This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is charming and a fun read. Xu has managed to capture a wonderful Studio Ghibli-esque vibe (and is particularly reminiscent of Spirited Away and Ponyo) and the plot unfolds similarly as well. Sophie is a with-in-training, descended from a long line of witches all the way back to a dragon and fisherman who married and blessed their line with magic. Sophie's Aunties offer her a place to live and train before her audition to the best magic academy around. While there, Sophie has a run-in with the dragon Lir, who loses his memory and ability to shapeshift. The two have to figure out why their magic is intertwined before Lir's family comes looking for him. The plot is slow and builds through character interactions, with the focus being on Sophie and her insecurities and Lir's own issues. I felt that while this type of story was satisfying, I wish there had been more emphasis on the worldbuilding. The glimpses of the world and complex relations between dragons and humans were fascinating and I definitely wanted more of that. On the other hand, the plot fits the aesthetic of the book very well, so it doesn't feel like the reader is really missing out on much. Anyone who liked The Tea Dragon Society, Ghibli films, and Xu's previous works will love this book as well.

Everything about this story should have worked for me. It was Ghibli-esque, had beautiful illustrations... but for some reason, it just didn't. There was nothing wrong with it. It just didn't capture me the way I thought it would. With that said, this story is sure to win over the teen crowd with its gorgeous illustrations and unique story about friendship (and dragons!). #netgalley

An adorable cozy read about family, finding yourself, imposter syndrome, and the joys of friendship. So tend and sweet and honest

This is such a sweet book. I really enjoyed the story and the moral was nice. The art was lovely. My only concern was that I don't really understand why Sage had cat features as it was never explained. Otherwise this was great. I'd definitely recommend it to kids that love fantasy.

Tidesong has the feeling of a legend with the beauty of a graphic novel. The pages are packed with images and colorful -- a book ready to be shared with a wide range of readers, and really lovely in its execution.

Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. My actual review is 3.5 stars but I'd rather keep it at 3.

"Tidesong" follows a young, highly energetic witch who wants proper training to pass a test to go to a prestigious magic school. Her training is not going very well, until one day her magic is entangled into a dragon's magic who gets amnesia as a result.

Definitely inspired by Studio Ghibli, but the story still lacks heart in its protagonist. Sophie is really irritating and impatient, but I will concede this is more for a younger audience so maybe they won't find the protagonist as frustrating as I did. The old lady was downright nasty though, her mom had no business sending her daughter to the meanest person on the planet, lol.

The artwork was absolutely gorgeous and wholesome, I'd really recommend the artwork moreso than the story than anything.

I did appreciate the messages about anxiety, being honest about it, and moving past it. It's a great message to give to kids.

This is a lovely, absolutely gorgeous middle grade graphic novel, with great messaging and great heart. It never beats the reader over the head with lessons, though--it allows the characters (and reader) to come to a gradual, organic understanding of its underlying messages about breaking abusive family patterns, learning patience, and embracing familial tradition. In some ways, it's slightly reminiscent of Kay O'Neill's 'Tea Dragon Society' series, particularly in its focus on gorgeous dragons and the importance of family and memory, but Xu focuses on a younger, more volatile main character and a bit more conflict than O'Neill usually does. Xu's art fabulously complements the story here, and I can't wait to get a finished copy when it releases!

4 stars - It was really good

Sophie is a young witch sent to her Great-Aunt Lan’s house for training. Frustrated at the lack of teaching, Sophie attempts to do magic on her own and accidently entangles her magic with a young water dragon named Lir. Now they have to work together to free each other.

This was a very cute comic. Sophie just wants to learn magic but is struggling to do the spells. She is also plagued by self doubt that is constantly impeding her confidence in herself. Basically, she was like most children who just want to succeed at everything they do and struggle to cope when it doesn’t always work out. I liked that she finds friendship with Lir and that they help each other grow as people.

I found this world of magic and dragon shifters to be fascinating. I loved how witches and dragons worked together to keep the balance of the ocean and world around it. I really want to learn more about this world, especially with the dragons because while they did play an important role in the story, the main focus is on Sophie.

