5 Reasons to Read A Song for You and I

1. The art tells the story! The words are secondary, but still necessary, however you really get the feelings and the emotions in the art itself. Plus the art is so pretty and soft and really calming to read.

2. There is a whole story packed into these 100+ pages of beautiful scenery, fantastical animals, and surroundings. I love how K. can really grab the reader in a few blocks of imagery.

3. A story about identity and how it can hurt us as well as make us feel seen. The trans and nonbinary identities are a truth that many feel they need to hide, and in this story it allows the reader to see that it is a journey to take, and you can take as much time as needed.

4. The age old conundrum of am I attracted to this person, or do I want to be this person! This trope hits a lot of queer folks throughout our lives and I love that K. decided to add that into this story and more of why sometimes we seek out a more heteronormative crush, but when we really idolize that person more than actual romantic feelings.

5. Whimsy and fantastical…those are my adjectives for this story. It’s also very, very cozy and adventurous, and still has a message about accepting yourself and the things you like about yourself. Trying not to be too spoilery, but the book ends on a upbeat chapter that moves both of the characters stories along, and one very specific image, that allows the reader to feel not only the time passing but the acceptance of oneself by the rest of the team.

Not every queer story needs to be a coming out story. But maybe every story, queer or not, should have some element of coming out. Rowan's decision to live their truth is painted as every bit as important as Leone's fear of playing the violin in front of others, or even Kestrel the winged horse (the text uses that term instead of pegasus) getting back in the air. All of them are coming to terms with who they are and what they want, as well as how they want to make their mark on the world. By making all three narratives equal in terms of weight and impact, the incomparable K. O'Neill reminds readers that any self-actualization, any type of coming out, is important.

“I reckon it’s best to please yourself first, and the ones who love you will get it.”

Such a great book about expressing yourself and not worrying about what others think of you. Rowan and Leone embark on a multi-day journey together to deliver goods to customers. On this journey they learn more about themselves and each other. I love K. O’Neill’s illustrations and story lines. I know there is always going to be a good lesson to learn and this one didn’t disappoint.

Oh, truly a blessed life to be in the beautiful world of Kay O'Neill again *sighs*

Catching up on reviews here so keeping short and sweet. All you need to know is this an adorable cosy and queer middle grade fantasy graphic novel that you do need in your life. Yes you will question why you don't live there but alas life is hard, deal with it. K bye!

A fantastic graphic novel for readers of all ages, A Song for You and I explores friendship, responsibility, and more. When Rowan, an aspiring ranger, makes a mistake and injures their horse Kes, they are reassigned to a quieter duty on the farmlands to aid a hearder named Leone. Frustrated to be out of the action, Rowan struggles with the slower pace, but the more they work with Leone the more they start to value their friendship—and see that it might be something more. A sweet story of young love, I highly recommend this book to graphic novel readers.

Just one of the cutest stories I've read in a while and the art was just delightful. I could've read more about them, their growth, how they changed from page one to the very last. These characters face difficulties head high, obstacles that come from within and from outside, and they do it in such a genuine way. Loved it.

This is a story about kids in training to become scouts. The main character is someone everyone has high hopes for, but after making a poor decision, they’re given a new mission meant to help them learn and grow. The story focuses on self-discovery and the journey of understanding themselves better. The art is really beautiful and detailed, perfectly capturing the feel and emotion of the story.

Thank you Random House & NetGalley for the e-ARC! I love this author so much, their Tea Dragon Trilogy are among some of my favorite YA graphic novels. This story follows Rowan on their journey to become a Ranger and it is filled with hope, joy, some hardships, and love. I really appreciate the graphics style and color choice in this author’s books. They always just feel so cozy. A Song for You and I is a story of acceptance and coming into one’s own. I would also be happy to recommend this to younger readers! It tackles gender in a way that allows all ages to understand what the main character is going through. I look forward to reading more by this author!

Stunning Illustrations That Speak Volumes: K. O’Neill has once again brought a visually stunning narrative to life with illustrations that are not only lovely and calming but also integral to storytelling. Each panel is crafted with care, conveying emotions and transitions in the tale as powerfully as the text itself. These illustrations are a gateway into Rowan and Leone's world, inviting readers to linger in the beautifully rendered landscapes and expressive characters.

