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Tea Dragon #2
The Tea Dragon Festival
Rinn has grown up with the Tea Dragons that inhabit their village, but stumbling across a real dragon turns out to be a different matter entirely! Aedhan is a young dragon who was appointed to protect the village but fell asleep in the forest eighty years ago. With the aid of Rinn’s adventuring uncle Erik and his partner Hesekiel, they investigate the mystery of his enchanted sleep, but Rinn’s real challenge is to help Aedhan come to terms with feeling that he cannot get back the time he has lost.
135 pages, ebook
First published September 17, 2019
356 people are currently reading
18835 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,577 reviews
September 22, 2021
ARC acquired at Book Expo in exchange for an honest review.
Most of you know, that I fell head over heels in love with The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill last year, so when I got my hands on an ARC of this, I knew I had no option but to read it and fall in love with it immediately. And, dear reader, that is exactly what happened. This story, this art, and these messages are gifts from above, I swear to you all, and I recommend this companion novel to you all with my whole heart and soul.
At the very start of this graphic novel, we see some familiar faces prepping for the tea dragon festival. But this story stars Rinn who, while collecting things, meets a dragon named Aedhan, and invites them to the festival! Meanwhile, Erik and Hesekiel are back and are bounty hunters who are searching for something ancient that can put people to sleep for decades.
This is an incredibly diverse work of art. Rinn in nonbinary/genderfluid, Erik and Hesekiel are in a m/m relationship, there is Sign Language being used and being taught to the entire village, and the cast is full of people of color with visible brown skin. The actual blessings.
Seeing Aedhan teach Rinn about how dragons can shift between genders was something more beautiful that words to me. Also, seeing Aedhan help Rinn see that they are worthy and have so much value, and that they should never feel lesser for getting enjoyment and pride from gathering and forging… I’m still so soft. And this story really puts an emphasis on how you can cook with love, and how preparing and sharing food can be something so intimate and so filled with unconditional love and joy.
Overall, I really just think that this is a masterpiece. The art is truly on another level as well, and it fills my heart and soul with so much happiness. I also just really appreciate the reminder that you are always needed, and you are always worthy of value and love.
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[2021 reread] my heart... i just love this world, and characters, and art so much
“Just because something comes easily to you, does not mean it has no value. You find it effortless because you love it, and that is why it is your gift.”
Most of you know, that I fell head over heels in love with The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill last year, so when I got my hands on an ARC of this, I knew I had no option but to read it and fall in love with it immediately. And, dear reader, that is exactly what happened. This story, this art, and these messages are gifts from above, I swear to you all, and I recommend this companion novel to you all with my whole heart and soul.
At the very start of this graphic novel, we see some familiar faces prepping for the tea dragon festival. But this story stars Rinn who, while collecting things, meets a dragon named Aedhan, and invites them to the festival! Meanwhile, Erik and Hesekiel are back and are bounty hunters who are searching for something ancient that can put people to sleep for decades.
This is an incredibly diverse work of art. Rinn in nonbinary/genderfluid, Erik and Hesekiel are in a m/m relationship, there is Sign Language being used and being taught to the entire village, and the cast is full of people of color with visible brown skin. The actual blessings.
Seeing Aedhan teach Rinn about how dragons can shift between genders was something more beautiful that words to me. Also, seeing Aedhan help Rinn see that they are worthy and have so much value, and that they should never feel lesser for getting enjoyment and pride from gathering and forging… I’m still so soft. And this story really puts an emphasis on how you can cook with love, and how preparing and sharing food can be something so intimate and so filled with unconditional love and joy.
Overall, I really just think that this is a masterpiece. The art is truly on another level as well, and it fills my heart and soul with so much happiness. I also just really appreciate the reminder that you are always needed, and you are always worthy of value and love.
Blog | Instagram | Youtube | Ko-fi | Spotify | Twitch
[2021 reread] my heart... i just love this world, and characters, and art so much
June 16, 2019
This was just as beautiful, whimsical, diverse & cute as The Tea Dragon Society. This made me feel so happy & cosy.
I got an ARC of this from Oni Press at BookExpo. It comes out September 17th!
