Ebook received for free through NetGalley

It was somehow smaller than I expected... or at least I finished it way quicker than expected as I couldn't put it down. An adorable read with a great story and amazing artwork. So glad I came across it.

I found this to be a lovely, quiet story that will appeal to fans of O'Neill's previous works. I will certainly be recommending it to library patrons.

Imagine a world where the sky stretches wide, the wind carries whispers of adventure, and two unlikely friends set out on a journey that changes everything. Rose is a dedicated young ranger-in-training, focused on duty and responsibility. Leone, on the other hand, is a carefree sheep herder, happy to take life as it comes. But when Rose’s pegasus gets into a bit of trouble, the two are paired up for a slow and steady journey—one that teaches them both about patience, trust, and the magic of finding a kindred spirit.

At its heart, A Song for You and I reminds us that real strength isn’t about going it alone—it’s about letting others in.

Author-illustrator K. O’Neill creates their illuminating, flowing, and harmonious illustrations using Procreate—a platform that, as I discovered, firmly opposes generative AI. Their choice to include this information on the copyright page has me reflecting on O’Neill’s commitment to authentic, human-made artistry. Don’t skip the sketchbook pages at the end of the book—they offer a delightful glimpse into their creative process!

This beautiful graphic novel arrived on March 4, 2025, but you might just snag yourself a digital ARC out there!

Big thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this heartwarming adventure!

I always enjoy reading this author's books. The art is always gorgeous and the stories are thought provoking.

This beautiful graphic novel is a pastoral fantasy which explores overcoming fear, self acceptance, and learning from one's mistakes. K. O'Neill is a fantastic artist who lets her art work tell the story. The first several pages are actually wordless, as the panels tell the story so well. Rose is an apprentice ranger who's reckless action leads to injury for her mount. While the Kestrel the pegasus heals, Rose is supposed to help a local shepard, but perhaps she has something to learn from Leone instead. Now she is unsure of herself, but even before the accident, she had some big questions. The book has a gentle exploration of gender identity and Rose decides to change her name to Rowan. Her new friend, accepts her the way she is. If only it was that easy for LGBT people to find acceptance in the real world. There is a second big theme in this middle grade novel. Rose is afraid to become a ranger, Kestrel is afraid to fly again and Leone who is a talented musician is afraid to play his music for any audience but his flock. I recommend this book for young readers who may learn from this coming of age story. Whether it is gender identity, finding what you are good at, or just being yourself, most kids have some questions. In the author's note they explain that hopefully this story will help.

This is a sweet little story illustrated beautifully. Rose is a novice ranger preparing to take her oaths and become a full-fledged ranger when she makes an error that wounds her horse, and worse, her relationship with Kestrel. Meanwhile, Leone is a lazy shepherd more interested in playing his violin for his sheep than watching them, or so he seems. Rose is given the duty to help Leone make some deliveries and the two figure out a lot about themselves.
I really like the sparse dialogue. O'Neill does just as much storytelling through simple pictures as through dialogue, and it really adds to the peaceful atmosphere. The illustrations are beautiful, really, a pastoral fantasy. As a whole, this is a cute and cozy little snack for a cold day.

This is another beautiful story from K. O'Neill! The artwork is stunning as always.

Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to review this book.

This book was lovely! I was immediately drawn in my the art style which was just so beautiful that I knew I had to read this story. The plot was so sweet with enough emotion and conflict to make sure it didn't tilt into saccharine territory.

I recommend it to anyone looking for a comforting read!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

K. O'Neill is a master of telling a story with few words and gorgeous pictures, able to convey so much emotion with so little in terms of word count....beautiful words, stunning pictures, and stories that will touch your heart every time. Absolutely phenomenal and a story of comfort I can fall into any time to let my heart heal and my mind rest.

Read this - your soul will thank you!

Thank you net gallery for the advanced copy of this book. The book was warm and comforting. This was about identity and responsibility in a way that meds sense. I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you netGalley and Random House for the eARC.

A Song For You and I is about two characters, Rose and Leone as they grow and try to understand their place in the world and the people they want to be.
This whole graphic novel is a gorgeous and soft coming of age story, with beautiful pacing as it goes through the growing pains of adolescence. It is a very “enjoy the journey” because you know it will end to a short and sweet kind of ending, and K. never wastes a panel to show us the world and how Rose and Leone see it and themselves.

This middle grade read weaves together the beauty of unlikely friendships, cozy romance, and fanciful adventure.
I thought this book was heartwarming, and a cozy read that my students (4th-5th graders) would enjoy. Rowan has big dreams of being a ranger, protecting their village with their trusted flying horse Kes. But when Rowan's skills get Kes injured, Rowan comes to odds with the idea of being a protector. Reading A Song for You and I felt like getting wrapped up in a warm hug. The relationship between Leone and Rowan was so thoughtful and kind - and watching them grow into themselves makes this book an impactful story about identity and finding yourself before rushing to protect others.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

A Song for You and I follows ranger-in-training Rowan as they grapple with their ability to achieve their dream.

