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A Song for You and I
Being a ranger means adventure, action, and protecting the weak. But who protects the ranger when they lose their way? From the bestselling author of The Moth Keeper and the Tea Dragon Society comes a must read MG graphic novel for fans of soft sweeping fantasy romances.
Rowan knows exactly what they want to be: to be a ranger, protecting their village alongside their trusted flying horse Kes. But when Rowan's eagerness to show off their worth gets Kes injured, Rowan is suddenly unsure if they're capable of being the protector they've always dreamed of becoming.
With Kes needing to heal, Rowan is assigned a slow and winding expedition across the outlying lands. Paired with a lackadaisical sheep herder Leone, Rowan only finds frustration as they seem to fail even the simplest tasks. But Leone's own struggles, and endless support brings a new possibility to Rowan. Could their unlikely friendship be something more? And if it is, will Rowan be able to leave Leone behind to pursue being a ranger once Kes is healed?
Rowan knows exactly what they want to be: to be a ranger, protecting their village alongside their trusted flying horse Kes. But when Rowan's eagerness to show off their worth gets Kes injured, Rowan is suddenly unsure if they're capable of being the protector they've always dreamed of becoming.
With Kes needing to heal, Rowan is assigned a slow and winding expedition across the outlying lands. Paired with a lackadaisical sheep herder Leone, Rowan only finds frustration as they seem to fail even the simplest tasks. But Leone's own struggles, and endless support brings a new possibility to Rowan. Could their unlikely friendship be something more? And if it is, will Rowan be able to leave Leone behind to pursue being a ranger once Kes is healed?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 4, 2025
54 people are currently reading
5996 people want to read
About the author
Kay O'Neill
34 books4,196 followersKay O'Neill is an illustrator and graphic novelist from New Zealand. They are the author of Princess Princess Ever After, The Tea Dragon Society, Aquicorn Cove, and more. They mostly make gentle fantasy stories for younger readers, and are very interested in tea, creatures, things that grow, and the magic of everyday life.
On an Instagram post 17th December 2020 the author shared that they use they/them pronouns and prefers to be called Kay.
On an Instagram post 17th December 2020 the author shared that they use they/them pronouns and prefers to be called Kay.
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March 17, 2025
Graphic novelist K. O’Neill consistently crafts the most delightfully cozy and charming worlds where tender examinations of the heart play out amidst lush landscapes and perfectly serene color pallets. A Song for You & I, the latest work from the New Zealand-based artist and writer that brought us the endlessly endearing Tea Dragon Society series, is another heartfelt tale of fantasy, friendship and forging your own identity while finding yourself in the grander scheme of life. While the first act felt a touch formulaic for O’Neill, A Song for You & I eventually spreads its wings for a quiet story of an unlikely friendship between a Ranger Novice seeking to prove themself and a shepherd who’s withdrawn attitude of playing violin for the sheep has given them a false reputation for laziness. It is a touching tale that moves at a slow but steady and comfortable pace through themes of gender fluidity, self-worth, and personal quests for what achievement might mean. Though O’Neill’s gorgeously illustrated world here is far less filled with magic and furry anthropomorphic characters than previous works, it is still no less magical and is an utter joy to get lost in these brightly colored pages and slow burning story.
Having really loved O’Neill’s previous work—I mean every single one is so gorgeous and lovely including O’Neill’s picture book for youngsters, Dewdrop—I eagerly pre-ordered this the moment I knew it was to exist. While I can’t say it is their strongest work, I also find that this impression is perhaps due to it having followed the rather textured themes and unique yet still signature O’Neill artwork of The Moth Keeper. That work felt so nuanced and mysterious that anything would be difficult to live up to it and I had hopes O’Neill would return to that same world. Not that A Song for You & I is a letdown in any way, far from it in fact. Returning to a very bright color palette of greens and blues, O’Neill gives us an achingly gorgeous world and two very lovable characters to follow. Their story is rather soft and quiet, and while the aspect of the Ranger tests felt a bit standard YA-fantasy in a world that didn’t have all that much world building of fantastical uniqueness as O’Neill’s previous works (save for the Rangers riding on flying horses), it still delivers a rather emotional punch that is empowering and adorable.Plus the two characters are so very sweet together, my heart swells for them.