I got an ARC of this from Oni Press at BookExpo. It comes out September 17th!
December 1, 2019
My new favorite thing 😭 Katie O’Neill just has a lovely way of making everyone feel special and not just in that ‘you’re you and there’s no one like you’ cliche way but in the ‘you should be proud of you’ kind of way and it may seem like a small difference but it really makes it all the more better
December 31, 2024
reread: 2024
i have very little to add from my original review other than i still adored this so stinking much and i'm so glad i now own a copy of my own! this is definitely a worthwhile prequel more touching and with a stronger story than book one and i loved the setting and moral of it so much.
--
originally read: 2019
Thanks to Oni Press for the advanced review copy!
Katie O'Neill can do no wrong. This book was so stinking cute from the art style to the positivity to the inclusivity and the dragons. I think I enjoyed it better than book one. This world is so magical and transporting and uplifting, and I love how people of different genders and sexualities and disabilities are seamlessly folded in. There were certain panels in this book that spoke to me so much as an adult even though this is written for children, it's that good. I highly recommend this for any age range, and if you at all enjoyed the first book, I think this companion would highly interest you.
i have very little to add from my original review other than i still adored this so stinking much and i'm so glad i now own a copy of my own! this is definitely a worthwhile prequel more touching and with a stronger story than book one and i loved the setting and moral of it so much.
--
originally read: 2019
Thanks to Oni Press for the advanced review copy!
Katie O'Neill can do no wrong. This book was so stinking cute from the art style to the positivity to the inclusivity and the dragons. I think I enjoyed it better than book one. This world is so magical and transporting and uplifting, and I love how people of different genders and sexualities and disabilities are seamlessly folded in. There were certain panels in this book that spoke to me so much as an adult even though this is written for children, it's that good. I highly recommend this for any age range, and if you at all enjoyed the first book, I think this companion would highly interest you.
July 16, 2019
Absolutely adorable. Katie O'Neill can do no wrong in my eyes.
February 2, 2026
"I've never met a dragon before...not a real one anyway. We have Tea Dragons back at the village."In this one, we follow Rinn who lives in a small mountain village known for their Tea Dragons. One day Rinn stumbles upon an abandoned shrine and within it lays a sleeping dragon named Aedhan.
"Pretentious rodents."
Aedhan was sent by his people to watch over and protect Rinn's village but eighty years has passed since he arrived, and much to his disappointment, his dragon-people didn't even notice something was wrong.
Meanwhile Erik and Hesekiel (who played a prominent role in book 1) arrive at the village in search of a mysterious creature that is putting people to sleep (and also to visit Erik's family).
"Th-they probably thought I would be able to handle this on my own! Or maybe... watching over a tiny mountain village full of Tea Dragons and vegetables was never really that important to them...but it is to me."
Aedhan must come to terms with the time that has been lost, Rinn hopes to find a way to understand their ambition, and Erik and Hesekiel must decide between being bounty hunters and helping others.
I definitely wasn't expecting a prequel for the sequel to the Tea Dragon Society but here we are, and after reading this one, I really can't imagine it any other way.
"You all have been so welcoming, and yet I feel like I have read only the last chapter of a book..."
At first, I felt a bit disoriented trying to figure out where we were and why I wasn't seeing any of my beloved characters but after a few pages, I was able to settle into this story.
As before, the art truly is gorgeous - the use of color, of expression, and movement really took my breath.
Now, this one did feel a bit light on the plot - in part because this isn't the kind of book that has a "big bad" or some nefarious undertone, it is more character-driven and focuses on expanding on that character growth.
However, it is also kinda nice to just have a book where you can enjoy the vibes. Part of me does wish that this book was at least twice as long to really build this world a bit more and (perhaps) to have a bit of a stronger plot to it.
That being said, I did appreciate the inclusion - without going into too many details, I felt refreshed to have a story where gender, orientation, and disabilities aren't a source of tension or being used as a plot devise.
Overall, I thought this was a lovely book to read. It was light, quick, and above all, beautiful.
"Just because something comes easily to you, does not mean it has no value. You find it effortless because you love it, and that is why it is your gift.
