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.

Another great graphic novel by K O'Neill! Beautiful pictures and a lovely story about finding one's true self. As always I loved it and can't wait until the next graphic novel comes out.

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!

What a sweet story, and another great addition to O'Neill's list of works! I think this is an amazing book for the Middle Grade crowd. It's got wonderful themes about being yourself and not needing to prove yourself to the ones who care about you. Of course, the story is helped along by K. O'Neill's beautiful art, as well. If you have a child or classroom of children in the Middle Grade range, I think this book would be a lovely addition to the library!

This truly beautiful graphic novel sent me on a big kick of reading just about everything by K. O'Neill. It's really gorgeous, and all about breathing room—so many wide open vistas, so much space in the story itself to stop, and breathe, and notice and enjoy the scenery. A great read about learning that supporting your community, and being a hero, isn't necessarily all action and adventure but is about taking care, including of yourself.

Rowan wants to protect their village as a ranger along with their flying horse Kes. When showing off gets Kes injured, Rowan isn't sure they can be a good enough protector. As Kes heals, Rowan is assigned to a slow expedition with lackadaisical sheep herder Leone. Each struggle in their own way during the trip, and Rowan soon wonders if their friendship is something more. If it is, could Rowan leave to become a ranger?

This graphic novel seeks to answer the question "What happens if the hero fails?" The illustrations are adorable, which makes sense since this is written by the same author who does the Tea Dragon graphic novels. (Go check those out if you haven't read them, they're adorable and fun reads.) In the world of this book, rangers advocate for humans and nature, and all of the novice rangers hoped for daring posts. Rowan, originally known as Rose, gets Lamb's Ear Meadow, where "lazy shepherd Leone" is known to nap. He doesn't mind being a shepherd since it gives him time to practice his violin. It's rescuing him from a storm that injures Kes' wing, and now the two are sent to help check in on families and clear roads from the storm debris.

During the traveling, Rose sees different people and that there's more to the meadows than they previously thought. They also consider the name Rowan and see how different villagers live throughout the traveling. Leone has his own insecurities, which is why he appears so lazy to ranger novices. Over the course of the story, we see how insecurities trap anyone, so they can't be their true selves. Family and traditions are important, and holding true to them as well can be difficult. We find out why Leone only plays for the sheep, and why Rose pushed Kes so hard. By the end, they both find the place they need to be and are able to be themselves.

I love everything K. O’Neill makes, and this book is no exception.

A Song for You & I is charming, adorable, and cozy. It's about Rowan, who wants to be a ranger, and Leone, who accepts them for who they are.
I love the art. Kes is beautiful and the landscapes are lovely. As an artist, whenever I see K. O’Neill's art, I want to pick up a pencil and draw. Everything's gorgeously inspiring.

I got access to an ebook arc copy, and now that it's officially out, I can't wait to pick up a physical copy!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the eGalley to review!

Gosh, I could just stare at O'Neill's art for hours. I've become such a huge fan and was certainly not disappointed when picking up this one!

Rowan has a few issues that this journey then guides them along to resolve: they want to be a ranger but are afraid that they don't have what it takes to be one, especially when they hurt their best friend and flying horse Kes when trying to prove themselves. They're also scared about carving their name on the door of their academy as the rite of passage into fully fledged ranger, because everyone around them calls them Rose instead of Rowan. It takes the unexpected support from lackadaisical sheep herder Leone--by whom Rowan was annoyed upon first meeting--and sharing their burdens with each other that Rowan starts to understand not just their own self, but their place in the world.

Aside from the gorgeous art, Rowan and Leone's budding friendship is absolutely a highlight of this story. It's so sweet and cozy to read and Leone may come off as a "no thoughts, head empty" kind of person but is actually a character with as much depth as Rowan. They both have struggles about who they are and who they want to be, both are scared about taking leaps of faith, and both need someone who just understands them. As Leone tells Rowan later on, it's likely best to please yourself first instead of trying to please others, and those who love you will get it. Their friendship is the catalyst for both of them discovering their true selves and getting to a point where they're comfortable expressing that truth. There are some beautiful, joyous moments across multiple panels and multiple page spreads of them easing into themselves and finding answers and harmony with the world because of it.

For anyone who is struggling with self-esteem, especially to those who are queer, A Song for You and I is a love letter to you. I just know that you will come out of it with something splendid.

(Also the bonus production art is such an awesome thing that was added in the back--I love it!)

Oh, this is so sweet. There were a lot of pages without dialogue - just gorgeous pictures that let your imagination take you away. There was so much sweetness between these mains and a really cute story. I did wish for a bit more dialogue and a touch more story depth. I don't think it was the scenes without dialogue or speaking...I think it was the scenes that happened off page. I thought there would be more with Rowan's naming ceremony for one. But overall, super cute!

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