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

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!