January 20, 2021
An absolutely stunning follow-up to The Tea Dragon Society that adds another level of depth to this gorgeous world. I really love the atmosphere and vibe this one gives, and just how much whimsy it embodies with every illustration.
Since the author came out as non-binary and now goes by the name Kay, the fact that the main character in this is non-binary is beautiful. There's a moment when they ask if dragons can change their gender and that just hit me. So wonderful, through and through. Not a lot going on plot-wise but I don't even mind for something like this.
Since the author came out as non-binary and now goes by the name Kay, the fact that the main character in this is non-binary is beautiful. There's a moment when they ask if dragons can change their gender and that just hit me. So wonderful, through and through. Not a lot going on plot-wise but I don't even mind for something like this.
June 26, 2022
I live for this representation and cute illustrations..
July 6, 2019
"Just because something comes easily to you, does not mean it has no value. You find it effortless because you love it, and that is why it is your gift."
A stunning addition to my favourite graphic novel series of all time. It's worth the read for the art alone. It's absolutely S T U N N I N G ✨
The story itself is so beautiful and heartwarming with effortlessly diverse characters. The main character uses they/them pronouns, sign language is used within the story, there's a m/m side romance and lots of people of colour, not to mention genderfluid dragons!
I'd honestly recommend this series to anyone, it's appropriate for people of all ages, including children and is so wholesome I just want to weep with joy every time I read these books. Thank you Katie O'Neill for adding another book to this wonderful series. I hope there's more coming!
Thank you to NetGalley & Oni Press for the review copy!
A stunning addition to my favourite graphic novel series of all time. It's worth the read for the art alone. It's absolutely S T U N N I N G ✨
The story itself is so beautiful and heartwarming with effortlessly diverse characters. The main character uses they/them pronouns, sign language is used within the story, there's a m/m side romance and lots of people of colour, not to mention genderfluid dragons!
I'd honestly recommend this series to anyone, it's appropriate for people of all ages, including children and is so wholesome I just want to weep with joy every time I read these books. Thank you Katie O'Neill for adding another book to this wonderful series. I hope there's more coming!
Thank you to NetGalley & Oni Press for the review copy!
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January 18, 2022
‘Whatever I do from now on will be lovelier and richer, because I understand what's important now.’
The cozy and adorable world of the Tea Dragon’s returns in The Tea Dragon Festival from author/illustrator Katie O’Neil. This follow-up book is a prequel of sorts, set earlier than The Tea Dragon Society and I dare say it might even be better. There is more in-depth world building while also getting to revisit some favorite characters, such as a younger Erik and Hesekiel still on their adventures and falling in love and the new characters will quickly win your heart. This series is simply fantastic, being a cozy and very engaging fantasy world with a lot of wonderful representation. New to this story is Rinn, a genderfluid character, and we are treated to an actual dragon, Aedhan, awaking after a many year slumber and learning how the world has changed. O’Neill includes sign language in this book, with everyone in town learning sign language to accommodate a community member which is all just really beautiful. Also the art is simply amazing and cute, with a very cottagecore fantasy vibe that makes this book just as enjoyable to look at as it is to read.
I really love this series and it was nice to see this second book was a bit longer. The appendix in the back is also a lot of fun, my daughter loves reading about the tea dragon world and I feel like the guidebook aspects in the appendix is such a brilliant idea to engage readers beyond the story. This is a heartwarming story about finding your purpose and a sense of home, and how communities can come together to help each other grow. A lovely little graphic novel.
4.5/5
The cozy and adorable world of the Tea Dragon’s returns in The Tea Dragon Festival from author/illustrator Katie O’Neil. This follow-up book is a prequel of sorts, set earlier than The Tea Dragon Society and I dare say it might even be better. There is more in-depth world building while also getting to revisit some favorite characters, such as a younger Erik and Hesekiel still on their adventures and falling in love and the new characters will quickly win your heart. This series is simply fantastic, being a cozy and very engaging fantasy world with a lot of wonderful representation. New to this story is Rinn, a genderfluid character, and we are treated to an actual dragon, Aedhan, awaking after a many year slumber and learning how the world has changed. O’Neill includes sign language in this book, with everyone in town learning sign language to accommodate a community member which is all just really beautiful. Also the art is simply amazing and cute, with a very cottagecore fantasy vibe that makes this book just as enjoyable to look at as it is to read.
