She has a mission.

She takes off across the pumpkin patch, dragging Josiah along, and so their greatest adventure begins!

This is truly such an amazing book! I don't read that many comics but this one absolutely blew me away.

One thing that really stood out was the sweetness of this story - with a little sass tied in there.

Deja was such a firecracker and she added in the sparkle. Josiah was such a gentle soul, he was such an adorable character.

I loved, loved, loved the illustrations and general style of this book. There was so many emotions shown in little gestures and whimsy!

All in all, this one is a keeper!
"What do we do now?"
"We go to Walgreens and buy half-priced candy."
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
Profile Image for Chelsea (chelseadolling reads).
1,520 reviews20.2k followers
September 16, 2019
This was stinking cute. If you want to get into the fall spirit, this would be the perfect place to start. Now excuse me while I go chug a venti pumpkin cream cold brew ✌🏼🎃
Profile Image for ✨ A ✨ .
442 reviews2,267 followers
October 15, 2020
“Like every autumn smell all at once.”

This is a perfect autumn read. This graphic novel gave me all the fall feels which was awesome because it's spring time where I am. I wanted to dive into these beautiful pages, to experience everything with Josiah and Deja.

description

It's Deja and Josiah's last night at the pumpkin patch they work at every Halloween season. The last chance for Josiah to finally speak to ‘the fudge girl’ he's been crushing on for three seasons.
Deja convinces shy Josiah to go talk to her, but it turns out that ‘fudge girl’ is harder to track than they thought.

What starts as a mission to find ‘fudge girl’ turns into a night of adventure.

description


I really liked Deja and Josiah's friendship, they made such a good pair. Josiah is shy and introverted and Deja is outgoing and makes friends easily. Their banter and interactions were cute and I wish this book was longer *weeps*.

“Who cares? It's our last night! Burn every bridge!'
'I'd rather not burn anything...”



So as I mentioned before starting Pumpkinheads, this was my first graphic novel. I wish someone had told me how fast it is to read one. I finished this super quick! And I really wanted more 😭.

I can't say I've been converted to the graphic novel fan club, because sometimes I'd forget to look at the pictures *face palms*. I guess I'm more of a words kinda girl (I flipped back afterwards to make sure I didn't miss anything okay, don't hate me ).

These illustrations captured the autumn feels spectacularly. The colour palette used was so warm and cosy.

Some advice: have snacks with you when you start. This book features tons of yummy food and I got so hungry looking at those pics!


If you are looking for a cute and wholesome Fall read I highly recommend Pumpkimheads. 🍁🍂🍃🎃

description

‹ Thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy of this book for review. ›

_____
Pre-Read

My first ever graphic novel?
description
Profile Image for April (Aprilius Maximus).
1,154 reviews6,451 followers
November 17, 2019
“Like every autumn smell all at once.”

representation: plus size rep, bi/pan rep (not explicitly stated but the MC has dated boys and girls).

[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]


✧・゚: *✧・゚:* 3 . 5 s t a r s *:・゚✧*:・゚✧

One word: ADORABLE.
Will I ever read this again, though? ..... Probably not.

trigger warnings: one fatphobic comment (i think???)
Profile Image for Josu Diamond.
Author 9 books33.4k followers
May 17, 2020
Una novela gráfica enternecedora.

Aprovechando una oferta en Amazon (haz click aquí para hacerte con el libro) fui capaz de hacerme con esta novela gráfica por menos de la mitad de su precio… Y claro, dije: esto es una señal del destino. Así que a los pocos días la tenía en casa.

Pumpkinheads es una historia muy bonita, dulce y con un toque de aventuras. Lo que prevalece es la amistad y el humor, aunque como siempre en los libros de Rainbow Rowell tenemos un poquito de romance precioso.

Personalmente me habría gustado que la historia durara un poco más, aunque pienso que podemos tener varias aventuras de estos protagonistas porque se deja entrever y porque encajaría perfectamente hacer una por festividad (Halloween, Navidad, 4 de Julio…). ¡Así que espero que las autoras no decepcionen y traigan más cositas de Josiah y Doja!

les gusta comer unas buenas piesss

Los personajes son realistas, divertidos y nos llevan a través de su lugar de trabajo (que es una FANTASÍA) tratando de buscar a una chica de la que Josiah está enamorado… sin haber hablado con ella siquiera. Es algo que Doja critica desde el primer momento y me gustaba su continuo tira y afloja, si es que se puede considerar así.

Las ilustraciones son PRECIOSAS. Los colores vivos, la expresiones transmitían un montón… Es mi primera novela gráfica de Faith Erin Hicks y no será la última, eso lo tengo claro. Tiene mucha mañana para expresas sentimientos y situaciones cotidianas.

