A Song for You and I follows Rowan on the journey to becoming a ranger. They make a reckless choice and their horse gets hurt. And they are set on a path of examining if they have what it takes to be a ranger.

While their horse is recovering, Rowan has to help a local, Leone, with some of their wool deliveries. Both Rowan and Leone have their own struggles, and as they become friends, they help each other work through them.

I love K. O'Neill's graphic novels so much. They are beautifully illustrated and the worlds are idyllic. The characters have very real struggles but they find belonging and acceptance by the end. I always turn to them when I'm feeling down. A Song For You And I has definitely lived up to my expectations and more. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and K. O'Neill for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

absolutely stunning illustrations as always!!! not my favorite from this author but I still really enjoyed it. the artwork is SO gorgeous, I am obsessed with the art style and how it was done! I just wasn’t quite as interested in the plot of this one. K. O’Neill is definitely one of my absolute favorite graphic novel authors :)

At this point, I will read any story that O’Neill puts down in whatever medium or format they decide. Without fail, their stories are always full of heart, warmth, and kindness. Their stories always include big life lessons told in such a gentle and nurturing way, and their latest graphic novel is no different.

A Song for You and I is about self-acceptance, growth, and courage. It’s about learning what fits best for you, allowing yourself to be vulnerable with others to grow, and having the courage to do it all regardless of how terrifying it is but also acknowledging that it’s okay to do so at your own pace. There is wonderful representation in these pages. Rowan and Leone are lovely characters whose stories will make many readers feel seen and heard. I loved their journeys of healing and acceptance and both characters filled my heart with a calming sense of joy. This isn’t a story full of action rather it’s a quiet and wholesome tale that takes place over several parts and across multiple locations. I loved everyone they met and everywhere they went!

It goes without saying that the accompanying artwork is just as amazing as the writing. I’m a huge fan of O’Neill’s artwork because even though their illustrations aren’t the most complex, they have a brilliant way of conveying so much through the character's expressions that it leaves readers with no doubt about the story's emotional depth. It’s fantastic and the way the art matches the story so well in terms of softness and peacefulness creates this perfectly magical and whimsical blend that readers can easily get lost in. I loved the colour palette in this graphic novel so much, as well as the close-ups and wide shots of the places Rowan and Leone travel through and to.

Overall, you don’t need to belong to a certain group or even believe a certain thing to understand, appreciate and connect to the stories that O’Neill crafts—you simply need to be human. 💜

I love the worlds this author creates, and this one was magical. Just so cozy. I liked the coming of age part just as much, the connections between people and nature, rangers and their winged horses, and the unexpected friendship who accepts you just as you are and want to be. Perfect ending, too.

K. O'Neill's books are a force to reckon with! This graphic novel is so fun, cozy, and queer, I truly enjoyed it. There's a depth to the story, portrayed so well in a few pages. Not to mention the fact that the art is absolutely gorgeous! I've said this time and again,.I would love to become a character in their novel, pretty please 🥺

With gorgeous art that does so much visual storytelling “A Song For You and I” brings a fantasy story filled with self-discovery and acceptance. It’s been a while since I read something that made me cry, but this story was so beautiful I couldn’t help but tear up. For me it is the relief from pain and inner turmoil that makes me cry. The ending pages of this graphic novel are filled with that hope.

I loved this little story so much. I hope one day when I am older and have children that I have this among the stories that my children read. It teaches the understanding of differences. To turn inward and truly understand yourself and who you are. As well as, the beauty and joy of pure acceptance. It is the most beautifully hopeful stories I’ve read in a long time.

As a restless trainee wanting to prove their worth as a ranger before the final tests, Rowan winds up putting themselves and their flying horse, Kes, in danger and getting Kes hurt. Their chance to prove their capability after that comes as an assignment to accompany lackadaisical sheep herder Leone across the land to deliver his family's wool. Leone seems like the total opposite of Rowan in his carefree personality, but the fiddle-playing youngster hides a lot behind his carefree smile. It will be a journey of discoveries and revelations for both.

It's amazing how relaxing and cozy a story about a kid who wants to become a defender and go on adventures can be. Rowan being grounded and forced to walk with Leone on their travels gives the story a more grounded feel that helps put both characters' journey of discovery on the forefront. Them slowly opening up and pushing each other to go after what they want and to be who they want to be is lovely. Not a whole lot happens, but that's what makes it so cozy, that it's just about Rowan and Leone finding the will to be themselves.

The art is cute and fits the story perfectly. It flows from adorable moments of fun to slightly darker situations without ever feeling like the change is jarring. Some of the panels are downright art print worthy in the amount of emotion they can express.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Random House Graphic for the sweet read!

O'Neil has done it again. I fell in love with the Tea Dragon series because even though it was fantastical it felt somehow safe and homey. A Song for You and I is about finding yourself and learning to accept and love who you truly are. It felt like a warm hug. I read it in one sitting and I'll definitely be buying a copy.