I really love this series and it was nice to see this second book was a bit longer. The appendix in the back is also a lot of fun, my daughter loves reading about the tea dragon world and I feel like the guidebook aspects in the appendix is such a brilliant idea to engage readers beyond the story. This is a heartwarming story about finding your purpose and a sense of home, and how communities can come together to help each other grow. A lovely little graphic novel.
4.5/5
June 28, 2019
Beautifully illustrated and charming. This is my first book by Katie O'Neill, but now I would really like to try to find her previous work, which I'm sure is going to be fantastic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 20, 2022
The Tea Dragon Society has to be some of the prettiest graphics novels I’ve ever picked up. They each feel like a warm hug and provide a sense of comfort as it embraces found families, adorable tea dragons, and a slow but meaningful life
March 6, 2020
I’ve loved everything I’ve read from Katie O’Neill so far, and this was, of course, no exception. It was so lovely to return to the world of the tea dragons, and I can’t even describe how pleased I was that, despite mostly following new characters, we get to spend a little more time with (much younger versions of) Erik and Hesekiel. ♥
This was every bit as precious as I thought it would be, and it added in something new: sign language! Some of the characters actually use a mixture of spoken word and American Sign Language when they talk, and there are even ASL resources in the back of the book. It was such a sweet, lovely form of inclusion for Katie to add and just made me love her work that much more.
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was every bit as precious as I thought it would be, and it added in something new: sign language! Some of the characters actually use a mixture of spoken word and American Sign Language when they talk, and there are even ASL resources in the back of the book. It was such a sweet, lovely form of inclusion for Katie to add and just made me love her work that much more.
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 30, 2019
More adorableness and heart-warming Tea Dragon Society world from Katie O’Neill in New Zealand, which I have yet to visit but I know must be full of magic and natural beauty. Oh, I know about that mosque massacre, but O’Neill creates an almost aggressively peace-loving antidote to hate that is less (again) about narrative and more about world-building principles for living in love and harmony. And tea, yep, expect a companion volume soon of tea dragon teas (from he antlers of the dragons, duh!).
This is ALL about the queering of the fairy tale, and kids, and people with various disabilities, colors, and sexual orientations. Main character Rinn is genderfluid, Erik and Hesekiel are gay, and oh we add in ASL (sign language) that is being taught to the entire village. Rinn finds Aedhan. a young dragon who was supposed to protect the village but fell asleep eighty years ago. Aedhan and Rinn become friends. Aedhan teaches us that dragons can shift between genders! And yes, because maybe people were asking, I’m sure: Aren’t dragons sort of these fire-breathing monsters that need to be slayed?! Well, yes, those are a different type of dragon, kids! Some are angry, and some are well, mellow!
For younger children, maybe, but feels like all-ages in its widening appeal. You will not read a gentler, sweeter story this year.
This is ALL about the queering of the fairy tale, and kids, and people with various disabilities, colors, and sexual orientations. Main character Rinn is genderfluid, Erik and Hesekiel are gay, and oh we add in ASL (sign language) that is being taught to the entire village. Rinn finds Aedhan. a young dragon who was supposed to protect the village but fell asleep eighty years ago. Aedhan and Rinn become friends. Aedhan teaches us that dragons can shift between genders! And yes, because maybe people were asking, I’m sure: Aren’t dragons sort of these fire-breathing monsters that need to be slayed?! Well, yes, those are a different type of dragon, kids! Some are angry, and some are well, mellow!
For younger children, maybe, but feels like all-ages in its widening appeal. You will not read a gentler, sweeter story this year.
October 5, 2022
"Just because something comes easily to you, does not mean it has no value. You find it effortless because you love it, and that is why it is your gift"
The Tea Dragon Festival is my favourite book out of the three. As expected, the illustration is to die for; the drawings were so vivid and beautiful it would make you want to be part of the story. The festival also looks joyous and homey, I felt escaped (from reality) just by reading about it.