Me ha gustado pero como comento, se me ha quedado corto. Pese a tener más de 200 páginas, los capítulos son realmente cortos y cada vez que uno se inicia hay dos páginas anunciando el título de este, por lo que no son realmente 200 páginas de historia. ¡Pero he pasado buenos momentos! Es una novela gráfica distendida, divertida y con la que echaréis alguna que otra carcajada.
Profile Image for Riley.
446 reviews23.8k followers
September 23, 2019
this put me in the biggest fall mood ever
Profile Image for Mischenko.
1,021 reviews96 followers
October 19, 2019
Josie and Deja have been working together at a pumpkin patch for much of their high school years. They're pretty good friends and enjoy each other's company during the season, but they don't talk much outside of work. This Halloween they'll be saying goodbye for good as both prepare to begin their college life. Josie's pretty depressed about it; he loves everything about the pumpkin patch, especially being the MVPPP (Most Valuable Pumpkin Patch Person). Deja seems more optimistic about it and mentions coming back for visits.

Deja's convinced she's going make this Halloween the best ever. Her plan is to finally get Josie hitched up with a girl that works with them. He's been daydreaming about this girl for years, but he's hesitant to talk to her. Deja won't take no for an answer as she plans to make their last night at the Patch one to remember.

This was such a cute story that really took me back. It's both funny and emotional. Being the Halloween and autumn lover that I am, the setting is perfect. The Patch isn't like pumpkin patches I've been to; its more like a huge fall fest with delicious food and fun things to do. Sweet treats, corn mazes, hay rides, gourdy golf, and a petting zoo--who wouldn't love this place? The atmosphere is intoxicating for any fall aficionado.

As far as characters: Deja and Josie were both lovable. Deja was probably my favorite though; she's the kind of friend everyone needs. I like that she's funloving and caring, but (for the most part) still isn't afraid to say what she feels. Deja's more of an extrovert as she's been around the block a time or two, whereas Josie is more introverted and unsure of himself. They make a great pair, accepting one another for who they are. Friendship is a beautiful theme throughout.

The illustrations are gorgeous, which really bring out the autumnal atmosphere and the characters' emotions. This is a perfect graphic novel for this time of year. Highly recommend this one.

5****

You can also read this at www.readrantrockandroll.com
Profile Image for Gabby.
1,587 reviews29k followers
October 5, 2019
This is really cute. This is a short and sweet graphic novel about these two teens Josiah and Deja who are spending their last October working at the local pumpkin patch, where they have worked for the last few years. They are both leaving for college soon and won't be seeing each other again for quite some time, so we follow them on their last night at the Pumpkin Patch.

This is the perfect Fall read. The fall vibes were radiating off the page and it's the perfect read for the season. It made me want a pumpkin spice latte so bad. I also love the fact that this book is queer, and these characters are just really cute and their friendship is cute, I laughed out loud a few times. and I think the art is really colorful and pretty to look at.
Profile Image for Warda.
1,271 reviews22.3k followers
November 30, 2019
WHY WASN’T THIS A FULL-BLOWN NOVEL?!!
I need more Rainbow Rowell after this. So hopefully I’ll be rereading her contemporary work because this story put me in such a mood for them.
Rainbow Rowell understands characters! She knows dialogue. Her stories are always so engaging and heartwarming and I can’t get enough.
Profile Image for Korrina.
193 reviews4,115 followers
January 18, 2020
Super cute, and a total celebration of all things fall. A little bit predictable but I didn’t mind because it was just a lot of fun. Now I want pumpkin pie!
Profile Image for destiny ♡ howling libraries.
1,891 reviews6,117 followers
March 6, 2020
Well, this was freaking adorable. I've had a lot of mixed feelings on RR for a long time now so I almost didn't pick up this graphic novel, but the art style was so precious, I finally caved and grabbed a copy, and I ended up really enjoying it.

Deja is such a fun character, first of all; she's plus-size, black, and queer (MGA — it isn't stated if she's bi or pan). We see her interact with a few different exes and potential love interests of various genders and it's really lovely to see a plus-size character being portrayed as gorgeous and desirable when that's something we don't get too often. I also wonder if she's intended as low-key demi rep, because there's a line where she says people don't interest her until she gets to know them, but it's never really addressed so I'm not going to promote this as demi/ace rep unless anyone knows if it's been stated officially, as I don't want to mislead anyone looking for that representation! ♥

My only issue with Pumpkinheads, and the reason I'm giving it 4 stars out of 5, is that I struggled a little with the way the couple in this book comes together. I can't really explain it without spoiling the story, but it just feels a little deus ex machina and I wish it had been a more gradual build throughout the book. That said, it was still super cute and I'm glad I read it.
Profile Image for Larry H.
2,863 reviews29.6k followers
October 4, 2019
What a terrific graphic novel!!