Compelling and Relatable Characters: At the heart of this story are the characters—Rowan, initially known as Rose, Leone, and Kes the flying horse. Rowan's transformation from an overeager youth into a thoughtful individual is relatable to anyone who has ever questioned their path or worth. Leone, the laid-back shepherd, provides a contrast that enriches the narrative, making each character’s journey compelling.

A Story Driven by Character Growth: Unlike many fantasy tales populated with epic battles and dark villains, "Song for You and I" focuses on the internal battles each of us faces. The story delves deep into personal challenges and growth, making it a profound read for those looking for a narrative that mirrors the complexities of finding one's place in the world without the usual tropes of external adversaries.

A Beautiful Tale of Friendship and Acceptance: The dynamic between Rose/Rowan and Leone is a testament to the power of acceptance and support. Their relationship, blossoming from mere companionship to something deeper, is depicted with genuine tenderness and respect. It's a refreshing depiction of how true friendship can lead to personal transformation and acceptance, especially in the formative years captured in middle-grade literature.

A Familiar Yet Unique World: O’Neill has a knack for crafting worlds that feel both magical and intimately familiar, making the fantastical elements—like flying horses—seem almost plausible. The world-building in "Song for You and I" is no exception; it provides a backdrop that supports the story's themes of personal growth and exploration without overshadowing the characters' own stories.

"A Song for You and I" is not just a graphic novel; it's a gentle exploration of self-identity, friendship, and the courage it takes to follow one’s heart. Perfect for fans of heartfelt narratives and enchanting artwork, this book is a must-add to any young reader's shelf, promising to inspire and delight in equal measure.

To be loved is to be seen 🥺

Adored this book so much!!! Minimal text, lovely illustrations, no big conflict or drama, yet I savoured every page and the reading experience was stellar. Despite the adventure and fantasy-like elements, this is essentially a beautiful story about identity, belonging and healing. I love how it conveys so much without the need to say much at all.

The character development was subtle yet outstanding. And gosh... the art and colours are breathtaking as always, just like the author's other works.

K. O’Neill is honestly one of the more exceptional artists I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Everything put out by this author is gorgeous and engaging and the stories are heartfelt through and through. <i>A Song for You & I</i> is exactly what you’d expect to see from O’Neill, filling in all the warm fuzzies that any reader of theirs can come to expect. Following ranger in training, Rowan, and Leone the sheep herder who loves music, <i>A Song for You & I</i> explores gender identity, themes of self-confidence and ambition, and the bolstering powers of friendship in adversity.

While I, admittedly, have loved some of K. O’Neill’s other books far more than this one, there’s a ton of heart and merit to the story shown in this graphic novel. The artwork, as ever, is absolutely gorgeous and truly makes you feel a part of the world and the characters’ journeys. The tale is a bit slower than some of O’Neill’s other works, which I think is largely where I lost myself with this one, but that does seem to be the vibe and overall goal of the novel as a whole.

Definitely a read worth picking up as far as I’m concerned!

While the artwork was absolutely beautiful, the story overall fell flat to me. There were significant events throughout the book that did not have a lot of explanation...

A Song for You and I is yet another fantastic middle grade graphic novel by K O'Neill! The large size and beautiful art make it stand out on the shelf, and our tween readers are keeping the circulation numbers high so I can certainly recommend it for a school library or public library with an active tween patron group. The story focuses on personal growth and risk taking, but in an extremely gentle way. Readers who are looking for high stakes adventure may be disappointed, but A Song for You & I is perfect for readers who prefer their magical journey focused on self discovery over external drama..

