Rowan is a ranger-in-training assigned to a rather dull post for a final rotation, overlooking the meadows close to the village where the village’s reportedly lazy shepherd Leone wastes away the days playing the violin instead of tending to the sheep. But an error in judgment injures Rowan’s Pegasus, relegated them to light duty on the ground, and has them questioning their readiness to become a full Ranger. Rowan accompanies Leone on several journeys to sell wool, and the change of pace provides time for reflection and soul-searching.

This beautifully illustrated and methodical story falls in line with many of O’Neill’s other works where self-discovery is a central theme. As Rowan is forced to slow down, they are forced to really wrestle with some important questions about themselves and their journey — what’s important to them and not just what is expected of them, including a preference of name and identity, changing from Rose to Rowan, which Leone accepts immediately without question. Leone and Rowan help each other through some difficult challenges — identity, confidence, realization of dreams — and this sweet story drives home the importance of having a safe, non-judgmental friend who can be there through it all.

Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 5-8

A soft, cozy read exploring community, responsibility, and identity. Love this cozy fantasy especially for the soft explorations of gender identity. Gorgeous art with a tender story that is perfect for reading when going through a tough time or needing a gentle read for a cozy night in. Definitely have found a new comfort read for me!

Everything K. O'Neill creates is magic. They are able to create the most magical worlds with the most inclusive stories. In A Song for You and I, gender-nonconforming and trans romance finds a way in a Dungeons and Dragons-esque community. Rowan wants to be a ranger and will do anything to prove themself, including taking their flying horse Kes for a mission when they're not ready, resulting in Kes' injury. Rowan is then forced into a slower-paced journey during which they find community and love with Leone, a sheepherder. This book shows a beautiful story of love, friendship, and taking your time to figure out who you are meant to be.

Yet another sweet graphic novel with adorable illustrations from K. O'Neill. Everything they create feels so cozy and like a warm hug. I loved the way Rowan's character grew and changed throughout the novel. From making rash decisions and having self doubt, to finding self confidence and exploring identity, Rowan really captures a lot of the difficulties kids this age experience when growing up. I wish there would have been a bit more story explored with Leone. But I loved how Leone was so quietly confident. Readers that enjoy cozy fantasy, as well as those that enjoyed K.'s other works will likely enjoy this one. I look forward to reading more from K. in the future!

I will read everything K O'Neill writes. Their stories are always wholesome and poignant, while also being gorgeously illustrated. If you loved the Tea Dragon Society and The Moth Keeper, you'll also love this. I especially loved the message about learning who you are and being comfortable with yourself.

I love anything that K. O'Neill writes, and this was no exception. The story was beautifully written, and the illustrations were gorgeous as usual. I liked the characters, and we really got to see them grow and change throughout the book. If you're looking for a book with gentle characters that still challenge each other to change, then this is the right book for you.

Very cute. Loved the art! Definitely made for a younger audience but they’ll love it! I’d definitely read more about the two if it ever comes around. Maybe even just little filler things or expanded backstories!

Rowan dreams of being a scout, but when assigned to a quiet meadow near their school, they begin to have self-doubts and feel the need to prove themselves. This leads to a reckless decision that injures their horse, Kes, causing Rowan to doubt their abilities even more. They soon meet Leone, a laid-back violin-playing sheep herder struggling with self-esteem. Rowan is tasked with helping Leone during his wool deliveries, and together they embark on journeys of self-discovery. I absolutely adored this graphic novel; it's whimsical and fun while addressing themes of identity. The artwork is breathtaking. There were times while reading that I could almost hear Leone's Violin and feel the cool breeze coming off the meadow. overall, A Song for You and I is a beautiful coming-of-age story about finding and embracing who you are.

A tender and sweet story about falling gently in love with someone and learning to love and accept yourself along the way. Though it's not part of a series there's a throughline of personal discovery, identity, and support that this books plugs into.

Whimsical, charming and emotionally deep story and illustrations from one of my family's favorite authors. Delighted to be able to share this story with my daughter, and we love it as much as we do O'Neill's other books.

ARC from the publisher via NetGalley, but the opinions are my own.

we are so fortunate to receive another gem from o'neill. this soft and quiet story is about making space for your true self, finding the name that feels right for you, and building trust in yourself and those you love. both main characters are gender nonconforming, and both are learning to gently support each other while they're on their own personal journeys.

also! there are winged horses!! throughout the graphic novel i marveled at the strong and graceful horses, along with so many other wonderful creatures - fluffy chickens, fluffy sheep, fluffy cows! there are also beautiful birds and, adorable donkeys, and more. so much joy to be found in animals.

the charming nature scenes, sweeping landscapes, and lovely soft coloring are such a treat for the eyes. o'neill has gifted us another precious comfort read. their most recent prior work, the moth keeper, felt like it was missing a lil something - so i'm especially relieved that this story hits just right.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This was beautifully done. I really liked it and it's such an important story of finding oneself and then finding acceptance for kids to see. I know it'll be a hit.

I love the story. The drawings were great. K O'Neill always tells great stories with a variety of characters.

Thank you to Random House Children's and NetGalley for this ARC!

