this story was cute and heartwarming. it made me happy as I read it, it was a unique world that this story was set in, I quite enjoyed all the characters that were introduced and the graphics of them added very much to the story. overall, this story is a cute story of a quest between to whimsical best friends who encounter a cities problem and solve it with new friends. I quite enjoyed my read of this and look forward to more from this author and will certainly purchase this graphic novel for my shelf when it is available.

I loved this book! It reminded me of "Crumbs" and "Life of Melody." It was a short, quick read that I devoured in one sitting. I already have it on order for my library!

On a quest to find glowing mushrooms, Juniper and Hadley encounter a mystery- something has been coming out of the woods at night and eating local crops. When the investigation ensues, they meet a little fey named Thisle who needs their help to protect their home. This graphic novel epitomizes a “cozy fantasy” while exploring themes of identity, home, and friendship.

THE ART IN THIS IS ADORABLE!!!! It's pastel and gorgeous and gave me the coziest of feelings. I do think this could have been a tad bit longer to explore some more, but it was lovely and wholesome. It’s not a storyline that would entice me to reread it, but I’m happy I got to read it! If you’re in need of a sweet cozy story, pick this one up!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends for gifting me a copy in exchange for my honest review!

It is a very cute book, and the art is pleasant. I don't think I'll be recommending this one to the library though.

The level of story feels like it wanted to be middle school and it fell closer to toddler levels. It read to me like a one-shot for a D&D game (Or other TTRPGs). Everything is easily fixed and set to rights, it feels like the conflicts don't really matter.

Like I said, the art is pretty, the story is there, it's just about as deep as a puddle, and I think our young readers are looking for more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's for the e-arc!

I was intrigued by this book after I saw that it was recommended for fans of Legends & Lattes and Animal Crossing. I was pleasantly surprised when it exceeded my expectations. This slice of life story is about a baker and a bard going on a journey. The journey has some sense of urgency but the progression of the story is short and sweet. It also touched on gender identity and environmental issues which is always a plus! Overall, I would recommend this for fans of the aforementioned properties.

This was such a cute graphic novel, and cozy mystery combined. I am a big DND fan, so having a bard as the main character was super fun and interesting. I loved the little banter between Hadley and Juniper - but I especially loved FERN! Super easy to read, got through it super quick because once I started I did not want to stop reading. I can't wait to visit this world again someday!

(3.5 stars) This is just as it is billed…a cozy fantasy story told through gentle graphics. There’s not a lot to it, but it should be pleasing reading for middle grade students and younger young adults.

Fern Haught's debut graphic novel, The Baker and the Bard, really captures the essence of cozy fantasy. It's a charming and engaging story about a dynamic duo on an enchanting quest for a rare ingredient. The book's fast pace makes it a delightful read that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Personally, I'm looking forward to checking out more of Haught's works.

This was SUCH a lovely, calm, cozy, and queer graphic novel! I thought the trans rep was very well implemented, and the illustration style was beautiful. I would have loved to see a little more chemistry and romantic build up between the two characters (friends to lovers) as it happened a little quickly. Otherwise this was great and I highly recommend for a light, short read!

🌈 Queer rep: queer main couple (nonbinary/female), agender side character

The Baker and the Bard is a cute graphic novel with a very charming art style. It has a lot of heart and centers around understanding and accepting others even when their priorities are at odds with one's own. The characters do a great job of learning about one another in compassionate and empathetic ways instead of hating each other's differences. It was a nice story with a good message, and I really liked the art!

An absolutely beautiful and heartwarming gentle fantasy quest story!
This title incorporates environmentalism and gender expression.
The environmentalism comes in when Juniper and Hadley are trying to solve the mystery of a town’s missing crops that are being eaten. The local giant caterpillar had their food source taken away and were eating the town’s crops.
I appreciated the scene when Hadley, who is non-binary, talks to a fairy, Thistle about how fairies don’t have a gender and it’s a very affirming moment for Hadley (and likely will be for readers).
This is perfect for fans of the Tea Dragon Society and I can’t wait to see more from this author!