Overall, this was a wonderful comic. Also the artwork was absolutely beautiful. I loved the vibrant colors because they really helped enhance the story.

This was incredible! It gave me a bit of the feels like The Tea Dragon Society. It was full of magic and dragons, with a few other mythical creatures thrown in and I loved every page more than the last. If this does not become a series, I will write a strongly worded letter to someone’s manager. (Sorry. Karen came out for a sec.)

The artwork in this sophomore attempt by Wendy Xu was amazing as always but I felt the plot was lacking in some regards.

An adorably sweet middle-grade graphic novel from the co-creator of Mooncakes about a young witch with anxiety and whose powers become entangled with a sea dragon's. When she goes to study magic with her great-aunt, Sophie is horrified by her harsh and dismissive behavior. Does her auntie even intend to help her pass her entrance exams to go to a prestigious magical school at all? Sophie doesn't think so. Instead, she tries to prove her worth through casting a spell of her own that ends with her almost drowning. She's saved from that fate by a young dragon named Lir. But when their powers mingle as he saves her, he's transformed into a human without his dragon memories. Now they have to figure out how to get his memories back and return him to the ocean before his powerful father destroys the whole ocean.

A really cute, fun read with big Studio Ghibli vibes and lovely illustrations.

This is a really fun graphic novel. I liked the elements of magic, and how we see growth within our characters. Sophie is very impatient to learn magic and do "cool" magic. But she learns that it takes time and hard work to get it right.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Beautiful, loving, and unforgettable. Wendy Xu once again creates perfection. Tidesong is a perfect read for all ages.

Very sweet, well illustrated fantasy graphic novel about a young girl whose magic becomes entangled with that of a sea dwelling dragon (just go with it). The world building was intriguing and the plot moved on at a decent clip. I'd love to see more works, graphic novels and prose, set in this world.

This is such a sweet story. A different take on the classic theme of right and wrong and following your heart. My daughter read it and loved it as well. The art work is amazing and definitely adds to the reading experience. Will be adding this to our library for sure.

A beautifully illustrated story with a just as beautifully and wonderfully told story. I plan to add this to the library collection for our users to checkout.

A beautifully illustrated graphic novel about a young witch learning her craft; making mistakes and owning up to them.

The illustrations of this novel are phenomenal. I love the colors and the shift to more sepia when memories are shared. Although the story came together, I was confused at the beginning. Everything seemed to be happening quickly/disjointed without much understanding and all the adults seemed to be jerks. That is something I really don’t care for in novels for kids; why are all the adult’s jerks and the kid needs to yell at them at the end? Not to say sometimes adults don’t give credence to kids when they should, but there were not really any redeeming adult characters in this novel until the end when they have some self-reflection and change – again, after a kid reprimands them.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for this ARC. I am sure my students will love this novel. I thought it was all over the place at the beginning, but again, the illustrations are wonderful and I love the dragons. I live and work in China, so I am sure my students will love that part too.

After reading Mooncakes, I was super excited to discover this gem by Wendy Xu. My goodness. The art is just breathtaking, and I adore the font that reflects perfectly with the story. It is so darling and charming...and painfully relatable. As someone who grew up with a little voice who always told me I wasn't good enough, I fully appreciate the journey Sophie takes. As a preteen, it is hard enough going through so many changes, but to add the voice of self doubt is something all preteens can appreciate, magic or no. I love how she overcomes it with the power of friendship, family, and discipline. This is most certainly something I will be suggesting to everyone I know.

I loved Mooncakes, which Wendy Xu illustrated, so of course I was stoked to get the chance to read an advance copy of her graphic novel, Tidesong. This graphic novel is great - Sophie's emotions and personal growth are very relatable, the relationships she develops are sweet and show real growth throughout the story, and the worldbuilding and system of magic presented are unique and interesting.

Strong tea dragon vibes on this. That illustration style that wraps you up in a warm blanket. Really cute story too. The middle grade readers in my library will love this.