We get to see Erik and Hesekiel, which are the two familiar characters, reintroduced at different times of their lives here. But we also get to meet new characters; Rinn and Aedhan who were equally wonderful people/creatures. I just wished we get to know more about the history of Aedhan and his ancestors.
Even so, I foremost love that this book incorporated sign language and promote diversity. Silverleaf exemplifies what it means to be a part of a community: people working together in harmony, leveraging one another's skills to aid and support one another. A great book indeed to introduce for children to read.
April 28, 2021
LSKDJFLSJDSJDLFKJDASLDAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I LOVED THIS ONE EVEN MORE THAN THE FIRST ONE.
This book was much better than its predecessor, in my opinion. The art was just as great as it was with the first book, and though there was less of an emphasis placed on the tea dragons, they were still just as cute.
What I really liked about this one was the way that the main character (and the story as a whole, really), was developed. There was a discernible plot that was moving the book forward, rather than it being reliant on how pretty the art was.
I loved how the friendships grew and were portrayed in this one, and the insight that we were given as to Erik and Hesekiel's relationship. While I was initially thinking that this book was going to follow the same characters of the first one(okay, I admit, I never read the synopsis for this one and just impulsively checked it out), I was pleasantly surprised with the new arc that this book undertook.
Overall, this book was cute and wholesome, and I actually ended up enjoying it way more than I thought I would.
This book was much better than its predecessor, in my opinion. The art was just as great as it was with the first book, and though there was less of an emphasis placed on the tea dragons, they were still just as cute.
What I really liked about this one was the way that the main character (and the story as a whole, really), was developed. There was a discernible plot that was moving the book forward, rather than it being reliant on how pretty the art was.
I loved how the friendships grew and were portrayed in this one, and the insight that we were given as to Erik and Hesekiel's relationship. While I was initially thinking that this book was going to follow the same characters of the first one
Overall, this book was cute and wholesome, and I actually ended up enjoying it way more than I thought I would.
September 18, 2019
5 cute stars
This is one of the most precious, wholesome things that I've ever read and I will definitely be pulling this sweet graphic novel out again on a gloomy day.
Art: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Following Katie O'Neill's smash hit The Tea Dragon Society, The Tea Dragon Festival expands on the world of tea dragons and the villagers who care for them in this sweet story that can be read as a standalone companion.
Rinn is an aspiring cook in her village. One day, while foraging for mushrooms in the enchanted woods, Rinn discovers a sleeping dragon. She accidentally wakes him up, and finds out that he has been in an enchanted sleep for 80 years! Aedhan, the dragon, is quick to realize how much of the village's life he's missed and is eager to learn more from Rinn. Cue the cutest dragon/human exploits to ever occur in a graphic novel.
I loved so many aspects of this novel. But a few of them stand out, including the wonderful diversity in representations of gender, race, and disabilities. One of the characters relies on American Sign Language to communicate and several of the dialogue scenes reflect this character's ASL and the community's integration of that form of communication. Discussions of gender and sexuality are done with a deft hand, and are easily understood by any age level—I continue to love the author's ability to paint such a loving portrait of acceptance in all forms.
I can't wait for the next installment in this blissfully happy and uncomplicated world. More dragons, please!
*****
Original notes: Yes!!! Can't wait to read the second story in this world. The Tea Dragon Society was one of my surprise favorites.
Thank you so much to Oni Press via NetGalley for an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the most precious, wholesome things that I've ever read and I will definitely be pulling this sweet graphic novel out again on a gloomy day.
Art: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Following Katie O'Neill's smash hit The Tea Dragon Society, The Tea Dragon Festival expands on the world of tea dragons and the villagers who care for them in this sweet story that can be read as a standalone companion.
Rinn is an aspiring cook in her village. One day, while foraging for mushrooms in the enchanted woods, Rinn discovers a sleeping dragon. She accidentally wakes him up, and finds out that he has been in an enchanted sleep for 80 years! Aedhan, the dragon, is quick to realize how much of the village's life he's missed and is eager to learn more from Rinn. Cue the cutest dragon/human exploits to ever occur in a graphic novel.