Deja and Josiah are best friends—at least from September 1 through Halloween, and at least while they’re working together at the pumpkin patch. (They don't see each other at all except during that period of time.) Tonight is the last night they’ll work together since both will head off to college next fall.

Josiah can’t imagine a world without the pumpkin patch. Deja doesn’t quite feel THAT strongly, but she’ll miss Josiah, and all the activity, and all of the great food. (Maybe especially the food?)

But tonight, Deja has a plan. It’s not going to be just a typical night. She’s gotten them a shift at a different post rather than the Succotash Hut, where they’ve worked the last three years. She’s determined that Josiah is finally going to talk to the girl in the fudge shop that he’s been mooning over for years. And she’s going to get all of her favorite foods.

Sounds perfect, right?

Of course, nothing quite goes as planned. Along the way they’ll run into a candy-apple-stealing punk, flee an escaped animal, say goodbye to old friends, explore what brought them together as friends, and come to some interesting realizations of their own.

This was so much fun, so charming, and had such a terrifically warm story, and the illustrations really made it feel like fall! Sometimes graphic novels are spare in their narration but this one really worked for me.

I'm a huge fan of Rainbow Rowell's (her new novel comes out 9/24 so I am super excited about that, too) and Pumpkinheads had so many of her trademarks, including a story that had so much heart. I read the book in one sitting and was sad that I was finished.

This is perfect for Halloween lovers and saps like me who love stories of friendship. But you probably shouldn't read this one on an empty stomach!

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.

You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Profile Image for Christy.
4,294 reviews35.3k followers
October 24, 2023
4 stars

Pumpkinheads was adorable. It made me long for fall. The story was so cute and the art work was amazing!

I was lucky enough to meet Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks at my local bookstore on release day and they were amazing. I loved hearing about the inspiration for this story and getting my special edition 'Fangirl' and 'Eleanor and Park' signed was just the cherry on top.

Deja was the best character and I loved Josie as well. Also, I'm hungry now for some fall inspired food! Highly recommended if you're in the mood for a sweet fall graphic novel.

 photo 0DF31B95-1884-4680-8E14-1FB2F2AA415A_zpsjhm2rw4i.jpg
*photo from signing at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, August 28th 2019*
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
2,918 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2023
This is a Young Adult Graphic Novels Comics. I think teenagers and adults will both really enjoy this book. I loved this graphic novel so much. It is about two friends that works at a pumpkin patch, and this will be their last year working at the pumpkin patch. They decide to see all the pumpkin patch, and the ending is to died for. The pictures are everything, and the pictures do a lot of the story telling in this book. Great book and so cute.
Profile Image for Isa Cantos (Crónicas de una Merodeadora).
1,009 reviews42.5k followers
February 2, 2020
“Deja, I don't want October to be over. Because October means you”.

Esta es una historia súper tierna de dos chicos que han trabajado varios años juntos en un huerto de calabazas, pero que pronto van a tener que despedirse porque el siguiente año van a entrar en la universidad y no podrán verse más allí. En esta última noche, Deja y Josiah deciden que él debe hablarle a otra chica del huerto de la que ha estado enamorado durante años, pero las cosas se complican y terminan paseando en medio de maizales, perdiéndose en laberintos y comiendo un montón de comida típica de Halloween. Todo esto mientras Josiah se pregunta si realmente vale la pena desperdiciar la última noche con su mejor amiga por buscar a una chica con la que nunca ha hablado.

Pumpkinheads es un libro taaaaan Rainbow Rowell. Todo es lindo, meloso y acaba bien. Y no me quejo, la historia de Deja y Josiah, aunque apresurada, es valiosa e inolvidable. Me gustó muchísimo cómo Deja se empeñó en hacer que la última noche de Josiah en el huerto de calabazas fuera memorable. A pesar de que el objetivo era que él estuviera con otra chica, las vueltas del destino hicieron que fueras ellos los que disfrutaran de todos los rincones del festival a los que nunca habían ido. Todo es una carrera contrarreloj, pero es una carrera en la que las risas y los momentos se viven más intensamente.

Debo decir que hubo un punto en el que dudé que el final fuera a ser el que yo quería, pero luego todo fue fantástico y se cumplieron mis predicciones. Creo que esta es una novela gráfica súper ligera que nos recuerda que, a veces, lo que más queremos está justo frente a nosotros.
Profile Image for Tatiana.
1,480 reviews11.4k followers
August 28, 2019
What a DELIGHT!