‘Some people are just never gonna see you the way you want to be seen,’ advises the musical shepherd, Leone, ‘I reckon it’s best to please yourself first, and the ones who love you will get it.’ Whether this is embracing a calling as a musician or presenting the true you through name, presentation, and mastery of skills, O’Neill shows how being true to yourself is the most important and that those who matter will love you regardless. It’s rather sweet and there is a wonderful trans narrative (perhaps a double one) woven into the story. It’s all very touching and lovingly presented without being heavy handed. If anything, O’Neill excels at being soft and empowering in every story and this is no different.
A Song for You & I is another wonderful graphic novel from the great K. O’Neill and they continue to be one of my favorites working in the medium. Quiet, tender, and full of heart, this is a really lovely book that teens to adults will certainly enjoy. I will definitely read anything K. O’Neill puts out and I have never been disappointed. This is such a cute book.
4/5
Having really loved O’Neill’s previous work—I mean every single one is so gorgeous and lovely including O’Neill’s picture book for youngsters, Dewdrop—I eagerly pre-ordered this the moment I knew it was to exist. While I can’t say it is their strongest work, I also find that this impression is perhaps due to it having followed the rather textured themes and unique yet still signature O’Neill artwork of The Moth Keeper. That work felt so nuanced and mysterious that anything would be difficult to live up to it and I had hopes O’Neill would return to that same world. Not that A Song for You & I is a letdown in any way, far from it in fact. Returning to a very bright color palette of greens and blues, O’Neill gives us an achingly gorgeous world and two very lovable characters to follow. Their story is rather soft and quiet, and while the aspect of the Ranger tests felt a bit standard YA-fantasy in a world that didn’t have all that much world building of fantastical uniqueness as O’Neill’s previous works (save for the Rangers riding on flying horses), it still delivers a rather emotional punch that is empowering and adorable.Plus the two characters are so very sweet together, my heart swells for them.
‘Some people are just never gonna see you the way you want to be seen,’ advises the musical shepherd, Leone, ‘I reckon it’s best to please yourself first, and the ones who love you will get it.’ Whether this is embracing a calling as a musician or presenting the true you through name, presentation, and mastery of skills, O’Neill shows how being true to yourself is the most important and that those who matter will love you regardless. It’s rather sweet and there is a wonderful trans narrative (perhaps a double one) woven into the story. It’s all very touching and lovingly presented without being heavy handed. If anything, O’Neill excels at being soft and empowering in every story and this is no different.
A Song for You & I is another wonderful graphic novel from the great K. O’Neill and they continue to be one of my favorites working in the medium. Quiet, tender, and full of heart, this is a really lovely book that teens to adults will certainly enjoy. I will definitely read anything K. O’Neill puts out and I have never been disappointed. This is such a cute book.
4/5
March 11, 2025
In a Nutshell: A middle-grade fantasy in graphic novel form. Excellent illustrations. Good potential in the story, but leaves a lot of things half-baked. Might work better for young adults than middle-graders. Mine is an outlier review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
The official blurb gives me a strong YA vibe. However, this is a middle-grade fantasy, and that stumps me a bit. Nothing about the story or the writing approach screams “middle-grade.” (I am not saying this because of the gender dysphoria; that’s a welcome topic in any book.)
The blurb clearly hints at Rowan, the main character, using the they/them pronouns. However, for almost the entire book, we see Rowan referred to by their birth name “Rose” and feminine pronouns. So either that the blurb leaked out a big spoiler about the lead character’s identity conflict, or that the blurb was deliberately misleading. Whatever the reason, this early reveal of a later plot point left me dissatisfied as I learnt the source of Rowan’s struggle even before it was brought up in the story.
I love the existence of a gender identity conflict in a middle-grade work, but I wish Rowan’s struggle hadn’t been restricted to thoughts alone. Their conundrums should have been indicated more strongly on paper. After a point, it was clear that they wished to be known as Rowan, but the transition is almost instant in the story. No clarifications, no contradictions, no questioning. Real life isn't that easy for LGBTQ+ people!
This problem of raising issues in a undeveloped manner is persistent throughout the book. A lot of the conflict is only internalised, without letting us know why or how or what next. Leone’s secret passion gets a tiny mention in a verbal flashback reference; Rowan’s background isn't even brought up. It is tougher to invest in a character we don’t have a backstory for.
