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.

Thanks to Random House Children's and NetGalley for this ARC. A beautifully drawn middle grade graphic novel about overcoming failure and finding one’s place in the world.

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.

Oh, I adored this! It was absolutely wonderful, and honestly I loved the concept of the rangers so much. The artwork was beautiful, and I loved the design of the characters, and the animals were so adorable. Also, the journey of Rowan!! I felt that so personally, and I really hope it resonates it’s more people.

Thank you for allowing me to read an early copy!

Once again, K O’Neill has created another adorable cozy little masterpiece. I am obsessed with everything I read by them! The art is literally my favorite artwork in any graphic novels ever. This author is an instant buy for me and the author of a few of my favorite books including the tea dragon series and aquicorn cove, and a song for you and I did not disappoint. 5 comfy cozy stars!

Beautifully drawn book about having the courage to live honestly and to live your dreams. Rowan’s dreams of becoming a ranger who protects the land and the people living on it are tested when they make the a rash decision that ends poorly with Rowan’s horse being injured. While Rowan’s injured horse is grounded, they are assigned to helping a violin-playing shepherd trek to outer coastal lands. An unlikely friendship blossoms that will change both of them forever.

Rowen is meant to be a Ranger. They just have to make it through training to prove it to everyone else. When a snap decision during a storm goes against the master’s orders and injures their beloved flying horse Kes, the doubts creep in.

As Kes recovers Rowen is paired with the laid back sheep herder, Leone, who seemingly has no ambition at all. The two seemed mismatched at first, but maybe they are just what the other needs.

This latest graphic novel from the Queer-affirming author of The Tea Dragon Society is another great Middle Grade read.

I thought this graphic novel was great. The illustrations were beautiful and matched the tone of the book well. I felt the story was good, though it didn’t stick with me very long, it was one I was able to read through in one sitting and enjoy. I really liked the diversity in this book and would definitely help some middle-grade kids relate to characters that might not always have representation and/or help them discover who they may be. Overall, I would recommend!