Member Reviews

Such a beautiful end to an adorable series! The artwork, like always, was breath taking, along with the story!

Was this review helpful?

I bought the first of this series for my 3.5-year-old at C2E2 this year. She loved it and pages through it on her own at bedtime. I have the second one, waiting for a good occasion for a gift, but I couldn't help but read it myself. So I'm very excited to read this conclusion.

I very much enjoyed the book. It's nice to have good stories about good people where good things happen. It's nice to not have to read about bad things happening to set up a plot. And as always the artwork is *precious.*

I received this book as an electronic ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This October we're finally getting the sequel to the Tea Dragon Society! This graphic novel series is well known for it's stunning art and diversity, and you'll be glad to know that this new installment did not disappoint.

The last we seen of these characters, if you have picked up the prequel, The Tea Dragon Festival, we got to know some of our original characters years ago, along with some a whole new cast. In this conclusion, we meet all of our old favourites, and it is guaranteed to warm your heart.

This is a children's/middle grade graphic novel featuring so much diversity, including LGBTQIA+, race, and disability rep. The representation is well-woven into the story, shining a torch on the struggles certain characters face. This is such a crucial aspect all stories should have, especially for younger audiences who will naturally seek themselves in the content they consume.

It was all too easy to fall back into this beautiful, peaceful world. The artwork is magical, and there were some truly gorgeous quotes throughout that will brighten anyone's day. This graphic novel is filled with wisdom and little everyday lessons for all ages. The story itself was heartfelt; characters finding their purpose, rediscovering their joy, and feeling the hurt of others. Every character we'd previously met all had their stories wrapped up in the most hopeful ending, and each had their shining moment overcoming their problems or carving out their futures.

As the final addition to this story, it did end somewhat abruptly, but admittedly I really didn't want this story to end. Overall, this is a gorgeous book and series that you can revisit time and time again.

Was this review helpful?

You can't help but love this series of cute graphic novels. My favorite aspect is the diversity of the characters - from skin color to sexual orientation, and also characters with disabilities.

If you know me, if a book has a dragon, I am probably going to check it out. And while the dragons in this particular series are a domesticated smaller breed of dragons that grow tea leaves and flowers and bond with their human caretaker, I still loved them.

The third book in the series, The Tea Dragon Tapestry focuses on Greta and her tea dragon, Ginseng who has lost his previous caretaker. Now Greta is trying her best to take care of her dragon who is in mourning and barely eating. The other main character, Minette is on a path of self-discovery, trying to reconnect to her past and ancestors and I must say I loved how her dreams were illustrated.

The Tea Dragon graphic novels are very dear to me and I cannot recommend them enough to any and all.

Was this review helpful?

The Tea Dragon Tapestry is the third book in the Tea Dragon Society trilogy which sees the return of the characters from the previous two books. Like its predecessors the Tea Dragon Tapestry is a enjoyable and deeply emotional read (I honestly cried through half the book)
The art is so beautiful and cute and pleasing to the eye with bright colors and gorgeous composition. The character designs are detailed and bursting with personality yet seem so naturally effortless. The dragons are all so unique and cute and derpy. Every line and shadow and wisp of smoke and subtle feature is so expressive and creates an amazing atmosphere.
The story tackles heavy topics like grief, mourning, and fear of losing oneself, one’s purpose, passing on knowledge in a sweet, thoughtful, uplifting way which is relatable and accessible to both children and adults. I loved the central message of friendship, healing and moving on and taking the time you need to change.
The story is very character driven so like the previous stories is a bit meandering but the story sucks you in and I promise you’ll barely miss a plot.
I loved The Tea Dragon Tapestry and I’m sure you will love it as well! Highly recommend it!

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

The Tea Dragon Tapestry is the last book in the Tea Dragon trilogy. More than a year after Greta took in Ginseng after their previous owner's death, Ginseng is still grieving, and Great can't figure out how to cheer the Tea Dragon up. Greta also needs to come up with a worthy item to forge for the chance of an apprenticeship with a renowned blacksmith. Minette, meanwhile, feels at loose ends, missing the person she used to be and not sure how to go forward from here.

