Member Reviews

I absolutely adore everything K O'Neill ever does. However, this title felt a little hollow for me. The art was beautiful as always, and I absolutely appreciated the message and story being told. It just felt like there needed to be a little more character fleshing out. I appreciate the softness of the plot, but I wish there was a little bit more to it. I will always read and recommend their work, but this one was the first that I struggled to fully get in to the read. I'm very glad that this book exists because I think it will be really great to recommend to younger readers, which is its true audience, but their other work appealed so nicely to adults as well that I was little sad this one didn't as much. I still enjoyed it, and I will definitely recommend it, I just wish it had just a little more.

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K. O'Neill never ceases to amaze me. Her distinct illustrations are always sweet and evoke a feeling of wonder in the reader. Similar to her previous books, this title explores identity and belonging as we follow Rose, a novice ranger, trying to prove herself to her mentor and the rest of the more experienced rangers, and Leone, an idle shepherd who loves to play music. In her effort to show how good she is at her job, Rose ignores her mentor's orders and goes on a dangerous mission that could have gotten herself and her flying horse hurt. Nursing her pride, she accompanies Leone on his deliveries and the two grow and get closer to each other. An enjoyable read!

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Another triumph by K. O'Neill! A touching story about living as your true self and believing in others. Tranquil but filled with meaning as K. O'Neill's books always are.

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This is yet another beautiful, deeply affirming graphic novel from K. O'Neill. I loved the way Rowan and Leone's relationship developed and how they affirmed each other with their interests AND identities. I do wish the relationship between Rowan and their horse Kes was developed more at the outset, though the ending was still pretty great on that front, if understated and simple.

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My sincere appreciation to Random House Graphic for providing me with the digital ARC of this book! I’ve read several other books by K. O’Neill, and found this one to be enjoyable! I loved the illustrations and the underlying themes of discovering yourself and coming into your own. I struggled a little bit with what I felt were some gaps in the plot, but that could have just been me not letting the illustrations guide me. I definitely think this would be appropriate for my middle school collection, and I can already think of several students that would enjoy this graphic novel!

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A beautiful graphic novel about growing up, discovering who you are and finding your place in the world. The illustrations are loose and lovely, with quiet scenes of wildlife interspersed among the action — the terns flying by made me smile, they’re a favorite bird. I can see this becoming another fast favorite from the author in the library, and already have patrons in mind who will enjoy it. A lovely book to settle down to enjoy on a sunny afternoon.

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What a beautiful piece of work K. O'Neill has once again created. A cozy universe filled with adventures big and small, memorable characters, acceptance, and flying horses. I have seen other reviewers compare this to a Ghibli film, and I cannot think of a more apt comparison! I can see this story appealing to many readers in my school for myriad reasons, and I will definitely be purchasing it for my school library.

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a song for you and i was a really sweet story. and woah did it successfully remind me of my love for k o’neill’s books. they’re just so cosy and lovely and wonderful and i LOVE the art style!

this book is about working out who you are and who you want to be, and having the support and confidence to become that person. it’s a great middle grade story which can most definitely also be enjoyed by adults (i am proof) and i’m now dying to read the moth keeper which came out last year and which i somehow did not know about until now!

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K. O'neil has a way of worldbuilding and creating in a way that completely sucks you in. Their worlds and stories are so immersive. This story was one that felt so personal to the creator, and I'm beyond thankful they shared it with us. I would love to see more set in Rowan and Leone's universe.

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This is such a cute, sweet, and simple but important story. Love the art as always, and the fantasy world is exactly the kind of beautiful, slow paced, nature-oriented fantasy world you'd expect given the author. I think many elementary and middle school readers will eat this up, especially those who like their fantasy graphic novels to tend towards more cozy, slice of life type plots

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Absolutely wonderful. Easily a perfect read for both kids and adults about learning who you are and what is important to you. And a must-read for fans of K. O’Neill’s other works, as well as for any new comers who are fans of Studio Ghibli or the Earthsea series — I mention the last because this story struck the same exact chord in me that LeGuin’s story did, and I love chasing a feeling.

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Desperately lovely. There needs to be a word for the particular melancholic yearning provided only by a Studio Ghbili movie and a K. O'Neill graphic novel.

I love how much is conveyed through large, macro-lens landscapes', and how minimal but impactful the dialogue is. The subtle worldbuilding, with its focus on traditional folkways as well as environmental ethics, is just outstanding. The fact that we're getting such contemplative queer narratives is simply a gift. All the stars.

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