I like O'Neill's style a lot, and I love the distinction of doing what you're good at vs what everyone else expects you to do vs what you love to do. Also more fun dragon lore, and visually illustrated sign language, which is always fun.

Honestly, that was just the cutest read. Not only is the story perfect, but the illustrations are both breathtaking and perfectly add to the cottage-core-vibes of the book.

Step into the enchanting world of Tea Dragons once again with Katie O'Neill's "The Tea Dragon Festival," and prepare to be whisked away on a heartwarming journey that's as comforting as a cup of your favorite brew.

The synopsis unfolds a tale of Rinn, surrounded by the whimsical Tea Dragons in their village, stumbling upon a dragon of a different kind—Aedhan, the guardian who dozed off for an unexpected eighty-year nap. What follows is a delightful adventure with Rinn's uncle Erik and his partner Hesekiel, as they unravel the mystery behind Aedhan's enchanted slumber. However, the real magic lies in Rinn's mission to help Aedhan reconcile with the time he's lost.

O'Neill, a two-time Eisner Award winner, weaves a tale that goes beyond the realms of fantasy. It's a story about purpose, friendship, and the timeless bonds that knit a community together. The narrative unfolds gently, like the petals of a blooming tea flower, inviting readers into a world where every page is infused with warmth and wisdom.

The characters are a charming ensemble that feels like old friends. Rinn's compassion and determination, Erik's adventurous spirit, and Hesekiel's wisdom create a trio that you'd want to embark on a magical quest with. And let's not forget the stars of the show—the Tea Dragons! O'Neill's illustrations breathe life into these adorable creatures, making them the heart and soul of the story. Their cuteness is practically a form of visual therapy, a balm for the soul.

The plot, while filled with magical elements, remains grounded in the universal themes of self-discovery and the healing power of companionship. Each panel is a work of art, and the pacing allows you to savor every moment, much like sipping a cup of your favorite tea.

In conclusion, "The Tea Dragon Festival" is a cozy hug in book form, a testament to the brilliance of Katie O'Neill's storytelling and artistic prowess. Whether you're a fan of graphic novels, fantasy, or simply in need of a heartening read, this book is a must-have. Grab a blanket, make yourself a cup of tea, and dive into this enchanting world—it's a journey you won't want to end. 🍵📖✨

I love this series and so do most of the grades 6 and 7 girls. I will happily buy anything from this author for my library.

Another great addition to the series! It increases the lore of the world and is filled with loads of colourful pages and amazing artwork. I can't wait to see what Kate O'Neill does next with the series and where it goes. I will definitely get to it soon!

Such an adorable book! I think I like this one even better than the first one. I need some tea dragons in my life!

Multiple editions were purchased for the library.

This was an exquisite graphic novel. I wish I was more articulate with my overwhelming love for this novel. The pastel art style is simple but stunning. The characters are nuanced and endearing. Everything about this book (and the series in its entirety) screams comfort. I defy anyone to not fall in love with it!

I will continue to recommend it to every student I can.

The Tea Dragon Festival is the second book in the Tea Dragon world. In this book, Kay O'Neill revisits the charming world of the Tea Dragons with a new cast of characters including more tea dragons and a real dragon! Rinn has grown up with tea dragons but doesn't expect to find a real dragon while traveling in the woods. They find Aedhan - the young dragon tasked with keeping their village safe - asleep in the woods. When Aedhan awakes, Rinn, along with their uncle and his partner, are tasked with finding out what caused Aedhan's sleep and helping him deal with the many years he lost while sleeping.

As I've come to expect, O'Neill has knocked it out of the park with this graphic novel. The story is sweet, focusing more on developing complex characters than a fast-paced plot. O'Neill includes a diverse cast of characters, including a nonbinary character, two characters in a m/m relationship, people of color, and disability representation with characters learning and using sign language throughout the village. The author's characters are written thoughtfully and intentionally, and I think many readers will be able to see themselves in these characters.

One of the biggest highlights of any Kay O'Neill book are the illustrations and The Tea Dragon Festival does not disappoint. The colors are so rich and vibrant that it feels like you could step right into the forest and village the story takes place in. The illustrations include just enough details to get the point across without being distracting - they really are the highlight of the story.