This book was a satisfying end to the Tea Dragon trilogy. In fact, I think it may be my favorite of the three books! I love this world that Katie O'Niell has made, and I wish I could have my very own Tea Dragon. Some serious topics are covered in this book, and O'Niell has done a fantastic job of talking about them in an age appropriate way for her younger readers. I will definitely recommend this trilogy to all fantasy lovers!

Was this review helpful?

The Tea Dragon Tapestry is the conclusion to this wonderful, heart-warming series. I must admit it makes me sad to let go off this magical world, of these precious characters that have crawled their way into my heart.

As we delve into the Tea Dragon world once more, we follow Greta taking care of her grieving tea dragon Ginseng while she tries to impress a blacksmith looking for an apprentice. At the same time, we follow Minette's journey of acceptance as she receives a surprising package from her past and finds her place in the world. The characters from the Tea Dragon Festival also visit our beloved town once more.

Touching upon topics such as grief and sadness, but also embracing change and trying new things, the Tea Dragon Tapestry is a story for all ages to enjoy. If the story hadn't made me fall in love before, the wholesome illustrations surely would have. I found myself stopping to take them all in, cherishing them.

I would highly recommend this moving, inclusive graphic novel for anyone looking to read something that feels like getting a warm hug.

Was this review helpful?

Several stories blend together in this delicious and gentle book. Greta must find the perfect way to impress a master blacksmith so she can become his apprentice, but she is also worried about her dragon companion and must find a way to cheer him up after the loss of his previous caretaker. Minette is struggling to find her place in the world as she wonders how to become her true self without betraying her past. Other characters float in and out of the story providing guidance and support even as they learn and grow through their own stories. Complete with warm dialogue and gorgeous artwork, this is the perfect novel to curl up with on a rainy day with a warm cup of tea.
Lately I've been searching for the perfect set of graphic novels for my third grade shelf. The Tea Dragon series definitely has a place there. It is especially appealing to girls with its gentle artwork and thoughtful reminders of self-worth and kindness, topics that are often lacking in the still male-dominated genre of graphic novels. This novel doesn't make any pretense of being humorous, which I personally find a relief after all the wannabe Captain Underpants and Wimpy Kid clones. Instead, the pages are filled with warmth and characters that intentionally choose kindness. Although perhaps a bit idealistic, this is a lovely escape when the so-called Real World is consumed with unkindness, especially toward gentle souls.
I haven't yet read the first 2 books in the series, but I think I'll buy them for my third grade shelf anyway, as this author shows great promise in creating a book that, while obviously part of a series, remains a self-contained story. I'm thrilled to find another admirable graphic novel, since comic are a great middle step between picture books and chapter books. I'd love to see this one in the hands of my emerging bibliophiles.

Was this review helpful?

Like the previous Tea Dragon books, this is like a warm hug or cup of tea. There are characters with worries, but they are not life threatening. The love between the many characters is just so comforting and uplifting that I didn't want to stop being with them all.

The characters are distinct and each has something wonderful to add to their community. They are a model for how to allow loved ones their space and opportunities to solve their own problems, but also offer support if it is needed. It reminds me of the picture book The Rabbit Listened. They listen to each other and are there for each other, but don't try to fix everything.

Loved it! This is a series that would be great for sad or rainy days, but also for lovely sunny days too.

Was this review helpful?

The graphics are super adorable. I am emotionally invested in this series. I cannot wait to see the next book.

Was this review helpful?

I will never tire of the break taking art and the tea dragons that are so adorable they make my heart hurt.

This might be my favorite of the series. It's fall in Tea Dragon land, so the artwork is extra beautiful to fall as fall i my favorite season. The character's relationships are so perfect, and the Ginseng dragon nearly brought me to tears. There is so much great said in this book about grief, and loving people when they're sad, and realizing you're already whole while finding a new family for yourself all while not being too heavy for young readers.