I was swept away by the beautiful illustrations and lovely story of A Song For You and I (I can’t wait to buy a copy for myself). It’s low-stakes, a hopeful and reflective exploration of self discovery and friendship as one young Ranger-in-training (Rose) takes young shepherd (and violinist) Leone to deliver wool to a city several days travel away. Along the way, as the young Ranger tries to better understand the choices that led them here and who they want to be, Leonie has a chance to find their future path too. It’s a lovingly-drawn bucolic (and queer-normative) world, with Rangers helping balance the needs of nature and humans around them. I was able to check it out in print as well, and loved the gilded touches on the cover of the small, slim story. Part of the young Ranger’s story is about finding a name that suits them better, and the low-key trans acceptance made it all the more enjoyable. Recommended for middle grade children and adults alike, and there’s a lovely pegasus character for horse-lovers as well.

Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Children's for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

It was okay. The art was really great for the landscapes but the faces felt off sometimes. I would've liked more on the two protagonists themselves but too many pages were wasted on random landscapes.

Rowan knows exactly what they and their trusted flying horse, Kes, needs to do to be a ranger and protect their village. But when Rowan’s eagerness to prove themselves gets Kes hurt, they are suddenly unsure if they’re capable of becoming what they’ve always dreamed of.

While Kes needs time to heal, Rowan is assigned a laidback post - being paired with a sheep herder named Leone as he travels across the lands on deliveries, but they only get more and more frustrated by not being able to do simple tasks. As Leone’s own struggles and endless support brings new possibilities to Rowan, could their unlikely pairing turn into something more?

I fell in love with K. O’Neill when I read The Tea Dragon Society and will always read everything they published. I’ve always loved not only their illustrations but their queer representation as well. With Rowan, being true to themselves so that they can be the best ranger is simply written, for the younger age group, but it’s still powerful.

Overall, the storyline of this beautifully drawn graphic novel flows effortlessly from adorable moments into slightly darker, more serious situations.

*Thank you Random House Graphic and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

A Song for You and I is a cute little graphic novel. Rose is a novice ranger, partnered with a flying horse. Leone is a shepherd, but really just wants to play the violin. Rose is hardworking, Leone, maybe not so much. One reckless decision later, though, and Rose is grounded, tasked with escorting Leone when he delivers his family's wool. Along the way, they develop a clearer understanding of each other and themselves.

The art was a huge draw for me with this one. It's beautifully done. This is a super quick read, with little dialogue. The story is a sweet one, and the world is interesting enough that I'd love to see more from it in the future.

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.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the chance to review this beautiful title.

K. O’Neill is one of my absolute favourite graphic novel authors, so any new release is an instant must-read for me. I’ve adored The Tea Dragon Society books for years, and I’m always left in awe at the gentle but powerful storytelling in everything they create. A Song for You and I is no exception—it’s another quiet masterpiece, filled with heart, self-discovery, and a soft kind of magic that feels like a warm hug.

This story follows a trainee ranger and their pegasus partner after an injury puts their future in question. While recovering, they’re sent to a new post and paired with a laid-back shepherd and musician named Leone. What follows is a slow, thoughtful journey—part literal, part emotional—as they begin to understand themselves and what they truly want from their path. It’s the kind of story that takes its time in the best way, allowing the characters to breathe and the lessons to unfold naturally.

One of the things I’ve always loved about K. O’Neill’s work is how they manage to weave in important messages—about identity, acceptance, and connection—without ever feeling preachy. This story, like all their others, feels so inclusive and affirming. It touches on finding the name that fits you, learning to listen to yourself, and understanding that being “enough” doesn’t have to mean being the best or the fastest. It just means being true to who you are.

And of course, the art is just as dreamy and expressive as ever. The pegasus designs are gorgeous, and I found myself lingering on certain pages just to take it all in. The colours, the little details, the facial expressions—it all comes together in that signature K. O’Neill style that’s immediately recognisable and always enchanting.

This was a soft, soul-soothing read, and I know I’ll be revisiting it often. It’s the kind of story that leaves you feeling a little more whole than when you started. I’ll be counting down the days until K. O’Neill’s next book, because I already can’t wait for more.

Rowan is pondering many life changes. As a novice ranger, one of many trained to ride with winged horses, they wonder why they're given a mundane task of watching a shepherd in the fields while others have far more dangerous tasks. Leone doesn't pay attention to the sheep, preferring to play violin. Rowan gets worried when Leone is out in a bad storm, deciding to go and rescue the shepherd. Though they wonder if it was just to prove themselves when their horse Kestrel gets injured and the senior rangers discuss waiting to officiate Rowan. Leone appreciates that Rowan came for a rescue, asking for their help in transporting wool to interested craftspeople around the land. The journey may help them both make difficult decisions about their futures.

Having read K. O’Neill's other works, A Song for You and I speaks about the uncertainty of our futures and dreams. A dream may have provisos and downsides that you weren't considering. For Leone, taking creative risks isn't worth it. Though Rowan also enjoys hearing the violin against the swaying of the grass and the movements of the sheep, not everyone may. The story shows how a little bit of confidence and self-forgiveness can go a long way.