Book Review: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

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“Pumpkinheads” is a cozy graphic novel that follows Deja and Josiah, seasonal besties who work at the best pumpkin patch in the world every fall season.

Buy “Pumpkinheads”

As I mentioned, “Pumpkinheads” features the wholesome friendship between Deja and Josiah, who work together during every Halloween season. However, this is their last Halloween at the patch together, as next year the pair will go off to college. But Deja is determined not to let this final day go to waste. She wants to bring Josiah out of his shell and to pass their last day with no regrets. How? By abandoning their post at the Succotash Hut, where they’ve always worked, for a day of adventure and treats at the patch instead.

“Pumpkinheads” is unironically one of my top favourite reads of 2025 (yes, I’m late to picking this one up.) It has all of the fall cozy vibes, and if it were ever to be adapted to the big screen, I’d be so happy!

Deja and Josie are the cutest black cat + golden retriever duo. We watch as two friends (who are secretly crushing on one another) can view the world differently, and still can respectfully understand and love one another. While Deja, the living-in-the-moment kind of girl, is prone to believing in the choice of action, Josie, the wistful daydreamer, is prone to believing in the fate of circumstances. And it is, in fact, both of their personal beliefs that brought them to work together (and choose each other) at the pumpkin patch every year.

I love the artwork and the colour palette —  everything was so vibrant and novel to look at. I wish I could visit a pumpkin patch like the one depicted in this book in real life. Before reading this, I’ve never even heard of Succotash (where the pair work) before! And now I really want to try some.

Watching their last shift at the pumpkin patch was so endearing and fun. During their wild goose chase to find Marcy, the pair, Deja and Josie, finally experience the true magic of what they’ve taken for granted (the pumpkin patch, which also happens to be a stand-in for their feelings). This final Halloween adventure allowed them to realize that what they will truly miss from their time at the patch: each other. Cheesy? Sure. But it’s just so wholesome.

You can also watch my 2025 Halloween vlog, in which I feature this book, here.

“…I’m your friend. And friends don’t let friends live small lives.” 

“Deja, I don’t want October to be over. Because October means you.” 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