An absolute delight from beginning to end.

Was this review helpful?

Katie O'Neill is an auto-buy author/artist for me because her work is fantastic! The dragons are absolutely adorable and I wish I had one of my own. I loved that this issue discussed grief, and how everyone experiences it differently. I also love the inclusion of tea dragon history in the back of the book. While I'm sad that this series is ending, I'm excited to see what Katie does next!

Was this review helpful?

The Tea Dragon Tapestry is the beautiful conclusion to the Tea Dragon series by the Australian illustrator Katie O'Neill. This cute, diverse read will be something that I'll encourage readers of all ages to read whenever I can. As always, my time reading this was relaxing; it also ultimately rid me of the negative emotions I was feeling.

Was this review helpful?

The Tea Dragon Tapestry is the final instalment in the Tea Dragon series. Just as the previous two, the artwork is beautiful. Each panel is a treasure. If an entire wall in my house was decorated with the stories from these books I would just loose hours just looking. I frequently love, even adore art in graphic novels but the colours, the style, the feelings – the Tea Dragon series is special.

I am sad that this is the last, but I like that Katie O’Neill is finishing this series in such a way that the magic stays, it’s not dragged into the ground for the sake of more books. The Tea Dragon Tapestry has some heartstrings storylines. Greta’s Tea Dragon is mourning, and she is worried but the conversations that are happening are that you can’t force dragons (people) to get better.

The additional Tea Dragon information at the end of the book is brilliant. It’s an extra present on top of the story.

Was this review helpful?

The Tea Dragon Books have a wonderful sweetness to them that can't be underrated. This one in particular deals delicately and honestly with grief and sadness, as well as friendship and how we support one another. The magic and the warmth of this series never fails to enchant me. As a conclusion, this book doesn't disappoint. I would read 100 more if she wrote them.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC on Netgalley for The Tea Dragon Tapestry and I loved it. I've now read the entire series so far and there's lessons filled throughout each story. In this one, characters worked through their pain, figured out who they are currently and released the past, and came to terms with what they want to achieve and how they want to spend their life. This graphic novel is so beautiful and it was pretty peaceful to read and enjoy. I'm grateful to have found this book as well as the rest of series.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't realize this was the third book in a series when I requested it from NetGalley. I feel like I have missed a big part of the story, and I want to know more about the characters. I will update this review when I can get my hands on and read the first two books in the series.

Update 8/14/2020: I got to read the first two in the series. Even though I read the third book first, I don't feel like I've missed out on anything. The third book just has more information in it, so I thought I would have a huge amount of backstory in the first two books. In this book, Greta continues to try to care for her new tea dragon who has recently lost its owner. She is also in line for a possible blacksmithing apprenticeship. Minnett comes to terms with who she was so she can be happy with who she is now.

Was this review helpful?

I love The Tea Dragon series and this new volume is no exception! The story is breathtakingly beautiful, heartwarming, and so lovely! I love following Greta and Minette as they discover who they are and what they want and see how their friendship grows. I love seeing the adorable little tea dragons and how they help shape the story. It’s such a soft and warm story!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

This one was not as amazing as the other ones but still good. I wish we could have seen more of the relationship of the girls.

Was this review helpful?

SPOILERS AHEAD

Katie O’Neil’s TheTea Dragon Tapestry is like coming home from a long trip to your family.There are so many things I could say about this book. The first being O’Neil’s artwork. It reminds me of well-loved stuffed animals and all the good things in life. She manages to tackle topics and ideas that even some adults find difficult in the easiest way possible. In this installment her characters deal with grief, losing passion, and finding new paths in life. Her characters talk about how all these things are hard to deal with and it is okay to feel sadness but you will be okay. It may take time and plans may change but it will all be okay. One of the most beautiful heartfelt graphic novels I have ever read.

4.5 out of 5.0

An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
.

Was this review helpful?