i received an e-ARC for a review

this was such a lovely read. everything about it was so soft and comforting, like a down feather comforter and a nice mug of chamomile tea on a cold day or, actually, a cashmere candle while it’s snowing out the window. i’ve officially unofficially adopted rowan and leone and they both deserve the absolute world. seeing both of their storylines and how they overcame their issues was so heartwarming. i loved reading this so much and i can not WAIT to implement it into my lessons with my kids. this is exactly what i want to show them as an art teacher with a lot of queer students. this is the kind of book that would’ve helped me realize things a lot sooner if i’d read it as a preteen. the only thing was the ending was a bit too open ended for my taste but otherwise i adored this

A Song for You and I is a touching story that should be on middle grade shelves. The relationship between Rowan and Leone is so sweet and supportive. They are also each learning about themselves, their fears and anxieties. It is such a wholesome beautiful story filled with supportive communities and love.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

K. O’Neill has done it again. They have whisked me away to a tender world of imaginative fantasy. O’Neill’s stories and characters are always so comforting and the illustrations never fail to take my breath away. Rowan is a character I will hold close to my heart for a long time to come.

I fell in love with Mothkeeper and the Tea Dragon series. I can’t wait to add A Song for You and I to my collection and read it to my children someday.

These are the stories of acceptance and kindness and understanding we need right now. I’m so in awe of O’Neill’s work and can’t recommend them enough.

Pre-order this now! 5 stars / 10 out of 10

Struggled at first deciding whether I liked the illustration style or not. i eventually realized how charming it could be! It would a nice graphic novel for tweens who are starting to explore who they are as people. A feel good story about having the courage to be your true self.

K. O’Neill has a gentle style in both their art and storytelling that I just love. Their stories are not action packed, so if that’s what you’re looking for, this is not for you. However, if you love a good coming of age story set in a lovely fantasy world, this may be right up your alley.

Absolute 5 out of 5. I was so excited to see a new K O'Neil and it didn't disappoint. The art is absolutely beautiful and the story has a slow, cozy feeling that asks readers to pause and marvel at the deep character development and the journey of discovering who you are and who you wish to be.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC in exchange for a review.

Another lovely story from K. O’Neill! I think the ending felt a little sudden to me based off of the book's description, but had I not read that first I don’t think I would’ve felt the same. The color palette of soft blues and greens really lends itself to the open and airy feeling of the landscapes. As Rowan and Leone travel, the full page and two page spreads of illustrations are particularly moving and expressive, even when they serve as a pause between chapters. Rowan and Leone’s journey of discovery within themselves and with others is very sweetly done, and I look forward to giving this a reread when the book is out!

Another gentle, lovely story from K. O'Neill. This one focuses on finding yourself with some trans-associated subplots. We will be purchasing this one for our library for sure.

A gentle, soft story of figuring out who you are and who you want to be. As with most of K. O'Neill's books, this is a sweet story that focuses more on characters and their interactions than action or plot. If you want something plot-heavy, this is not it, but if you want something where characters have a lot of conversations amidst gorgeously drawn scenery, then I would absolutely recommend this one. The story was lovely, the art was beautiful, and I would absolutely recommend this for middle graders and adults alike.

This is a really lovely book by K. O'Neill. I love the look of failing but finding yourself again through self exploration.
The illustrations are really beautiful too, just like O'Neill's other books.
A must read!

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

A charming and sweet story about a ranger meets a sheep hearder and their unlikely relationship, filled with soft moments, growth, and so much more. Rowan has always wanted to be a ranger, someone to protect their village alongside their flying horse Kes, yet when in attempt to show their worth, they get Kes injured.... Rowan becomes unsure of if they are capable of protecting everyone. All the while Rowan meets Leone, a lackadasical sheep hearder who wants to become a musician. Leone and Rowan begin an unlikely friendship and as they begin to journey together and help Kes heeal, something in Rowan begins to heal as well. Their friendship begins to grow into something more but will Rowan be able to leave Leone once Kes is healed? This was such a soft and sweet read, the artwork is so charming and beautiful, and the tender moments were amazing. i've been a huge fan of this author for a while and this was a wonderful story to read. It really taps into a soft spot in your heart and I can't recommend this book enough!!

Release Date: March 4,2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Children's | Random House Graphic for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*