The rest of the characters are also inadequately sketched. We get to see who they are at that point of the story, but there’s nothing to make us actually know or understand them or their behaviour. This applies even to Leone, who is only somewhat defined despite being Rowan’s co-lead. There are hardly any parents in the book, which means that the primary relationships are either peers (Rowan’s fellow rangers – a motley group), teachers (the senior rangers; wish some of them had a greater role to play), and local villagers (hardly any substantial depiction.) The ages of the characters are never clarified, but I presume Rowan and Leone to be teens. The only character I absolutely loved was Kestrel, Rowan’s Pegasus. She had strength, courage, grace, and even a temper, making her an ideal animal companion for a fictional work.
The plot itself is decent as far as the rangers’ work-related content goes. But the worldbuilding is utterly vague. The locations are there but I couldn’t *feel* any of them. A good middle-grade book has a strong and well-defined ending, but this one goofs up even on that. The overall story is divided into chapter-like parts, but the last part comes after a time-jump of unknown duration. We see some of the final developments through the illustrations, but almost everything that’s important is left unsaid.
The illustrations are great, probably the best feature of the book. Though not as ethereal as in ‘The Moth Keeper’, the colour scheme, the animals (especially the various Pegasuses) and the nature scenes are all a delight. Quite a few pages have no text bubbles, so this 240-page graphic novel goes by even faster. But this further highlights the issue I had – the text was given much lower priority. As such, the plot feels surface-level and rushed.
There are some good life lessons here, most of which could be valuable for the target readers. No need to focus only on proving yourself to others, live for yourself and not by others’ standards, think before you act, try to ignore judgement, and do what your heart wants – worthy points, all.
Overall, this book was mostly vague in its character development and jumpy in its plot development. I have read this author’s ‘The Moth Keeper’ and really loved it. Thereby, my expectations from this work were quite high. The execution though left me mostly disappointed.
However, the ratings clearly prove that mine is an outlier opinion. So please do take a look through other opinions and take a more informed call on this work.
Recommended mainly to those who read graphic novels for illustrations. With the story being so vague about ages and backgrounds, I think this might work better for older teens/YAs than middle-graders, but the official target age is 10+.
2.5 stars, rounding up for the theme and the illustrations.
My thanks to A Song for You and I for providing the DRC of “A Song for You and I” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Rowan is a trainee ranger, protecting the area under them with the help of their Pegasus, Kestrel. The region Rowan monitors hardly has any danger, much to Rowan’s frustration. The only person active and about in the area is Leone, a laidback shepherd who is more interested in playing his violin than in watching his sheep. However, when Rowan’s eagerness to prove their capabilities to the senior rangers results in an injury to Kestrel, Rowan is forced to work on land-based duties with Leone. Can this forced working partnership turn into friendship when both Rowan and Leone are battling personal secrets?
The official blurb gives me a strong YA vibe. However, this is a middle-grade fantasy, and that stumps me a bit. Nothing about the story or the writing approach screams “middle-grade.” (I am not saying this because of the gender dysphoria; that’s a welcome topic in any book.)
The blurb clearly hints at Rowan, the main character, using the they/them pronouns. However, for almost the entire book, we see Rowan referred to by their birth name “Rose” and feminine pronouns. So either that the blurb leaked out a big spoiler about the lead character’s identity conflict, or that the blurb was deliberately misleading. Whatever the reason, this early reveal of a later plot point left me dissatisfied as I learnt the source of Rowan’s struggle even before it was brought up in the story.
I love the existence of a gender identity conflict in a middle-grade work, but I wish Rowan’s struggle hadn’t been restricted to thoughts alone. Their conundrums should have been indicated more strongly on paper. After a point, it was clear that they wished to be known as Rowan, but the transition is almost instant in the story. No clarifications, no contradictions, no questioning. Real life isn't that easy for LGBTQ+ people!
This problem of raising issues in a undeveloped manner is persistent throughout the book. A lot of the conflict is only internalised, without letting us know why or how or what next. Leone’s secret passion gets a tiny mention in a verbal flashback reference; Rowan’s background isn't even brought up. It is tougher to invest in a character we don’t have a backstory for.
