**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.**

K O'Neill returns with their latest graphic novel, A Song for You and I. Readers follow a young ranger as they navigate coming of age both within their duties and as a person. Aided by an unexpected friendship with a violin-playing shepherd named Leone, Rowan grows into the confidence surrounding who they want to be.

While this graphic novel is accessible to middle grade and young adult audiences, there is absolutely an adult audience appeal too. Like the rest of O'Neill's graphic novels, there are themes that transcend age demographics. This one will especially land hard for those navigating the decision, like Rowan, to change their name to one of their choice. It also touches on choice of profession and familial expectations in a less direct, but still present way among other themes.

K O'Neill's art style is one that appeals to me regardless of the content, but the enjoyment is that much more when bolstered by the beautiful messages that O'Neill's works tend to support. Add in beautiful color palettes that support a cozy, cottagecore vibe and bring a sense of calm as well as appreciation for the vibrance of nature.

I am always happy to read one of K O'Neill's graphic novels and am grateful for the opportunity to read this one early. I will doubtless be buying my own copy soon.

A Song for You and I is a beautiful graphic novel about allowing yourself to find your joy and your truth. The fantastical setting of the seaside and rolling hills were breathtaking. Each panel had such detail and whimsical depth!

The world building is both so familiar and new. I loved the world of the rangers and wanted to read more about the different adventures the novices were having. I absolutely loved Leone and their relationship with music.

If you want a cozy, gentle fantasy with substance to chew on, pick this up!

this was very cozy and whimsical which is always expected when reading from k. o'neill! i absolutely adore their art style, and i really loved the colors in this one.

i'm always going to be drawn towards stories of identity, and i love seeing characters find their place and grow comfortable in their own skin. however, i don't feel like this is going to be a story that stays with me a long time like how THE TEA DRAGON SOCIETY did.

if you love queer, gender fluid characters, low stakes, whimsical settings, and quick graphic novels then A SONG FOR YOU AND I is something i would recommend in conjunction with k. o'neill's other graphic novels.

At it's heart a coming-of-age story, A Song for You and I follows the journey of novice ranger Rowan and sheep-herd Leone. Rowan is eager to prove themselves to their fellow novices and other rangers, but in their eagerness, makes a mistake that wounds their flying horse Kestrel and threatens their bond. While Kestrel heals, Rowan is given a more grounded post accompanying Leone to different lands making deliveries. Along their expeditions, Leone and Rowan discover more about themselves, but also find an unlikely friend in each other, and possibly more. Their acceptance of each other allows them each to grow and mature in ways that were really beautiful to explore. K. O'Neill's artwork has always caught my attention, but this one in particular had an almost Ghibli-esque quality with sprawling landscapes and nature scenes. The scene when Leone plays "A Waltz for Rowan" was particularly memorable. This was a truly delightful read!

Every K. O'Neill story leaves me with warm and cozy feelings. This was the sweetest journey of self discovery and acceptance with the light fantasy setting that K. O'Neill does so perfectly.

Huge thanks to K. O'Neill, Netgalley, and Random House Children's for an eARC of this title.

Cozy and adorable. A story of finding yourself, learning to love yourself, and trusting that those who love you will understand. Touches on some strong themes like belonging, self-discovery, queerness, gender identity, family/family acceptance in nuanced and age-appropriate ways. The illustrations were lovely and I can only imagine will be moreso in a psychical book format (I read this as an ARC on a phone app). Absolutely recommend to middle graders and even high schoolers and adults.

This is a great graphic novel for middle schools. Rose/Rowan is an apprentice Ranger and has worked hard to prove herself. She is assigned her final duty to a less-than-ideal spot and she feels she needs to prove herself. As she watches over a "lazy" sheepherder Leone she notices that he is not paying attention to the sheep and is spending his time playing his violin. When Leone doesn't listen to Rose about taking shelter when a storm begins she risks herself and her flying horse, Kes, to go back and rescue him. Kes is injured during the rescue and she is in jeopardy of not getting to add her name to the Ranger board. Rose/Rowan and Leone are assigned to work together while Kes heals and both of them learn important lessons from each other. I really think middle school students will enjoy this book with its wonderful illustrations and important life lessons.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was another hit from K. O'Neill. The art style is delightful and whimsical as always. I loved the story about self identity, what a name means to someone, and how to believe in yourself. The romance is not the frontal focus, but is still so cute and soft. The fantasy/medieval world is very D&D like, and I'm obsessed! I think this read can bring great comfort to a wide range of readers, no matter what age or gender!

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.

This isn’t my favorite K O’Neill book but I liked it! I don’t think it was as impactful or memorable other books I’ve read by them, but I did enjoy their signature art style.