A Song for You and I is a graphic novel that follows Rowan, a ranger-in-training that is paired with the laid back shepherd Leone after Rowan’s desire to prove themself causes their flying horse to become injured. In traveling together, both Rowan and Leone gain more confidence in who they want to be.
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K O’Neill has done it again! I loved The Tea Dragon Society and A Song for You and I has just made me into an even bigger fan of O’Neill’s work. I wish I had a book like this when I was younger. The ART is gorgeous!! Every page is a feast for the eyes. The characters feel unique and interesting. This coming-of-age story touched my heart in unexpected ways, almost bringing me to tears at times with its sweet message. I enjoyed seeing Rowan and Leone find confidence in being themselves and pursuing their passions. This is a great addition to the realm of queer cozy fantasy. Fans of The Prince and the Dressmaker and The Tea Dragon Society will love this book!
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Thank you Random House Graphic for providing this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely, gentle story about finding yourself and your way. K. O'Neill's art is delightful - soft, enchanting, and full of color. The landscapes, people, and animals are all lovingly drawn, creating an immersive world. I enjoyed how the characters developed over the story as they went on journeys, met new people, and opened up. A perfect book for fans of cozy fantasy! Bonus if you love flying horses!

Another fantastic work by K O'Neill! I will always read anything they come out with. Their art and world building is so wonderfully whimsical, and this was no exception.

Rowan's story felt like a familiar one and I teared up more than once. And Leone's too felt familiar.

And though horses might be hard to draw, I loved the illustrations of Kestrel. They were so soft and light, it wasn't a stretch to imagine a real Kestrel taking flight.

Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!

First off, thank you to K O'Neill and NetGalley for allowing me to review this advanced reader copy.

This book was like a warm hug. I love K's art style and it bursts through in this one. I was amazed at the amount of information and emotion that was absorbed by the reader in the pictures alone. I definitely recommend this one and frankly all of K's works.

To say K. O’Neill is a must read is an understatement. Once again, they have beautifully captured the challenges of finding oneself and the joy that comes from doing just that. A Song for You and I also shows how even the seemingly mundane contains beauty and peace. Even more important, O’Neill shows how these unexpected places are often exactly what we need to find what we’re looking for…even within ourselves. This is the kind of “you’ll find people who love and support you just as you are” book I could have used in middle grade and I’m sure will be a comfort to many readers today.

The art in this story was so whimsical and beautiful. It gave everything such a soft and sweet feeling, which I think paired with the story perfectly. I loved the message here of learning to be okay with who you are and how you feel about yourself, even if that changes through time.

K. O’Neil knocked it out of the park once again with this graphic novel, and, frankly, this is my favorite one they’ve created thus far. It feels like such an honor to read this kind of vulnerable story, and I’m so glad it exists for younger readers. This is the kind of story I wish I had when I was younger and still questioning my trans identity.

I felt such a connection to both Rowan and Leone, as I have had many of the same fears as these two. Being afraid of expressing yourself around others, being truthful to who you are and what you want for yourself, self discovery, how to work with others- it’s all done with heart, and a beautiful art style to go along with it. Thank you to K. O’Neil for writing this story, as I can tell it will touch so many people as deeply as it touched me. It’s always an incredible feeling to be seen so concisely in a book, and I will cherish this story for years to come.

What a sweet story. I loved the exploration of Rowan's name, gentle gender identity exploration, and ultimate acceptance, and how supportive Rowan was of Leone's music. The transformation between Rowan and Leone from irritating acquaintances to good friends (with hints at more) is wonderful to watch. This did feel quite slow paced and very low tension, a perfect cozy middle grade read. There's large sections with no dialogue where I was just vibing with the illustrations, which I did enjoy, but I also wonder if some meaning could be lost in the non-verbal communication. The story also could have gone quite a bit deeper if it had cut back on some of the sweeping illustrations. Overall this is a very sweet and relaxing middle grade read with a positive if simple message.

A light heartwarming story. Finished this in one sitting. The art-style and color palettes are sure eye-candies. It revolved around the values we take along the journey. Finding bravery to try again, acknowledge one's mistake and getting back to our purpose. To not lose ourselves. love it!!

If you're into graphic novel with coming of age heartwarming story, give it a go!!

Thanks so much publisher and netgalley for the arc in exchange for honest review.

I’ve been a fan of K. O’Neill since The Tea Dragon Society and they continue to build such beautiful, whimsical worlds. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous. The world that’s been created here is intricate and well designed.

My only qualm is that this book is a lot more illustration heavy. There are quite a few times where it’s multiple pages of illustrations without dialogue or written descriptions and I prefer more dialogue heavy graphic novels. There is a lot of nonverbal communication shown in the illustrations but there are also some that are just pages of landscapes.

A sweet story of self-discovery, identity and the beauty we both find & create in the relationships of our lives. With gorgeous artwork and meaningful dialogue, this graphic novel is a heartwarming treasure.

If you enjoyed the "The Tea Dragon Society", this next book from K. o'Neill will not disappoint. Another beautiful illustrated story with a sweet and deep story about self discovery and growth.

Rowan's character growth is warm and beautiful. It's a love letter to art and storytelling. Rowan is a part of a group of Rangers in training who is initially misunderstood and unhappy with the hand they are delt. Through time and a relationship with Kes, their winged companion, we see a journey of healing and being gentle with yourself. The supporting characters who shape Rowan's world view have hidden complexities that I wish the author would have explored more. I could easily read another two or three books in this universe.

A beautiful addition too any cozy reader's collection or a great read for a young adult looking for a different perspective on life. A big thank you to the author and NetGalley for sending me an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.