The rest of the characters are also inadequately sketched. We get to see who they are at that point of the story, but there’s nothing to make us actually know or understand them or their behaviour. This applies even to Leone, who is only somewhat defined despite being Rowan’s co-lead. There are hardly any parents in the book, which means that the primary relationships are either peers (Rowan’s fellow rangers – a motley group), teachers (the senior rangers; wish some of them had a greater role to play), and local villagers (hardly any substantial depiction.) The ages of the characters are never clarified, but I presume Rowan and Leone to be teens. The only character I absolutely loved was Kestrel, Rowan’s Pegasus. She had strength, courage, grace, and even a temper, making her an ideal animal companion for a fictional work.
The plot itself is decent as far as the rangers’ work-related content goes. But the worldbuilding is utterly vague. The locations are there but I couldn’t *feel* any of them. A good middle-grade book has a strong and well-defined ending, but this one goofs up even on that. The overall story is divided into chapter-like parts, but the last part comes after a time-jump of unknown duration. We see some of the final developments through the illustrations, but almost everything that’s important is left unsaid.
The illustrations are great, probably the best feature of the book. Though not as ethereal as in ‘The Moth Keeper’, the colour scheme, the animals (especially the various Pegasuses) and the nature scenes are all a delight. Quite a few pages have no text bubbles, so this 240-page graphic novel goes by even faster. But this further highlights the issue I had – the text was given much lower priority. As such, the plot feels surface-level and rushed.
There are some good life lessons here, most of which could be valuable for the target readers. No need to focus only on proving yourself to others, live for yourself and not by others’ standards, think before you act, try to ignore judgement, and do what your heart wants – worthy points, all.
Overall, this book was mostly vague in its character development and jumpy in its plot development. I have read this author’s ‘The Moth Keeper’ and really loved it. Thereby, my expectations from this work were quite high. The execution though left me mostly disappointed.
However, the ratings clearly prove that mine is an outlier opinion. So please do take a look through other opinions and take a more informed call on this work.
Recommended mainly to those who read graphic novels for illustrations. With the story being so vague about ages and backgrounds, I think this might work better for older teens/YAs than middle-graders, but the official target age is 10+.
2.5 stars, rounding up for the theme and the illustrations.
My thanks to A Song for You and I for providing the DRC of “A Song for You and I” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
April 7, 2025
What a beautifully illustrated, perfectly paced, quiet, and affirming story this is! In a rural valley, a hall of Pegasus-riders live and train to watch over the shepherds, farmers, weavers, and fisher folk who live below. One ambitious young rider chaffs at the "easy" assignment they are given and the way their are viewed by their peers. A reckless decision leads to an injury to their winged horse; grounded for now, the pair accompany a young violinist on a multi-day journey to deliver goods to a nearby city. Both young people struggle with their own doubts and insecurities, and yet are able to see each other with such clear, generous, and loving eyes. Both of them come into a confidence in who they are and what they want to do in their world. This comic book made me want to draw more comic books. O'Neill makes it look effortless!
May 5, 2025
we are so fortunate to receive another gem from o'neill. this soft and quiet story is about making space for your true self, finding the name that feels right for you, and building trust in yourself and those you love. both main characters are gender nonconforming, and both are learning to gently support each other while they're on their own personal journeys.
also! there are winged horses!! throughout the graphic novel i marveled at the strong and graceful horses, along with so many other wonderful creatures - fluffy chickens, fluffy sheep, fluffy cows! there are also beautiful birds and, adorable donkeys, and more. so much joy to be found in animals.
the charming nature scenes, sweeping landscapes, and lovely soft coloring are such a treat for the eyes. o'neill has gifted us another precious comfort read. their most recent prior work, the moth keeper, felt like it was missing a lil something - so i'm especially relieved that this story hits just right.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
also! there are winged horses!! throughout the graphic novel i marveled at the strong and graceful horses, along with so many other wonderful creatures - fluffy chickens, fluffy sheep, fluffy cows! there are also beautiful birds and, adorable donkeys, and more. so much joy to be found in animals.