K. O'Neill knows how to write a graphic novel that is so cozy and so emotionally devastating that it takes me weeks to move on, and A Song for You and I is no exception. Rowan and Leone were richly imagined and such a joy to follow over the course of their journey. Though they encountered conflict and strife, the ultimate result of their internal and external journeys had me feeling nothing but proud and filled with a peaceful joy. The heartwarming story paired with gorgeous and whimsical illustrations made for a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience, and one I won't soon forget.

I absolutely adored this book. I could have read it in one sitting, but I stretched it over a few days. Reading A Song for You and I felt like getting wrapped up in a warm hug. The relationship between Leone and Rowan was so thoughtful and kind. I loved watching them grow into themselves, together. This is a lovely story about identity and acceptance in a world where it’s much needed. I will be recommending this to everyone and purchasing a copy for myself.

Thank you to Netgally & Random House & K. O’Neill for the review copy.

A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill is a warm hug of book that is sure to become a treasured favorite for many readers– both in the intended middle grade market and far beyond.

This tender graphic novel from the author of The Tea Dragon Society is gentle, has an aura of kindness, and is delightful from cover to cover.

Rowan is a novice ranger, training to be a guardian along with their trusty flying horse, Kes. Rowan is somewhat disappointed when their ranger assignment includes a meadow where sheep herder Leone often plays violin—instead of watching the sheep. Though Rowan is mentally investigating their sense of self, they still fulfill all their ranger duties… despite teasing from the other rangers about their assignment. A violent storm and the opportunity for a daring rescue tempt Rowan to act outside their orders, resulting in an injury for Kes. To help heal Kes, and their relationship, Rowan helps Leone deliver wool to outlying areas. Their journey offers them the chance to get to know themselves, and each other, better.

O’Neill’s art is breathtaking, from grand vistas to detailed, delicate close-ups. It allows for their subtle storytelling to shine through words and art alike. While there is a lot going on underneath the surface in any given panel, the message is clear– and beautiful.

Main themes include finding oneself and healing, all in various forms. Rowan, Leone, and Kes all dig deep, do the healing work, and bond.

Back matter includes a peek into the author-artist’s sketchbook, a glimpse inside the making of the book. Even the sketches are breathtakingly beautiful.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Random House Children’s for an e-ARC such that I could share my honest opinions.

A Song for You and I is now available!

A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill was a cute little surprise. This graphic novel covered the bases for me: cozy plot, beautiful artwork, character development, and a few sweet meanings behind it. I found myself stopping to admire the artwork many times and understanding a young Rowan’s need to impress their friends and mentors. This story encourages readers to be themselves no matter what others think while also encouraging those around you to do what they love. If you’re looking for something quick to read that’s cozy then this is for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. I've followed this artist for a bit, and the artwork was gorgeous. This is a story of two young people trying to find themselves and finding others who will accept them just as they are. Unfortunately while the story was a sweet one, it felt so disjointed. I wish we could have had more development of the characters and the world they lived in.

1 Sentence Summary: Rowan has always wanted to be a ranger, but after a dangerous mistake, will Rowan be able to find their way again?

My Thoughts: This was so lovely. The story is so wholesome and whimsical; reading it feels like lying in the grass on a sunny day. Also, the art is BEAUTIFUL. The art style, the color scheme, the landscapes…everything was so perfect and gorgeous. I could just look at the art all day. So pretty and atmospheric.

A journey of self discovery, acceptance, and finding your way in the world.

Recommend to: Fans of cozy graphic novels about self discovery.

As a restless trainee wanting to prove their worth as a ranger before the final tests, Rowan winds up putting themselves and their flying horse, Kes, in danger and getting Kes hurt. Their chance to prove their capability after that comes as an assignment to accompany lackadaisical sheep herder Leone across the land to deliver his family's wool. Leone seems like the total opposite of Rowan in his carefree personality, but the fiddle-playing youngster hides a lot behind his carefree smile. It will be a journey of discoveries and revelations for both.

It's amazing how relaxing and cozy a story about a kid who wants to become a defender and go on adventures can be. Rowan being grounded and forced to walk with Leone on their travels gives the story a more grounded feel that helps put both characters' journey of discovery on the forefront. Them slowly opening up and pushing each other to go after what they want and to be who they want to be is lovely. Not a whole lot happens, but that's what makes it so cozy, that it's just about Rowan and Leone finding the will to be themselves.

The art is cute and fits the story perfectly. It flows from adorable moments of fun to slightly darker situations without ever feeling like the change is jarring. Some of the panels are downright art print worthy in the amount of emotion they can express.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Random House Graphic for the sweet read!

heartwarming and adorable. The story was focusing on the characters self-discovery rather than the external problem. Rose was a novice ranger who’s last task is to guard a meadow that was mostly tranquil. That’s where she met Leone, shepherd who spend his days playing violin. Rose felt like her name didn’t fit her, but she didn’t know what to do. Some things led Rose and Leone to spend more time together and they naturally helped each other be the best version of themselves.

There’s not much dialogue happening, but the illustrations on each panel was enough to tell the story. It was beautiful, peaceful. Like it coaxed me to take my time and savor it slowly. The last part made me weep because it just so beautiful. I love it.