This is by far the cutest children's book I have ever seen. Not only is the artwork super cute and colorful, but the story is delightful and has a really great message- Doing your best is enough!

I loved this and can't wait for it to be out in the world so I can buy it for all my friends' kids. Just amazing.

Katie has created a comic-book feel in this book which works well with the message-heavy dialogue. Dewdrop is a lovely warm and bubbly character as well as a great, diverse group of friends. I really liked how Dewdrop is so supportive of his friends. I like the quirky comic-book style illustrations and that Dewdrop is an unusual animal. The messages of believing in yourself and trusting in your own abilities shine through loud and clear. It was refreshing to read a book where the main character wasn’t the centre of the story, but the friends, and Dewdrop supporting them.

This is part of a longer review to be published on my blog. I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Dewdrop is the epitome of a cute and heartwarming graphic novel for kids. I had a great time following Dewdrop as they cheer up and cheer on their friends at the sports festival. This is a book about competition and creativity and the insecurities that come with them and through Dewdrop, we are reminded that we should strive simply to do our best and do what we love rather than put too much pressure on ourselves and lose the heart of what we are trying to accomplish. With bright colors and an adorable style, Katie O'Neill brings life to a lovely story of friendship and self-love.

A sweet book suitable for 5 - 7 year olds. My class enjoyed the cute illustrations and wanted to find out more about axolotls. The story is told through bright graphics and speech bubbles. The cheerleading axolotl goes round and encourages her friends in different ways, telling them to do their best. It was a quick picture book but my class enjoyed reading it - it could be used as part of a PSHE lesson on growth mindset.

What a sweet children's picture book that is both written and illustrated by Katie O'Neill. It's about a little creature called Dewdrop, who is a cheerleader and loves encouraging his friends at the annual sports fair. The characters are all adorable, each with their own strengths and abilities. The illustrations are bright and engaging. With central themes of comparison, encouragement, and doing your very best, this would be the perfect addition to any children's bookshelf. *Advance copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

LOVE

This is absolutely precious. I'm a big fan of Kate O'Neill's style which is perfect for children's fiction.

Axolotl Dewdrop and his friends are super excited for the Sports Fair. Turtle Mia wants to win the pebble throwing contest. Newt Newman wants to write the perfect song. Three minnows want to make the perfect dish. While Axolotl is busy working on his cheers, his friends are losing faith in their abilities and second guessing themselves. Hopefully cheerful peptalks from their friend will embolden them to do their best.

This book is so cute! My favorite part is the illustration, for sure, but the messages about believing in yourself, working hard, and achieving your best are all great, too! There’s more art than words, perfect for very early readers or those learning pre-reading skills with loved ones who are reading to them. I’d love to read more adventures from Dewdrop and his friends! This one is out April 7th, so keep an eye out for it.

This is a sweet, fun read about friendship. I was excited to see Katie O'Neill trying her hand at a picture book, and this did not disappoint.

I always love Katie O'Niell's art style and it really lends itself well to this children's story. Dewdrop is the kind of friend whose message children can easily understand and get behind.

This book is absolutely perfect in its simplicity. The artwork is amazing and the inclusion of an axelotl as the main protagonist i think was an interesting, and great choice to expand the animals children know about, to outside what they may regularly see. I think the message behind the story was sweet and perfect making it a valuable and lovely story to read over and over again to young children.

Dewdrop by Katie O’Neill, 40 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, PICTURE BOOK
Oni Press, 2020. $18.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Sports Fair is coming up and all of Dewdrop’s friends have something different to prepare. Will they be good enough to perform when it’s their turn? Dewdrop believes they will!
Told more from the vibrant pictures than words, this story is a quick read with an encouraging message for readers. The colorful illustrations will capture the attention of young readers, while Dewdrop’s friendship makes a wonderful example to audiences of all ages. Dewdrop was endeared to me from the beginning, and O’Neill even cleverly slips in characters going against stereotypes. I loved this little book more than I expected.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

This is so precious! Katie's style is really well-suited for children's books as well.

My favorite children's books have always been the ones that are still meaningful as we get older — this is most definitely one of them now. It's an important message to get across, and I'm grateful to have read it. (Also, I can relate to Dewdrop always being their friends' biggest cheerleader!)

Katie's work is so adorable but I think I love Dewdrop most of all. We should all strive to be like this cute tenacious Axolotl. This book can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Dewdrop encourages their friends when they're feeling lost and does everything with enthusiasm.

This is a really cute picture book for children, with important themes like self-motivation and self-kindness, and inspiring moments with Dewdrop motivating its friends.
The art style of Katie O'Neill is awesome as always.

4.5 stars

I received an e-arc from net gallery for review this book was pure and wholesome!!! Katie O’Neils illustrations are adorable as always, even I know I’m technically not the target demographic for this book. That being said I can see this story will be a great positive message for young children, that with your friends supporting you and a little confidence you can do anything.

Dewdrop is a joyous story about being a good friend, an encouragement to those around you and being you - the best you can be. In the sweetest of ways this is age appropriate mindfulness and resilience training.

We are introduced to underwater friends who are preparing for a sports fair to showcase their talents and abilities. Some are participating others are helping to set up this event. Dewdrop is naturally upbeat, has few doubts and is the kindest of friends - one who notices what is going on around him and wants to help He provides great advice, through praise and reassurance.

As much as I love the story, it's the illustrations that had me enthralled. The colours are luminous and vivid, quite eye catching, with just the right amount of text - including those to indicate sound and movement. The action and movement jumps off the page. The written words, takes up a minimum amount of space.

The animals are adorable - their personas are the cutest, but many artists can draw cute and cuddly. It is the variety of expressions that convey anxiety, doubt, adoration, confidence which makes this a special read.

Least I forget to mention, this is not a one sided relationship, the friends who are helped acknowledge Dewdrop's effort in an appreciated way.

Dewdrop is a wonderful book that illustrates the power of words and friendship. It was a delight to read

Dazzling, vivid illustrations will draw in young readers as Dewdrop the axolotl and his friends get their talents ready ready for the pond’s sports fair. O’Neill supplies cute characters you want to root for in a sweet, charming story about friendship and self-esteem.

The story was a little simplistic and predictable, but the illustrations really take it to a higher level.

I always look forward to Katie O'Neill's books! "Dewdrop" is an absolutely adorable children's picture book about the power of friendship and cheering others on through doubt and personal struggles. I love the illustrations and the fact that the main character is a cute, little axolotl.

This book has a great message for everyone! Katie O'Neill always delivers with beautiful artwork and feel good stories.