the charming nature scenes, sweeping landscapes, and lovely soft coloring are such a treat for the eyes. o'neill has gifted us another precious comfort read. their most recent prior work, the moth keeper, felt like it was missing a lil something - so i'm especially relieved that this story hits just right.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
November 26, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
Their books are always delightful! A Song for You and I is a graphic novel set in a fantasy world about failure, persistence, and growth. What happens when a ranger fails and has to learn from their mistakes? How do you overcome fear of failure? It also has trans and genderfluid characters discovering who they are and what gives meaning to their lives. It's lovely. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Their books are always delightful! A Song for You and I is a graphic novel set in a fantasy world about failure, persistence, and growth. What happens when a ranger fails and has to learn from their mistakes? How do you overcome fear of failure? It also has trans and genderfluid characters discovering who they are and what gives meaning to their lives. It's lovely. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
April 16, 2025
Another super gentle and entirely pleasant bit of fantasy fluff with LGBTQIA+ themes from K. O'Neill.
A sweet and quick read.
A sweet and quick read.
January 5, 2025
K O'Neill stop making me cry challenge
March 5, 2025
1 Sentence Summary: Rowan has always wanted to be a ranger, but after a dangerous mistake, will Rowan be able to find their way again?
My Thoughts: This was so lovely. The story is so wholesome and whimsical; reading it feels like lying in the grass on a sunny day. Also, the art is BEAUTIFUL. The art style, the color scheme, the landscapes…everything was so perfect and gorgeous. I could just look at the art all day. So pretty and atmospheric.
A journey of self discovery, acceptance, and finding your way in the world.
Recommend to: Fans of cozy graphic novels about self discovery.
***
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
My Thoughts: This was so lovely. The story is so wholesome and whimsical; reading it feels like lying in the grass on a sunny day. Also, the art is BEAUTIFUL. The art style, the color scheme, the landscapes…everything was so perfect and gorgeous. I could just look at the art all day. So pretty and atmospheric.
A journey of self discovery, acceptance, and finding your way in the world.
Recommend to: Fans of cozy graphic novels about self discovery.
***
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
March 2, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
WOW! i expect nothing but fantastic storytelling with beautiful art, wholesome relationships, and gentle but important lessons anytime i pick up a work by k. o'neill -- and a song for you and i did not disappoint.
this was such a lovely story about connecting with nature and one's true self (in a way, it reminded me of the pokémon ranger games!!), paired with the stunningly whimsical art that o'neill is known and loved for.
is it selfish to ask for the next graphic novel?!
WOW! i expect nothing but fantastic storytelling with beautiful art, wholesome relationships, and gentle but important lessons anytime i pick up a work by k. o'neill -- and a song for you and i did not disappoint.
this was such a lovely story about connecting with nature and one's true self (in a way, it reminded me of the pokémon ranger games!!), paired with the stunningly whimsical art that o'neill is known and loved for.
is it selfish to ask for the next graphic novel?!
August 9, 2025
Not every queer story needs to be a coming out story. But maybe every story, queer or not, should have some element of coming out. Rowan's decision to live their truth is painted as every bit as important as Leone's fear of playing the violin in front of others, or even Kestrel the winged horse (the text uses that term instead of pegasus) getting back in the air. All of them are coming to terms with who they are and what they want, as well as how they want to make their mark on the world. By making all three narratives equal in terms of weight and impact, the incomparable K. O'Neill reminds readers that any self-actualization, any type of coming out, is important.
March 15, 2025
I love fairy tales, and K. O’Neill’s “A Song for You and I” has all the hallmarks of a good one. I’m not a big graphic book reader (at least not yet), but this MG book is prettily illustrated.
I love the Pegasus, Kas, and the other characters as well, I just wish that the author added more text to carry the story. The end of the story seemed a bit stilted, with story abruptly ending. Overall, though, this is a sweet story that MG readers are sure to love.
I received an ARC of “A Song for You and I,” by K. O’Neill from NetGalley and Random House Children’s in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I love the Pegasus, Kas, and the other characters as well, I just wish that the author added more text to carry the story. The end of the story seemed a bit stilted, with story abruptly ending. Overall, though, this is a sweet story that MG readers are sure to love.
I received an ARC of “A Song for You and I,” by K. O’Neill from NetGalley and Random House Children’s in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 13, 2025
rate: 3.5/5 stars
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June 11, 2025so cute!! I adore K. O'Neill's art style and this was no exception.
