Member Reviews
Thanks to Random House Children's and NetGalley for this ARC. A beautifully drawn middle grade graphic novel about overcoming failure and finding one’s place in the world.
I have enjoyed some of K. O'Neill's books in the past but this one missed the mark for me. There were too many pages without dialogue. I also thought the book should have been shorter. There was a lack of a plot and the ending felt abrupt. I absolutely love the author's illustrations as always though. The message of the story is important, and I am glad that young kids have access to books like these nowadays.
Oh, I adored this! It was absolutely wonderful, and honestly I loved the concept of the rangers so much. The artwork was beautiful, and I loved the design of the characters, and the animals were so adorable. Also, the journey of Rowan!! I felt that so personally, and I really hope it resonates it’s more people.
Thank you for allowing me to read an early copy!
Once again, K O’Neill has created another adorable cozy little masterpiece. I am obsessed with everything I read by them! The art is literally my favorite artwork in any graphic novels ever. This author is an instant buy for me and the author of a few of my favorite books including the tea dragon series and aquicorn cove, and a song for you and I did not disappoint. 5 comfy cozy stars!
Beautifully drawn book about having the courage to live honestly and to live your dreams. Rowan’s dreams of becoming a ranger who protects the land and the people living on it are tested when they make the a rash decision that ends poorly with Rowan’s horse being injured. While Rowan’s injured horse is grounded, they are assigned to helping a violin-playing shepherd trek to outer coastal lands. An unlikely friendship blossoms that will change both of them forever.
Rowen is meant to be a Ranger. They just have to make it through training to prove it to everyone else. When a snap decision during a storm goes against the master’s orders and injures their beloved flying horse Kes, the doubts creep in.
As Kes recovers Rowen is paired with the laid back sheep herder, Leone, who seemingly has no ambition at all. The two seemed mismatched at first, but maybe they are just what the other needs.
This latest graphic novel from the Queer-affirming author of The Tea Dragon Society is another great Middle Grade read.
I thought this graphic novel was great. The illustrations were beautiful and matched the tone of the book well. I felt the story was good, though it didn’t stick with me very long, it was one I was able to read through in one sitting and enjoy. I really liked the diversity in this book and would definitely help some middle-grade kids relate to characters that might not always have representation and/or help them discover who they may be. Overall, I would recommend!
Heroes aren't worth rooting for if they aren't relatable. Rowan desperately wants to be a Ranger, and they have proven they have what it takes. However, their final assignment in Lamb's Ear Meadow doesn't offer much adventure and Rowan is left feeling like more of a babysitter for Leone, a Shepard more interested in their violin than their flock. Rowan's restlessness leads them to make a reckless choice, and they are forced to make amends and consider what it means to serve others and be true to yourself.
K. O'Neill has once again created a beautiful, cozy world for her characters to live and grow in. The layers of meaning that they weave into their seemingly simple stories leave the reader feeling seen and understood in a way that is difficult to articulate. Like O'Neill's other works, the characters are loveable and the journey of self-discovery that Rowan and Leone embark on shows off the gorgeous world that has been created for them. I can see this being a hit for many age groups as well as a text that will offer comfort and clarity for those who need it.
Also, bonus points for flying horses. Kestrel's story is just as intriguing as Rowan and Leone's, and I would read more of Kestrel and the other flying horses' stories in a heartbeat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for an eARC of this book.
K. O'Neill has done it again—such incredible artwork and a story about self-discovery and finding your place.
Like many other readers, I've come to rely on K. O'Neill for warm, evocative art, cozy stories, and gentle but important messages. O'Neill's graphic novels, while aimed at a young audience, can be enjoyed by all ages, and their latest, A Song for You and I, is no exception. While I find the ending a touch abrupt, this is yet another heartwarming tale told through lovely art, that I will be happy to share with the young readers in my life.
Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
K. O'Neill is the master of the quiet, contemplative middle-grade graphic novel and "A Song for You and I" is no exception. The easy pace of the story unwinds with a few moments of peril, but primarily moments of self-reflection and connection. It draws on themes from their other books, and continues to expand on themes of responsibility, trusting yourself, and forgiveness. I really enjoyed this story and loved the art style. The worldbuilding is also excellent and I loved the role of the rangers as community helpers/ emergency aid. I love books that give examples of mutual aid to children, we always need more community action and connection with our neighbors.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the eBook.
Rowan knows exactly what they want: to be a ranger, protecting their village alongside their trusted flying horse Kes. But when Rowan’s eagerness to show off their worth gets Kes injured, Rowan is suddenly unsure if they’re capable of being the protector they’ve always dreamed of becoming. With Kes needing to heal, Rowan is paired with a sheep hearder Leone, Rowan only finds frustration as they seem to fail even the simplest tasks. But Leone’s own struggles, and endless support brings a new possibility to Rowan. Could their unlikely friendship be something more? And if it is, will Rowan be able to leave Leone behind to pursue being a ranger once Kes is healed?
4.75** Cute!!! I love this author's art style and their stories are always so wholesome, I love them. II liked the two main characters and their journey to discover and understand their identities, Rowan as a ranger and Leone as a musician. It's a quiet story, but there is a message of resilience and transformation that I really enjoyed.
Rowan is training to be a ranger, and in trying to demonstrate how capable she is, she gets her partner hurt. Now seen as irresponsible, she is reassigned to help the villagers after a storm. Rowan gets paired with Leone, a laid back shepherd who seems to be Rowan's opposite. Will Rowan prove herself again? Or is she asking the wrong questions?
This is a sweet story about overcoming challenges and becoming comfortable with who you are.
What a beautiful story told with gorgeous illustrations. I love the found family aspect, the acceptance and beauty of it all. I can’t wait to add this to my library.
This book was like a warm hug on a sweet scented breeze. O'Neill's graphic novels are as relevant to any adult as they can be for a child and present that same beauty and power in messaging as Miyazaki's films. I plan to re-read this multiple times and will very likely notice something new and beautiful each time. Beautiful.
This graphic novel was so sweet and wholesome. Rowan battles with their ambition and identity throughout the story. With the steadfast support of Leone, Rowan is able to reflect and slow down. This story reminds you that even though your life isn’t going the way you envisioned, something beautiful can come out in the end. It’s okay to slow down. I loved this story and think everyone should give it a read!
cute and beautiful arts — the lack of dialogues allowed for a contemplative quietness that just worked for me. i loved being able to sit with the art and soak everything in lol, it’s a graphic novel so… why not? other than that, the story itself was simple and straightforward, was it memorable? not really, but did i enjoy myself? absolutely. A Song For You and I bears O’Neil’s signature coziness and i couldn’t ask for anything more.
This was such a cute and beautiful story!! I do think the tenser moments at the start could have had more emotion (overall the book has a very calm feel), but other than that, I just loved everything. The characters really pulled you in and make you reflect about your self-relationship, as well as how you relate to others. And the ending!!! Ah, I'm so happy!
Always excited to read another work from K. O’Neill. They’re always so cozy!
A rangers’ apprentices are reaching the end of their trainings and soon will get to the Name Carving ceremony. First, they’ll have one final post where they will get a chance to prove themselves worthy. Our main character is posted pretty close to home and is worried that things will be boring. This may be true, but we don’t see much from the others and I know I prefer the story we ended up with. It’s just so cozy and exciting, Cozy queer content is what K. O’Neill does best, and I was SAT for it.
I think the setup and dialogue could stand to be a little more…more in the beginning, but once it gets going it’s just a quick, enjoyable read.
Beautiful illustrations accompany a sweet story in graphic nov el format about finding who you are and where you belong. I loved the tie-in to nature and understanding of identity and gender and the found family thread woven in.