Member Reviews

"A Song for You and I" is a cozy slow-paced fantasy graphic novel that shows it is okay to be yourself. I love K. O'Neill's art style and the many panels without dialogue allowed me to soak all the illustrations in and appreciate what the art was saying. I enjoyed seeing all the areas that the characters travelled to, and their relationship transform on their journeys. I look forward to adding this book to my library's children collection.

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A song for you and I follows a Ranger in training named Rose/Rowan during their final summer of apprenticeship before they becomes a full fledged ranger. Because Rowan has worked so hard in their studies they are placed in a relatively calm location close to home where they reluctantly befriend a lazy fiddle playing sheep herder named Leone. When their pegasus gets hurt and they are forced to spend time accompanying him on his wool deliveries Rowan finds there is so much more to the world then they first thought.

The drawings and graphics on this book were stunning. Movements and emotions were very well done. I will say that the story took some turns that I was not quite expecting, but the story was done in such a subtle way, similar to the way Rowan's own eyes were opened throughout the story. What a wonderful way for the story to be portrayed more in images than in words and the character growth of both Rowan and Leone was just beautiful.

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A Song for You and I is a beautifully written graphic novel perfect for teens. The illustrations are amazing and fit the story very well. Topics such as confidence and identity will resonate with readers. Recommended for all YA graphic novel collections.

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I've liked many of this author's previous titles, and this one held true to the usual tone and style I've seen previously from them. It's got a cozy, light feel while still tackling real emotional struggles in a way that never feels melodramatic or forced. It's not heavily plot driven, although there's definitely key events that happen. It's more about the characters and their growth, both individually and in their relationship to each other. The artwork is beautiful, as always, and there's a lot of showing rather than telling throughout the story to hint at some of the conversations that take place later on in the story. We get a very interesting exploration of self-expression in terms of gender identity, passions, and societal obligations.

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A Song for You and I by K. O'Neill was an incredibly sweet read. I enjoyed the illustrations and Rowan's story. Beautiful, sweet, and I just want to give the physical book a big hug. I plan to purchase a copy of this feel-good graphic novel for my library's collection. Thank you for the ARC!

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I loved the authors other books, the Tea Dragon series, and this gives that same cozy, comfort with a side of adventure. Rowan is a fabulously flawed MC just looking for who they are and how they belong, which is truly how everyone feels. There is no lack of relatability

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This book does provide a great mirror for the LGBTQIA+ community but there was a real lack of substantial dialogue. The entire time I felt like I was missing something from the book. A fantasy romance graphic novel deserves more dialogue and action. I am sure the intention was to be a cozy fantasy read but it didn't feel like it hit on the right fronts. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my review!

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4.5 stars

Thank you Random House Children’s and Netgalley providing me with an e-ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.

K. O’Neill is one of my favourite artists and their graphic novels bring me so much joy. They’re so cosy and wholesome and diverse and lovely, and the artwork is so pretty and soothing to look at.

I love the slow, casual pace of this one. There’s lots of frames of just art, no dialogue or narration of any kind. It really set me at ease and I felt myself relax reading this.

I adored both Rowan and Leone. They both have personal things they’re working on, and I loved watching them grow more comfortable to explore those things with each other.

This is a low stakes cosy fantasy perfect for readers of all ages. I can’t recommend it enough.

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Ever since The Tea Dragons Society, I always look for new stories from K. O’Neill. Once again, this did not disappoint. From the illustrations to the story of finding oneself woven throughout, it is a story told in soothing colors. I adored viewing easy illustration in detail as I let the story carry me. O’Neill has such amazing talent with graphic novels, truly a favorite for me. Thanks again to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the opportunity to read and review this lovely graphic novel prior to publication.

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Unsurprisingly this was very cozy, queer, and fun. It's a soft story and sometimes that exactly what we need.

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K. O'Neill never disappoints! I've read each of their books, and as a youth librarian they're the first books I reach for to inspire a love of reading in kids who are struggling. "A Song for You and I" is no different- the dreamy artwork, inspiring message, and beautiful character relationships make for a loveable graphic novel for people of all ages. The writing is gorgeous and flows beautifully, and the artwork feels like a cozy cup of tea while watching rain fall on a window in the spring. A wonderful read that I'll come back to time and time again!

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The summary and cover for this book already had me hooked as I'm always in the market for queer graphic novels that build on self-discovery and finding ones way in the world. The main characters were both so wonderful with their unique paths. This story doesn't need to rely on some big bad to push it along as it meets its intention of being a cozy path for our characters to travel to their true selves and happiness which is so much more enjoyable to read.

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I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley, though all thoughts are my own.

This book was such a sweet story about following your heart, being true to who you want to be, and having people in your life who will embrace you and life you up.

I adore Kes, who is a wonderful companion and full of surprises.

Rowan and Leone's friendship is so sweet, and their bond develops over time as they go on unexpected adventures.

The artwork itself is beautiful, full of whimsy, and so colorful!

I highly recommend this book, and I love how K included some sketches at the end on their journey to creating this story.

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Thank you again to NetGalley for letting me read an e ARC of this graphic novel.

Oh the illustrations are what easily peaked my interest so I wondered how the storyline would do the same. I read this story slowly and though it is a graphic novel, the story pulled you in as any regular novel. We learn about the world K O’Neill built with a simple but powerful message. One that is very needed right now honestly — be who you are and understand that one or many will understand you too.

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This is another cute and cozy graphic novel from the author of the Tea Dragon Society series. I really loved the art in this, especially the way O’Neill was able to draw reflections in the water. Gorgeous!
The story itself was a little confusing and I wish we got a little more background information about rangers and the world Rowan lives in. However, I really enjoyed the relationship between them & Leone. It was beautiful how Leone accepted Rowan as is, and Rowan’s reflection towards the end was heartwarming: “I felt like I needed to earn the right to be called by my real name, but Leone never needed any proof. He took me at my word just as I am.” Such a gender-affirming read!

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I have enjoyed some of K. O'Neill's books in the past but this one missed the mark for me. There were too many pages without dialogue. I also thought the book should have been shorter. There was a lack of a plot and the ending felt abrupt. I absolutely love the author's illustrations as always though. The message of the story is important, and I am glad that young kids have access to books like these nowadays.

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This was a very sweet, comforting story about figuring out who you are and staying true to yourself. This is a story that a lot of people, particular young people are going to need right now. It's a warm hug in world that seems very dark right now.

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Another absolutely gorgeous work by K. O'Neill!!!! If you haven't read anything they've done, please do yourself a favor and check something out!

The art was as gorgeous as always: soft and flowy with bright colors, stunning backgrounds and page layouts, sweet character designs and adorable animals. The atmosphere was wonderful once again and the world felt so vibrant and lived in, like we were only seeing a tiny slice of somewhere huge and beautiful.

The story was so heartfelt. I don't want to spoil anything but it was tender and sweet and I loved watching the journey these characters went on.

This is very Ghibli-core if you're into that kinda thing, and it also has lots of cute horse moments if you like that too.

Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley!

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Like many other readers, I've come to rely on K. O'Neill for warm, evocative art, cozy stories, and gentle but important messages. O'Neill's graphic novels, while aimed at a young audience, can be enjoyed by all ages, and their latest, A Song for You and I, is no exception. While I find the ending a touch abrupt, this is yet another heartwarming tale told through lovely art, that I will be happy to share with the young readers in my life.

Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

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"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.

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