I loved so many aspects of this novel. But a few of them stand out, including the wonderful diversity in representations of gender, race, and disabilities. One of the characters relies on American Sign Language to communicate and several of the dialogue scenes reflect this character's ASL and the community's integration of that form of communication. Discussions of gender and sexuality are done with a deft hand, and are easily understood by any age level—I continue to love the author's ability to paint such a loving portrait of acceptance in all forms.
I can't wait for the next installment in this blissfully happy and uncomplicated world. More dragons, please!
*****
Original notes: Yes!!! Can't wait to read the second story in this world. The Tea Dragon Society was one of my surprise favorites.
Thank you so much to Oni Press via NetGalley for an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2019
I want to thank NetGalley for sending me and advanced digital copy of this book.
There is a small village, among the mountains, where people live a peaceful life, collecting food from the forest and taking care of the moody, naughty, wonderful tea dragons. What a surprise they'll have when, one day, they'll find a full-size dragon who's been asleep for 80 years and declares his duty to take care of the village and all its inhabitants!
This comic is a companion volume to the well-known and well-loved Tea Dragon Society, which I recently read and absolutely adored. The artwork, the colouring, the character design; the creatures, the dialogues, the wholesomeness and, last but not least, the effortless representation of every possible human (and not 😋) colour, orientation, disability... oh my! Great, beautiful, sweet experience!! 💜
I could not stress more how much I love this series! I feel blessed to have received this arc. I will recommend this book to absolutely everyone! Wonderful ❤️💛💚💙💜
There is a small village, among the mountains, where people live a peaceful life, collecting food from the forest and taking care of the moody, naughty, wonderful tea dragons. What a surprise they'll have when, one day, they'll find a full-size dragon who's been asleep for 80 years and declares his duty to take care of the village and all its inhabitants!
This comic is a companion volume to the well-known and well-loved Tea Dragon Society, which I recently read and absolutely adored. The artwork, the colouring, the character design; the creatures, the dialogues, the wholesomeness and, last but not least, the effortless representation of every possible human (and not 😋) colour, orientation, disability... oh my! Great, beautiful, sweet experience!! 💜
I could not stress more how much I love this series! I feel blessed to have received this arc. I will recommend this book to absolutely everyone! Wonderful ❤️💛💚💙💜
July 19, 2020
"Just because something comes easily to you, does not mean it has no value. You find it effortless BECAUSE you love it, and that is why it is your gift." pg. 82
Once more we return to the cute and cozy world of tea dragons! These small domesticated pets are a lot of work but provide tea and memories to people.
If you own a 'toy' dog you might get more out of this book than non-toy-dog owners. The tea dragons are quite similar to toy-breed dogs.
O'Neill is famous for her LGBTQIA+ characters and this book is no exception. We have the gay couple from the last book (Hesekiel and Erik) and now we have a ??? person named Rinn who uses the pronouns they/them and dreams of being able to switch anytime from being male to being female to being male again. Not sure whether they are supposed to be genderfluid or non-binary or genderqueer or agendered or what. It's never discussed. Actually, the only reason I know Rinn uses the pronouns they/them is because it subtly (SO SUBTLY) is in the Cast of Characters section. Blink and you miss it - it's not even explicit.
There's also interspecies romance in this book - Erik and Hesekiel are a man and a... llama? Chimera of some sort? IDK and later it's implied (SUBTLY) that Rinn and Aedhan are romantically involved by the end of the book, which is a romance of a human and dragon. Weredragon? Not clear.
O'Neill also includes a deaf character in this book, which I thought was a nice touch. She uses illustrations to demonstrate people using sign language, either straight or with spoken words accompanying it.
A jarring thing - and I mentioned this in the review of the first book - is the juxtaposition of the cutesy and the horrifying. The book is very cute. Everything is cute. People are peaceful and extremely tolerant. Everyone is helpful and kind. Everything is adorable and colorful. Which makes it all the more shocking when O'Neill bluntly includes stuff like, "Erik and Hesekiel kill creatures for money." They are basically bounty hunters. There's also a fight between Aedhan and an eaglefang which is bloody.
TL;DR Cute book with a very wide range of both skin colors and different gender/sex identities. Deaf representation. Comforting, cutesy, calming, cozy book. Strange underpinnings of violence which seem a bit out of place. Interspecies romances. Very pretty.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
Once more we return to the cute and cozy world of tea dragons! These small domesticated pets are a lot of work but provide tea and memories to people.
