A Song for You & I by K. O'Neill is, hands down, my favorite graphic novel I've read this year. Gorgeously illustrated, identity-affirming, and deliciously cozy, A Song for You & I is one that I highly recommend reading if you're looking for something hopeful. Themes include found family, community care, environmental sustainability, and self-discovery. (CW for gender dysphoria.) I've already bought a copy to add to my classroom, and I'm looking forward to sharing this one with my students!

A Song For You and I by K O'Neill is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that touches on friendship, identity, and acceptance with sweeping landscapes and quiet conversations. The trans and genderfluid representation is lovely and my favorite character, Rowan, matures and accepts himself in a gentle, courageous way that resonates with me. I love this story and will definitely be buying a copy.

"From now on, can you call me Rowan?"
"No worries, Rowan."
Once again K. O'Neill writes and illustrates an absolutely beautiful story of friendship and finding ones true self.

Another sweet and inclusive graphic novel hit from K. O'Neill.

I absolutely adore O'Neill's work. They navigate identity with so much care and authenticity. It's subtle yet packs a punch full of meaning and belonging. It's these kinds of stories that make the reader feel.

12/10 recommend.

As an existing fan of K. O’Neill, I was honored and excited to be able to read an ARC of this graphic novel. K’s art is magical and showcases nature in beautiful scenes that span the pages, making you feel like you’re truly embarking on the journey with the novel’s characters. This novel is no exception to such beautiful and captivating illustrations.

The storyline is deeply meaningful to K, and I imagine many other readers who have had to face their own identity questions in their life. I have even pondered what it means to be feminine or masculine, how I choose to present myself and where I fit along the spectrum of femininity and masculinity. I didn’t expect it, but the motif of the earrings which you will see throughout the illustrations resonated deeply for me. There is such a delicate balance of subtly that still accomplishes everything that K intended with this tender and empowering novel, addressing sensitive real-life topics that need to be talked about more.

Honestly so thankful and honored to have been able to read this early, and will definitely be purchasing to add to my bookshelf alongside K’s other books. You won’t be disappointed whether you’re a long-time fan like me or a first-time reader of K. O’Neill.

This was an adorably illustrated story about Rowan, their horse Kestrel, and Leone. They each are battling something internally and work together to overcome their issues. This is a great story about tackling our fears, embracing yourself, and building friendships.

This was really sweet
I love this medium for a coming of age story
Watching Rowan and Leone come in to their own is so wholesome
love the illustrations and coloring! So soft and perfect springy read

Thanks you to #NetGalley for the advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautifully crafted graphic novel. This is a cozy story about self discovery. It felt like a hug. Highly recommend this beautifully illustrated work.

K O'Neill writes such wonderful comforting stories. I always know that I'm in for beautiful art that is as comforting as the cozy fantasy world and this one is no different.

The art, as always, was beautiful. The color palette that is present is so soft and perfect for the world. It really gave that feeling of being wrapped in a soft blanket while looking at the images even when not great things were happening. To top it off, the expressions of the characters were great. They really helped me understand part of what the character might be going through before any of it was ever expressed.

The story throughout this one was a little sparse. I think it could have been longer and really expanded on the details and even some of what the characters were going through more.

Really, if you like K O'Neill's other stories, then pick this one up too. It has that same quiet comforting quality with the LGBTQ+ characters that are easily accepted. It's just another warm hug.

K. O’Neill’s graphic novel is a pastoral fantasy about fear, self-discovery, and growth. Apprentice ranger Rose, after injuring her pegasus Kestrel, bonds with a shepherd, Leone, and embraces her identity as Rowan. Themes of overcoming fears—Rose’s ranger doubts, Kestrel’s reluctance to fly, and Leone’s anxiety—are woven into the tale. With its heartfelt storytelling, it’s a hopeful exploration of acceptance.

What an absolutely gorgeous hopeful story. Rowan's journey is beautiful, and one every kid will find themselves in. Each of us wants a place to belong, just like Rowan. What that means is different for everyone, and this sweet book feels like opening a window to what joy is possible.

"From now on, could you call me Rowan?"

After their winged horse is injured, a capable and dutiful soon-to-be ranger is forced to accompany an idle shepherd who prefers playing the violin over herding on his wool trading trips.

Charming and comforting are the best words to describe the vibes of A Song for You and I. The color pallette and art style are soft and whimsical which really adds to the rural landscape setting filled with flowers and grazing animals. Rowan and Leone are very likable characters who are still budding into the people they have the potential to be. Even before either of them confess what's troubling them outright, their doubts and fears are evident through their illustrated reactions and emotions. It's a short, sweet story about two friends teaching each other to not allow fear to stand in the way of expressing oneself authentically.

If you are a fan of Nimona, the TV show Summer Camp Island, or just chill low fantasy growing pains stories, I think you'll enjoy this!

SO stinking cute and cozy! I love how this relationship develops, and I especially enjoyed the setting.

Such a great story about a young girl’s journey as she pursues being a ranger. The art style was cute and I loved the every second of every panel. The details were amazing and I look forward to more by O’Neill in the future.

An absolute delight. Everything from the art style to the well-rounded characters had me savoring each page. Perfect for reading in a single sitting, A SONG FOR YOU AND I marks yet another winner from K. O'Neill.

Another beautiful story from K, O'Neill, who always delivers the type of soft and reflective story I love to sit and ponder on a rainy day. Lovely character growth and overall willingness to learn from each other, even after misunderstandings make it hard. My favorite trait of O'Neill's storytelling is how readers get a peak at the characters' future and how they'll fulfilled or are working towards their ambitions and goals, and this story is no different.

I don't know how K. O'Neill manages to write such soft, emotional, hopeful stories when I can do little more than rage cry at the world.

This is a cute story, featuring pegasuses!, about a young person learning who and how they want to exist in the world. They meet a violin player and together they bring out the most beautiful parts of the other.

As always, K. O'Neill's art is as beautiful and inclusive as their stories and really I just want to be a pegasus rider now.

K. O'Neill never misses and this is a beautiful reminder of how beautiful this world can be when we love and accept each other, An important message in these crazy times.

O'Neill's stories are wholesome and uplifting in a way few other books are. As always, the art is magical and moving, serene and calming. A Song for You and I is a tender and gradual exploration of accepting and loving ourselves while trusting those around us to do the same. It's a story of encouraging hopes and following dreams without abandoning the responsibilities we share in our communities.

This is a beautifully illustrated adventure story about two kids trying to find their way in the world. Rowan is a transgender boy who wants to be a ranger, defending their village, but an overzealous approach endangers and injures their flying horse, Kes, so Rowan has to travel the countryside protecting everyone on foot rather than on winged horseback. But they find Leone, a musician, who is also trying to find their way in the world. The illustrations are lovely and the message is wonderful.

K O'Neill has done it again! I loved reading this. The story is sweet, compassionate, and soothing. I loved seeing the characters grow and become more confident. The world building was subtle but impactful. I felt ingrained in the world and loved being in its setting. And of course, I loved the art. I would stare at panels and swoon over the colors and characters designs. Overall, I loved reading this <3

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.