The Tea Dragon Festival is a heartwarming story that I would recommend to readers of all ages. I think this book would be a perfect fit in elementary and middle school libraries but also think older readers (high school and beyond) could enjoy it too! I rated this book 4.5 out of 5 stars - a high rating for an incredible book!

I loved this just as much as (or possibly even more than) The Tea Dragon Society. These are just such lovely reads. The art is amazing and the characters feel familiar and special. Love, love, love!

A very cute and lovely follow up to the original The Tea Dragon Society. The artwork is gorgeous and the story is feel good throughout.
Big thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book I exchange for an honest review.

<i>ARC acquired by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

<b>“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.”</b>

I loved <i>The Tea Dragon Society</i> so much that I jumped at the chance to read an early copy of <i>The Tea Dragon Festival</i>. Once again, the artwork in this absolutely beautiful and the story itself is so cute and whimsical. At the beginning of this story, we see some familiar faces preparing for the Tea Dragon Festival. We follow Rinn, a non-binary villager, who is training to apprentice as a village cook. The village they live in is very remote and they must live off the land in order to survive. While out foraging one day, Rinn stumbles across a sleeping dragon. Rinn is used to the tea dragons that inhabits their village, but finding a real dragon isn’t something they expected.

Aedhan was set the task of protecting the village but fell asleep in the forest eighty years ago. With the help of Rinn’s uncle, Erik and his partner Hesekiel, they investigate the mystery of Aedhan’s enchanted sleep. The real challenge is helping Aedhan come to terms with his feeling of time passing. He feels that during his slumber he missed out on too much of life. The way everyone comes together to help Aedhan is very heartwarming and beautiful.

Overall, I really enjoyed this installment and can’t wait to continue reading anything and everything Katie O’Neill writes in the future.

<b>“Whatever I do from now on will be lovelier and richer, because I understand what’s important now.”</b>

<i> The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication. </i>

This was a pretty cute graphic novel! I find that a lot of times they're dragged on, but this was the perfect length and i love that there's more in this world, too.

All-ages graphic novel series about a community that cares for tea dragons, mini dragons who grow tea leaves. Caring for tea dragons is important because tea brewing is an ancient craft.

Much like O'Neil's previous book, The Tea Dragon Society, The Tea Dragon Festival is a delightful and warm story. I really enjoy the ease and tranquility put into the setting, the characters, and the overall tone of the story. This is an excellent addition to any library collection catering to Fantasy readers of all ages. Highly recommended.

Tea Dragon Festival is the second graphic novel in the series and though I didn’t think it was possible, I think it may have somehow surpassed my love for the original.

It has the same dream-like art style and fantastic characters, but this time there is action and adventure mixed in with the relaxing tea-dragon storylines.

I especially appreciated that it was illustrated so that the characters are speaking in sign language. It’s such a unique and important touch that I have never seen before.

I highly recommend you read both the first and second books in this series as they will uplift your heart and fill your soul with comforting happy energy.

Thank you Oni Press and NetGalley for sharing another Tea Dragon book with me! These have such beautiful illustrations and a wonderful story. These are always enjoyed.

I received an e-arc from NetGalley for review.
Very cute, gentle, and fun with beautiful artwork. No need to read the first book in order to understand this one, but after reading this one you'll want to go back for The Tea Dragon Society.

I didn't think it was possible, but Katie O'Neill has somehow managaed to make this second book even more adorable and heartwarming than the first book. Being that this is a prequel novel you don't need to read the first book in the series but I do highly recommend it to learn more about the tea dragons and the characters featured in this story, and because it will make you happy since it's literally pure joy in the form of a graphic novel. I'm completely obsessed and just in love with every single tea dragon because they're so insanely cute and I honestly want to be friends with all of them. The artwork is absolutely beautiful and the characters are so diverse. There's even American Sign Language being used throughout the story, how amazing is that?! I cannot recommend this, or The Tea Dragon Society, enough. Please please please read these books because it feels like you're being given a warm hug and you'll be smiling the whole way through. I love these books so so much!

Thank you so much to Oni Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review one of the cutest graphic novels I've ever read!

Just like the previous tea dragon book, this is a short yet beautiful graphic novel. I loved the world and characters that Katie O’Neill has created. I also enjoy seeing diverse characters as well as some lgbtq characters.

This was so cute! Such a quick read with an entertaining story and beautiful illustrations, 100% would recommend.