If you own a 'toy' dog you might get more out of this book than non-toy-dog owners. The tea dragons are quite similar to toy-breed dogs.
O'Neill is famous for her LGBTQIA+ characters and this book is no exception. We have the gay couple from the last book (Hesekiel and Erik) and now we have a ??? person named Rinn who uses the pronouns they/them and dreams of being able to switch anytime from being male to being female to being male again. Not sure whether they are supposed to be genderfluid or non-binary or genderqueer or agendered or what. It's never discussed. Actually, the only reason I know Rinn uses the pronouns they/them is because it subtly (SO SUBTLY) is in the Cast of Characters section. Blink and you miss it - it's not even explicit.
There's also interspecies romance in this book - Erik and Hesekiel are a man and a... llama? Chimera of some sort? IDK and later it's implied (SUBTLY) that Rinn and Aedhan are romantically involved by the end of the book, which is a romance of a human and dragon. Weredragon? Not clear.
O'Neill also includes a deaf character in this book, which I thought was a nice touch. She uses illustrations to demonstrate people using sign language, either straight or with spoken words accompanying it.
A jarring thing - and I mentioned this in the review of the first book - is the juxtaposition of the cutesy and the horrifying. The book is very cute. Everything is cute. People are peaceful and extremely tolerant. Everyone is helpful and kind. Everything is adorable and colorful. Which makes it all the more shocking when O'Neill bluntly includes stuff like, "Erik and Hesekiel kill creatures for money." They are basically bounty hunters. There's also a fight between Aedhan and an eaglefang which is bloody.
TL;DR Cute book with a very wide range of both skin colors and different gender/sex identities. Deaf representation. Comforting, cutesy, calming, cozy book. Strange underpinnings of violence which seem a bit out of place. Interspecies romances. Very pretty.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
June 23, 2021
like the first tea dragon book, this is a gentle visual delight! the art is adorable and the colors are beautifully vibrant.
i wasn't expecting a new set of characters, but this is a prequel, rather than a sequel to the first book. we follow erik and hese, the sweet gay couple from the first book, as they visit a lush village where a dragon has recently awakened from a long slumber.
(SPOILERS)
the ASL / deaf representation is wonderful, as well as the nonbinary rep. and i also enjoyed the tea dragon handbook pages at the end of the book, which show profiles for a few of the lil tea dragons.
this series is ridiculously soothing. there's a ton of yummy food (and i LOVE that it's all plant-based !!!!), beautiful sun-dappled forest imagery, and wholesome interactions of all kinds. so much friendship and community. a perfect comfort read!!
i wasn't expecting a new set of characters, but this is a prequel, rather than a sequel to the first book. we follow erik and hese, the sweet gay couple from the first book, as they visit a lush village where a dragon has recently awakened from a long slumber.
(SPOILERS)
the ASL / deaf representation is wonderful, as well as the nonbinary rep. and i also enjoyed the tea dragon handbook pages at the end of the book, which show profiles for a few of the lil tea dragons.
this series is ridiculously soothing. there's a ton of yummy food (and i LOVE that it's all plant-based !!!!), beautiful sun-dappled forest imagery, and wholesome interactions of all kinds. so much friendship and community. a perfect comfort read!!
November 29, 2023
I jumped right back into the world of the tea dragons! Another 5-star read!
The Tea Dragon Festival is the second installment of the series and sort of a prequel to the first book it seems. It is just as cozy as the first one. There is delicious food, a real dragon, and sign language representation. This little series may be short, but it has a lot to offer. It also emphasizes the beauty of having a home, understanding what’s important in life, and accepting the things you missed out on.
The guide at the end also expanded with more info on other tea dragons and explains the relationship between real dragons and tea dragons. I absolutely love this addition! Looking forward to finishing the series up. One more to go! I’m gonna be so sad to leave this magical world already.
The Tea Dragon Festival is the second installment of the series and sort of a prequel to the first book it seems. It is just as cozy as the first one. There is delicious food, a real dragon, and sign language representation. This little series may be short, but it has a lot to offer. It also emphasizes the beauty of having a home, understanding what’s important in life, and accepting the things you missed out on.