The Baker and the Bard is peak cozy fantasy. The characters were sweet, the setting was whimsical, and the story was fun and low-stakes. Also, gotta love a little queer romance as well (I appreciated the discussion on gender and the easy acceptance of beings who don't prescribe to one or any). Juniper and Hadley have pretty opposite personalities, but compliment the other very well and the 'quest' they went on was entertaining without feeling stressful. It was just two friends going on an adventure together! All-in-all, a very enjoyable and quick read. Great for any fan of cozy fantasy!

Juniper, a baker's apprentice, and Hadley, a bard and delivery person, take a journey to find a special magical ingredient for a bakery customer's unique request -- and encounter a mystery that leads to new friends who need help.

What a lovely cozy fantasy graphic novel! The simple, soft artwork added to the cozy vibes, and the story offered gentle little discussions about gender identity, the protection of habitat and the environment, respecting differences, and finding your people. My only complaint is that the story is very lightly sketched in terms of details -- I would have enjoyed learning even more about these characters and this world. 4 stars.

Thank you, Feiwel and Friends and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.

Once upon a time, there's a bard who's struggling to find inspiration and a baker who wanted to open her own bakery someday. they're best friends. One day the baker's employer needed help to find a rare ingredient for a special order. so they went to fetch that ingredient while also going on a little adventure.

This is truly a cozy fantasy, simple but heartwarming. the soft coloring also adds to serene and magical atmosphere. I love this.

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc.

This graphic novel follows two best friends who journeyed to obtain unique ingredients for a customer's unusual request. This was such a sweet and calm read. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a light read. It was fascinating to see the ecological destruction play out. It was a quick read. I hope the author makes this into a series. It would be really nice to see where these characters' journeys continue.

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This cute graphic novel brings to mind the work of Kay O'Neill, whom I adore. The story is cute and sweet, the art is colorful and eye catching. I am going to be needing a giant caterpillar to take home now. My one complaint about this book is the way the author handled the non-binary discussion. It was jarring, completely random, and unneccessary. I think Hadley would have found her way without that entire scene.

The Baker and the Bard is Fern Haught’s debut graphic novel. They did a wonderful job of capturing the feelings of a cozy fantasy and putting it into the graphic novel form. I loved going along with our two best friends as they went on an adventure seeking out a rare ingredient for a special order. Overall, a delightful quick read and I look forward to seeing more from Fern Haught.
Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Baker and the Bard by Fern Haught is a YA graphic novel in which we follow a baker, Juniper, and a bard, Hadley, as they embark on a quest to find a missing ingredient for a very important bakery order. Along the way they come across a town with mysterious monster problem and try to help solve the mystery.

I thought this book was a very quick and cute read. If you’re into the cozy fantasy genre, this is definitely of that realm. I like the colorful and lovely illustration style. The plot is simple, but I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. This book will make you smile and I don’t think it needs to go really any deeper than that!

This was so super cute and fun!
It really delivers on the Legends&Lattes/Animal Crossing/Tea Dragon vibes.
The only thing I could really criticize is the small bit on being nonbinary was delivered awkwardly in my opinion.
I am all for representation, but not when it feels like it's included just as a selling point. I don't think it was the creators intention, but it's something to keep in mind in the future.
I look forward to seeing what the creator does in the future and hope to see more adventures with these characters.
P.s. the star rating isn't as nuanced as I would like. I would probably give this a 4.75.

This is a sweet cozy graphic novel that I think could also work for parents reading aloud to younger kids. The art style has a soft dreamy effect, and the plot is very gentle. A pair of friends goes on a journey to another town to get special mushrooms for their bakery. Along the way they meet some fey creatures in the forest and help them out. It's a pretty light little book with a warm "let's work together" message. Some nonbinary and queer rep if you're looking for that, but not a major aspect of the book.