A quintessential autumn read. Take a stroll through a fall-themed amusement park filled with hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkins and pies and watch two friends maybe become something more. Hick’s art is amazing - warm and bright.

Put me right into a wonderful fall mood. Where are my s’mores? 😀😋
Profile Image for Andrea Ashwood.
187 reviews54 followers
September 30, 2020
[Review Preview]
description
I'm your friend. And friends don't let friends live small lives.
3'25⭐
As cute as I thought.
It's not fate that brings people together. It's people!

Review coming soon...
Profile Image for Dave Schaafsma.
Author 6 books31.9k followers
October 19, 2024
Super-duo combination Rainbow Rowell with illustrator Faith Hicks! Fall-themed, but not Halloween horror (unless you can count the grumpy goat or the occasional refs to ghosts).The story is set in a place where two high school seniors work, a fall Pumpkin Patch themed park in the Great Plains. White boy, black girl, different sizes, best friends, as she tried to help him finally speak to a girl he has been obsessed with. Just fun. Predictable ending, nothing really surprising throughout, but it's good goofy tween humor and dialogue, and terrific art by Hicks. And a dialogue between the two artists in the appendix!
Profile Image for Lucy Powrie.
Author 4 books5,543 followers
September 19, 2019
This is the CUTEST! The kind of graphic novel I really love, with beautiful, autumnal colouring and a story of friendship, pumpkins, and a runaway goat.

I know I’ll be re-reading this lots. Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks are a perfect match. Can I have the Christmas elves sequel, please?!
Profile Image for Sara.
1,359 reviews406 followers
October 8, 2019
This was everything I expected it to be, and more. Two seasonal autumn friends spend their last Halloween working a pumpkin patch. Deja is bubbly, outgoing and everyone’s friend. She’s also bisexual, and seems to have dated everyone at work. Josiah is shy, meticulous and totally obsessed with the girl working at the Fudge stand. What follows is a crusade to get Josiah talking to Fudge girl while trying to navigate the Pumpkin Patch’s many obstacles on the duos last night together.

Deja is hilarious. The many, many fudge puns alone made me laugh out loud. She’s also not your stereotypical romcom petite girl. She’s tall, she loves snacks and she’s your average sized woman. With added dimples. She loves people for who they are, not what gender they are and somehow manages to pull off this aura of like-ability without seeming to try too hard. It’s well done, and developed wonderfully, and I can’t express how much I appreciated the representation. Her relationship with ‘Josie’ is also genuine, and so sweet. Honestly, their friendship is perfect, with each of them bouncing off the other to compliment their personalities so well.

Such a great read for this time of year. The characters are so easy to love and root for. Please let there be more (a Christmas version maybe?!).
Profile Image for Calista.
4,935 reviews31.3k followers
October 7, 2019
Josiah and Deja have been working at the Pumpkin patch for their 3 years of high school. This is their last year as workers and there is excitement and sadness over understanding that.

Josiah has had a crush on a girl for 3 years now. Josiah loves working at the pumpkin patch. Deja is his best friend and she has decided that Josiah has to tell this girl he likes her. It becomes their quest. So they spend their last night looking for this girl.

Michigan had wonderful pumpkin patches. Wiards Apple farms were pretty amazing. I love going to the field and picking my pumpkins and apples and getting the cider donuts. There is nothing better. This book brought back all those memories. I loved seeing all the apple tree varieties from the back of a moving hayride. Seeing the apple press and getting a whiff of that apple smell. I just love an orchard in the fall. This is my time of year and I love this little book.

Rainbow Rowell has a might pen and I do love reading about her characters. I wouldn't mind if we got to go back to the pumpkin patch next year and see some different people.

Yes and thank you.
371 reviews444 followers
August 8, 2021
~ 3.5 stars ~

Josiah and Deja are seasonal friends. They both work together at the pumpkin patch, and this is their last day ever, as they are now going off to college.

Since it is their last season working there, Josiah decides that he finally wants to talk to the girl who he has been crushing on all these years, Marcy, who also works at the patch. With the help of Deja, who is determined to help Josiah with his endeavors before the day ends, they race around the pumpkin patch trying to find Marcy, but are having a tough time tracking her down.

But their journey ends up being a nostalgic one where they reminisce on all the good experiences they have had over the years.

Graphic novels aren't really my thing, so it's hard to judge one when I haven't read many, but I can definitely say that this was a fun, fast, and cute read. Pumpkinheads is a beautifully illustrated story filled with love and friendship and overall, while I didn't connect with the story or the characters, I did think this was good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 15,392 reviews

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