The guide at the end also expanded with more info on other tea dragons and explains the relationship between real dragons and tea dragons. I absolutely love this addition! Looking forward to finishing the series up. One more to go! I’m gonna be so sad to leave this magical world already.
August 30, 2024
This was an adorable prequel to the series where get to know more about Erik and Hezekial and, in particular, Erik’s family. The theme of found family and community really hit home with me while reading this. It can be rough to transition into a place you don’t really know without family and friends. With the support of the community and most importantly Rinn, Aedhan is slowly able to find his way. There was some great representation in this book including characters that are coded as non-binary/gender-nonconforming as well as the representation of a disabled character who uses sign language. Shout out to O’Neill for providing resources for younger readers who are interested in sign language.
October 31, 2019
This book is better than the last, in my opinion. The world expands and we meet a real dragon in this story. She has a dragon form and a people form.
It's a sweet world and the tea dragon's remain saccharine cute. I wonder if this will have another sequel?
Great art and a soft, gentle story.
It's a sweet world and the tea dragon's remain saccharine cute. I wonder if this will have another sequel?
Great art and a soft, gentle story.
September 17, 2021
I love this world so much. I need an animated show yesterday
July 22, 2021
Actual Rating: 3.75 Stars
The author says that this is a gentle fantasy book for younger readers and I agree with that, I can't review or rate it the same way I do with adult epic fantasy!
This was better than the first book because it was longer and there was a kind of a plot line.
The illustrations are great, the text is very clear so it was easy to read and I like that.
There are many kinds of representations which is good for younger readers!
Simply put, it was whimsical, fun and a fast read!
The author says that this is a gentle fantasy book for younger readers and I agree with that, I can't review or rate it the same way I do with adult epic fantasy!
This was better than the first book because it was longer and there was a kind of a plot line.
The illustrations are great, the text is very clear so it was easy to read and I like that.
There are many kinds of representations which is good for younger readers!
Simply put, it was whimsical, fun and a fast read!
July 3, 2023
reading the books i 'could NEVER fit into vlogs'🤭 - https://youtu.be/LU7-MV8bWuY
June 30, 2020
Creo que no se habla lo suficiente de la obra de Katie O’Neill y de su gran logro: haber sido capaz de crear una auténtica mitología propia (perfectamente reconocible y que no se parece a otras fantasías) en la que se mezclan elementos clásicos de la literatura con unos valores absolutamente contemporáneos que estructuran su obra de principio a fin, presentados con una estética inconfundible que puede enganchar a los lectores de cualquier edad. He leído sus cuatro libros publicados en España y cada vez estoy más alucinado con esta autora. Se está dejando llevar por su propia brújula y, después de dos primeros libros que asentaban su lenguaje y su estética, ha conseguido hacer dos obras (“Bahía Acuicornio” y “El festival de los dragones de té”) que son auténticas joyas, tremendamente disfrutables, que embarcan al lector hacia unos mundos oníricos, hermosos y casi aspiracionales. De la obra de esta autora podrían salir media docena de películas, toda una saga cinematográfica. En estos cómics se establecen las bases de un nuevo mundo.
August 20, 2021
This is another beautiful installment from O'Neill, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first book. There appeared to be less attention on the tea dragons in this, but it was adorable in other ways.
The artwork, again was stunning, and I liked the direction the plot went without relying too much on the art to hold up the story.
The friendships that have developed are indeed heart-warming, and leave a kind of squidgy feeling in one's heart. (I know what I mean) I'm just a teeny bit saddened to learn that there are only three installments!
The artwork, again was stunning, and I liked the direction the plot went without relying too much on the art to hold up the story.
The friendships that have developed are indeed heart-warming, and leave a kind of squidgy feeling in one's heart. (I know what I mean) I'm just a teeny bit saddened to learn that there are only three installments!
September 29, 2025
ASL rep & found family♡
July 21, 2020
oh to be a dragon with the ability to shift between dragon and human form so easily
book 1 of the reading rush: read a book completely outside of your house.
book 1 of the reading rush: read a book completely outside of your house.
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