August 22, 2025
There's something so beautiful and profound in the pages of Kay O'Neill's work. I'm drawn into it, and am made to feel such strong emotions. There are messages here, like forgiving yourself your mistakes, like becoming yourself, like challenging yourself and others around you to be as you need and wish to be.
My friends are all the most beautiful and inspiring people in my life. Tamara-Jo got this book for me and I couldn't help thinking of her throughout it. She let's me be myself, and helps ground me despite my mistakes and wrongs, reminding me that I'm who I am because I choose to be. I'm not my thoughts. And I'm not the actions I've made, but the actions I will make.
My friends are all the most beautiful and inspiring people in my life. Tamara-Jo got this book for me and I couldn't help thinking of her throughout it. She let's me be myself, and helps ground me despite my mistakes and wrongs, reminding me that I'm who I am because I choose to be. I'm not my thoughts. And I'm not the actions I've made, but the actions I will make.
June 12, 2025
I think this is my first middle grade book since I was that age myself and I really liked it.
The story was very sweet, and I loved the exploration of gender identity for Rowan, and (self) acceptance for both him and Leone, as well as their friendship though it didn't start on the best foot. Very cute, and pretty artwork
The story was very sweet, and I loved the exploration of gender identity for Rowan, and (self) acceptance for both him and Leone, as well as their friendship though it didn't start on the best foot. Very cute, and pretty artwork
March 14, 2025
This is a beautifully illustrated, gentle story about accepting yourself and others. Those landscapes were stunning! Both main characters are gender nonconforming.
Read
August 30, 2025belles quêtes initiatiques pleines de douceur et de bienveillance
March 9, 2025
This was beautiful but I wish it was twice as long. I liked every aspect of it but every aspect also felt lacking — I didn’t get to know the characters as much as I’d like, I wasn’t fully immersed in the world, and I was taken aback by the abrupt ending.
January 13, 2025
"A Song for You and I" immediately caught my attention when I saw it was by K. O'Neil. This author is absolutely incredible, and I will always read anything they publish. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this stunning graphic novel as soon as it’s available.
The art, though simple, is absolutely wonderful. I love how the characters’ expressions are drawn, conveying such deep emotions through simple drawings.
At first, I thought the story would be straightforward, but it surprised me with its depth. While some elements are left open to interpretation, it only adds to the impact of the narrative. The representation is beautifully done and feels so authentic, and the way the story unfolds is nothing short of masterful.
I highly recommend this graphic novel to everyone, especially young readers or anyone looking for a quick but meaningful read. I finished it in one sitting and loved every second of it. Truly a gem!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful book
The art, though simple, is absolutely wonderful. I love how the characters’ expressions are drawn, conveying such deep emotions through simple drawings.
At first, I thought the story would be straightforward, but it surprised me with its depth. While some elements are left open to interpretation, it only adds to the impact of the narrative. The representation is beautifully done and feels so authentic, and the way the story unfolds is nothing short of masterful.
I highly recommend this graphic novel to everyone, especially young readers or anyone looking for a quick but meaningful read. I finished it in one sitting and loved every second of it. Truly a gem!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful book
April 5, 2025
Oh, this is so sweet. There were a lot of pages without dialogue - just gorgeous pictures that let your imagination take you away. There was so much sweetness between these mains and a really cute story. I did wish for a bit more dialogue and a touch more story depth. I don't think it was the scenes without dialogue or speaking...I think it was the scenes that happened off page. I thought there would be more with Rowan's naming ceremony for one. But overall, super cute!
September 10, 2025
"if you really don't want to, that's fine... but that isn't the same thing as 'can't'"
all of their books have such a gentle touch and it makes my heart so full. I also love the simple art style that makes settings look so calm and majestic. I also also appreciate when books intended for tweens doesn't spell everything out since they can understand context clues and metaphors. Overall, a very sweet story about being kind to yourself and others since we're all figuring it out and healing
all of their books have such a gentle touch and it makes my heart so full. I also love the simple art style that makes settings look so calm and majestic. I also also appreciate when books intended for tweens doesn't spell everything out since they can understand context clues and metaphors. Overall, a very sweet story about being kind to yourself and others since we're all figuring it out and healing
April 1, 2025
Another amazing story and drawings by K. O’Neill. Every time I finish one of their books I get homesick, they have a way to create such interesting and charming worlds that you don’t want to leave them. I do wish we were giving a bit more, perhaps a bit more depth from the characters but overall it was very enjoyable and a good evening read.
