Heebie Jeebies is a book that I requested to review when I saw writer, Matthew Erman, previewing his new middle-grade graphic novel on X. Now, I know that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but Heebie Jeebies immediately caught my eye because who doesn’t love Halloween in May? With art and colours by the great Shelby Criswell, the creative team behind Terminal Punks (Mad Cave Studios) bring to life a new story that promises young readers a delightful blend of humour, spookiness, and many heartfelt moments.
The story is set at a high school, complete with an orange pickup truck, autumn leaves and a jack-o-lantern. This setting feels familiar and cozy, painting a small American town in its ‘Fall’ exactly as you might imagine it. And being the well-paced story that it is, we quickly meet one of its resident ghosts which made me want to continue reading with a pumpkin-spiced latte in hand. Just a few pages in and I am immediately invested in the mysterious spirit and its connection to the school and its brand new groundskeeper.
After Heebie Jeebies’s exciting opening, we meet our main protagonists, Blue and Herschel, two best friends who find themselves in a thrilling yet eerie adventure when a group of bullies taunt them with a story about a treasure buried under their school. Knowing that this treasure could potentially change his family life for the better, Blue navigates the school after dark, something that all children dream of doing. These relatable and likeable characters are a standout feature of the graphic novel.
Blue and Herschel are both portrayed with depth and authenticity, they are easy to root for. Herschel, in particular, is the kind of best friend every child would want. He is loyal, brave and funny. As a teacher, I would not hesitate to use Heebie Jeebies in my classroom as the story is successful in tackling important issues such as bullying, the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household, and socio-economic inequality. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth to the story without overshadowing the fun and spooky elements. The emphasis on found family and the richness of good friends is a heartwarming takeaway from this graphic novel.
Erman and Criswell, bring their unique voice and artistic flair to Heebie Jeebies. Having read Erman’s biography, I appreciate that he was once a groundskeeper too and so I love how he has used this experience to tell such a fun story. I wonder if Heebie Jeebies is a tale that he thought of when on the job? Criswell’s art and colours are vibrant and expressive and evoke the same warm feeling that reminds me of Pumpkin Heads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks. Jim Campbell’s lettering is clear and complements the artwork beautifully, making the text easy to follow for younger readers.
With a release date set for September 17, 2024, Heebie Jeebies is poised to be a hit among young readers. Priced at $14.99 and published by Papercutz, this graphic novel offers great value for its rich storytelling and stunning artwork. The graphic novel is a must-read for the spookalicious kid or kid-at-heart.
Matthew Erman (W), Shelby Criswell (A/C), Jim Campbell (L) • Papercutz, $14.99
Review by Ellie Egleton