4.5 stars
This is a lovely middle grade graphic novel set in a fantasy world.

The illustrations are simple but beautiful. There are very very cute sheep and some lovely landscapes that make you want to jump into this pastoral world.

The story left a lot open to interpretation and really had two main characters who grew over the course of the plot. A charming soft romance, queer representation, and enticing side characters.

Honestly I would love to read more about this world and its rangers in future works.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

I enjoyed the story line, but felt that there could have been more words in some of the panels. Parts of it were confusing. I can see my students enjoying this story and I think the message is relevant to them.

I've never read a K. O'Neill book that was anything less than five stars for me. This story in particular might be their most gentle, most quiet. A lot is said without words, through shared looks between the characters and observing the scenery. I really enjoyed going on the journey with Rowan and Leone as they learned more about themselves, their gender identity, and their connection with each other. It's basically a starter cozy romantasy for the middle grade audience.

This is such a cute and cozy graphic novel. I love how small scale the stakes are but the characters deal with such depth. The art is gorgeous and very welcoming. Everything feels like a comfy hug of support. What more do you need?!

This book was a quick read but an excellent one. In the end it was about being brave enough to be yourself, even if it isn't who others think you should be.

This book is so beautiful. I didn't want it to end! K. O'Neill does it again!

Thank you to K. O'Neill, Netgalley, and Random House Children's for the ARC of this book.

After reading The Moth Keeper last year, I fell in love with K. O’Neill’s gorgeous, soft illustrations and thoughtful themes, so when I saw that A Song for You and I was set to release for this March, I had high hopes. I’m pleased to say that this new Middle Grade fantasy graphic novel is even better than I expected. The way it handles identity, self-confidence, and romance is so gentle, yet so powerful.

Rowan is desperate to prove they have what it takes to be a ranger, so when their flying horse is injured during a rash attempt to outrun a storm, they’re reassigned to follow the easygoing shepherd and aspiring musician, Leone, making deliveries across a vast, breathtaking landscape. The unlikely pair confide in each other; Leone is afraid to play in front of others after a disheartening performance, and Rowan is worried that even if they’re allowed to join the rangers, they’ll have to use the name that no longer feels like it belongs to them.

One of O’Neill’s strengths is their ability to make complex ideas simple—or maybe, they’re showing us how simple things could be if we showed ourselves and others more kindness. Leone and Rowan are a safe space for each other as they each struggle with their identities, and it’s a heartfelt picture of what it looks like to listen, to accept, and to love.

A Song for You and I will be a perfect Spring release for fans of O’Neill’s other works, wide fantasy worlds, TJ Klune, and cozy games like Spiritfarer.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Graphic for the advanced reading copy!

Rowan has always known that they want to be a ranger, born to protect their village with their flying horse Kes. But when their first assignment isn’t what they expected it would be, they take matters into their own hands. Unfortunately, their eagerness to help causes Kes to get hurt.

In order to allow Kes time to heal, Rowan is assigned to help Leone with their delivery route across the meadows. Their journey allows Rowan to start to learn patience, especially when it comes to healing their relationship with Kes. But as their friendship with Leone starts to turn into something more, do they still want to pursue being a ranger?

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Graphic for an advanced copy of A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill! O’Neill is always good for a cozy graphic novel story, and this one definitely fits the bill. Paired with their gorgeous artwork, this book will definitely allow you to escape the real world for a little while.

At its core, this is a story about growth, growing up, and learning from your mistakes. It’s also a story about identity and learning to be comfortable in your own skin. Especially when it comes to forming friendships and relationships with other people. This may be a quick read, but it is one that will linger once you are finished reading it.

As far as graphic novels go, this is heavier on the illustrations rather than the words. It lends itself well to immersing yourself in the story and just forgetting about the real world for a little while.

If you need something cozy to start your March with, definitely pick this one up!

It was the Scandinavian inspired buildings that drew me into this sweet coming of age story but the theme of patience, courage, and nature as teacher that I’ll remember and share with customers. As a parent, I’ve always told my kids to get to know themselves- and that is the work of growing up- figuring out who you are! I loved this graphic novel!

Rowan is well on their way to becoming a great ranger. They have proven to be a strong candidate, and are therefore disappointed when their last training assignment is with a seemingly lazy sheepherder, Leone. When Rowan tries to rescue Leone during a storm and injures their flying horse, their punishment is to travel with Leone to help others in the community rebuild from the storm. Along the way, Rowan learns a lot about themself, Leone, and family.

A beautiful graphic novel about nature, found family, and identity. A Song for You and I will appeal to fans of O'Neill's other works, and will be a good addition for many collections.