A quiet cozy fantasy about finding yourself. A great recommendation for fans of K. O'Neill's previous title, The Moth Keeper, and a good bridge story between middle grade and YA

I knew there was something familiar about this graphic novel! I've read several of K. O'Neill's other titles, like the Tea Dragon Society and Princess Princess Ever After, so I went into this excited for a new story, and it did not disappoint!
I appreciated how much was conveyed in the beginning without dialogue, the pictures and colors were so expressive that we could 'hear' the story regardless of chatter, and it easily sucked me in with the level of detail. Then as the story began to progress, we got introspective quotes about humanity and its reference to nature, which is a common theme that was illustrated with care as we got to know our main characters. This is a journey of not just physical destination, but a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and finding one's place in the unknown. This was a quick read, but mostly because once I started, I couldn't put it down until I knew what was to become of the characters. This was an enjoyable read, and I feel a bit more assured of myself after going though this journey with them.
Thank you K. O'Neill, Random House Children's | Random House Graphic, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Actual Rating 2.5

This is a MG fantasy graphic novel that includes themes such as gender dysphoria and wanting to prove yourself. But this topic wasn't really introduced until much later in the book, and it wasn't ever really included in any of the action but rather the character's thoughts. There wasn't really any conflict of exploration or clarifications in the MC's gender struggle, which left me feeling unsatisfied with this aspect.

It was difficult to really connect with the characters. Everything is kept surface level, almost no real background is introduced for the characters so they feel like they're missing important depth, and the secondary characters are even weaker. Similarly, worldbuilding is just as weak and never really incorporated.

I loved the colors of the illustrations and they were good overall, making them the strongest aspect of this work. MG readers may not mind the aspects mentioned above, and there are still some good lessons incorporated throughout the book that can make it worth the read. My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

What I liked: This book starts by introducing you to Rowan as they get their assignment as a ranger. Rowan isn’t too thrilled with their assignment, and they end up causing injury to their flying horse causing them to be reassigned to the outskirts with Leone, the shepherd. Rowan isn’t so sure about this assignment either until they journey gets further along and they begin to learn more from Leone. It’s through this journey that Rowan embraces themself and learns that they don’t have to live up to other’s expectations.

The relationship between Rowan and Leone is amazing from the start. It’s great to see how Leone accepts Rowan without them having to explain themselves or meet any qualifications which Rowan is accustomed to. Rowan also helps Leone come out of their shell as they travel and Leone begins playing for others. The ways in which they both encourage each other to embrace themselves showcases the care that they develop through the course of the book.

The illustrations in this book go along well with the story and do a great job of telling the story without there being much text. The fantastical elements of the book go along well with the realistic images of the settings of the book, such as the fields.

Final Verdict: A Song for You and I is a book that takes you on an adventure as Rowan tries to figure out where they belong. This book is perfect for children ages 10 and up who enjoy graphic novels, adventure, and coming of age journeys.

Whenever I see a K O'neill Graphic Novel I really get excited as I know that it will be amazing. The Song of You & I did not disappoint me. I fell in love with everything from Rowan and Leone, the setting, the stunning illustrations but my favourite thing of all was the ability to tell the story without words throughout the story which is due to K's utter talent.

I will always read a graphic novel written by the amazing K O'Neill and for this and other reasons I had to give ths wonderful book 5 stars

I love fairy tales, and K. O’Neill’s “A Song for You and I” has all the hallmarks of a good one. I’m not a big graphic book reader (at least not yet), but this MG book is prettily illustrated.

I love the Pegasus, Kas, and the other characters as well, I just wish that the author added more text to carry the story. The end of the story seemed a bit stilted, with story abruptly ending. Overall, though, this is a sweet story that MG readers are sure to love.

I received an ARC of “A Song for You and I,” by K. O’Neill from NetGalley and Random House Children’s in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

✨THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!✨


A Song for You and I took my breath away! The stunning artwork and heartfelt storyline had me all up in my emotions. This was such a gorgeous journey of self love and the beauty of coming into one’s own. This read will 100% stick with me for awhile!

A Song for You and I has all of the hobbity cottagecore vibes so I just had to make a playlist to reflect that!!

✨Would That I by Hozier
🎻Hobbit by The Middle-Earth Orchestra
✨Willow Tree March by The Paper Kites
🎻Soldier, Poet, King by The Oh Hellos
✨Shooting Star by Hovvdy & runo plum
🎻crooked the road. by Mon Rovîa
✨Tavern by Tracy Bush
🎻Ho Hey by The Lumineers
✨Ripple by Grateful Dead

K. O’Neill is one of my all time favorite graphic novelists! 100% recommend checking out A Song for You and I as well as their entire backlog!

Thank you so much TBR&Beyond Tours & Random House Graphic for sending a copy my way!