June 8, 2025
I loved the exploration of gender in this fantasy world.
The art in all of K's is so beautiful. I just love it. The landscapes never fail to make me just stare at them.
The story was lovely, and simple, and just wonderful from start to finish.
The art in all of K's is so beautiful. I just love it. The landscapes never fail to make me just stare at them.
The story was lovely, and simple, and just wonderful from start to finish.
April 10, 2025
J’adore la série des dragons thé, j’avais moins aimé (ou moins compris) la gardienne des papillons, mais ici c’est un énorme coup de cœur. J’ai adoré de bout en bout, la nature est superbement mise en scène, je suis très fan des cheveux ailés, et des personnages justes et humains qui font des erreurs et apprennent, grandissent, se découvrent tout en douceur. On a un personnage principal qui va s’interroger sur son genre et son prénom, et un personnage secondaire qui s’interroge sur son avenir, avec sa passion de la musique. C’est une belle rencontre, une aventure sans vraiment d’action, vraiment un doux chemin de découverte de soi. C’est une bd de cosy fantasy tout ce qu’il y a de plus cosy.
June 24, 2025
*3.5 stars
March 3, 2025
At this point, I will read everything K. O'Neill book out there, immediately. As a huge fan of the Tea Dragon books, the author's continued ability to capture quiet yet profound moments in art amazes me. I loved reading about Rowan and Leone; and how each of them develop over the course of the graphic novel. A quick read overall but the art compels me to take my time to engage with each panel; I highly recommend if you're in the mood for a cozy fantasy with heartfelt and powerful moments accompanied by gorgeous and adorable art! A huge thank you to the publisher for sending me an eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest thoughts.
December 14, 2024
Pastoral. Calming. Lightly fantastical. Queer/Non-binary. A beautifully illustrated story about accepting yourself as you are and finding purpose and joy in your life.
I have loved K. O'Neill's other stories (Aquicorn Cove, Tea Dragon Society) and this one is equally beautiful in it's illustrations. The story is somewhat sparse with several pages being illustration only. K. O'Neill does a great job, though, of still moving the story along and capturing the characters' emotions without words.
This isn't my favorite K. O'Neill story that I've read, but it's still an enjoyable read, and I'm happy for the queer / non-binary representation in this. Personally, I wanted more from the story and more information on being a ranger. This felt a bit too sparse for me in terms of detail, but the emotions and character growth/arcs were well executed.
I'd recommend this to fans of K. O'Neill's previous books or if you're a fan of illustration-heavy graphic novels. If you like light fantasy, pastoral settings, stories about finding yourself, etc., then I think you'd enjoy this.
3.75
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this.
I have loved K. O'Neill's other stories (Aquicorn Cove, Tea Dragon Society) and this one is equally beautiful in it's illustrations. The story is somewhat sparse with several pages being illustration only. K. O'Neill does a great job, though, of still moving the story along and capturing the characters' emotions without words.
This isn't my favorite K. O'Neill story that I've read, but it's still an enjoyable read, and I'm happy for the queer / non-binary representation in this. Personally, I wanted more from the story and more information on being a ranger. This felt a bit too sparse for me in terms of detail, but the emotions and character growth/arcs were well executed.
I'd recommend this to fans of K. O'Neill's previous books or if you're a fan of illustration-heavy graphic novels. If you like light fantasy, pastoral settings, stories about finding yourself, etc., then I think you'd enjoy this.
3.75
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this.
April 30, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 ⭐️
soft and lovely intertwined with serious topics. a typical K O’Neill project.
it was like coming home, comfortable and adorable, to characters you end up rooting for.
not my favorite O’Neill, but glad to have a signed copy in my collection with the rest.
soft and lovely intertwined with serious topics. a typical K O’Neill project.
it was like coming home, comfortable and adorable, to characters you end up rooting for.
not my favorite O’Neill, but glad to have a signed copy in my collection with the rest.
March 22, 2025
Beautiful as always with K O'neill 🥺
April 17, 2025
So beautiful! Loved all the gorgeous depictions of nature and the story was so sweet! K. O'Neill has my unending admiration for their whole body of work.
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