It's a pumpkin spice showdown! Acorn Squash wants her fair share of the seasonal spotlight in this a hilarious "odd couple" picture book with plenty of fall flair. It's not easy being best friends with Pumpkin. Each fall, she's everyone's favorite gourd. The queen of lattes, the ultimate pie, the STAR of autumn--pumpkin spice is EVERYWHERE!
But now Acorn Squash has #SquashGoals. She's going to prove she has something to offer too.
Voila! It's Acorn Squash
everything!
In this heartwarming and humorous tale of seasonal rivalry, plucky Acorn Squash is determined to step out of Pumpkin's trendy shadow and into the autumnal limelight.
From a harvest festival booth to an unexpected partnership, this story of friendship and self-discovery will teach kids that everyone has something special to offer, and being someone's favorite can be the best feeling of all.
Join the adventure as Squash and Pumpkin unite, proving that together they are the true spice of the season!
Author: G. G. McQueen
Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Published: 08/26/2025
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
ISBN: 9780593805909
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s): Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2025
School Library Journal 06/01/2025 pg. 64
About the Author
G.G. McQUEEN has been a TV writer for The Great American Baking Show, Secret Guide to Fabulous, and MTV's VMAs. She has also performed improv and sketch comedy around New York City. Squash and Pumpkin: #SquashGoals is her first children's book.
MICHAEL SLACK is an artist, illustrator, character designer, and award-winning app designer. He has illustrated many funny picture books, including
Kitties On Dinosaurs, which he also authored, and
Nugget & Fang by Tammi Sauer. He lives with his family in the San Francisco Bay Area.