Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

A Song for You and I follows ranger-in-training Rowan as they grapple with their ability to achieve their dream.

K. O'Neill knows how to write a graphic novel that is so cozy and so emotionally devastating that it takes me weeks to move on, and A Song for You and I is no exception. Rowan and Leone were richly imagined and such a joy to follow over the course of their journey. Though they encountered conflict and strife, the ultimate result of their internal and external journeys had me feeling nothing but proud and filled with a peaceful joy. The heartwarming story paired with gorgeous and whimsical illustrations made for a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience, and one I won't soon forget.

I absolutely adored this book. I could have read it in one sitting, but I stretched it over a few days. Reading A Song for You and I felt like getting wrapped up in a warm hug. The relationship between Leone and Rowan was so thoughtful and kind. I loved watching them grow into themselves, together. This is a lovely story about identity and acceptance in a world where it’s much needed. I will be recommending this to everyone and purchasing a copy for myself.

Thank you to Netgally & Random House & K. O’Neill for the review copy.

A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill is a warm hug of book that is sure to become a treasured favorite for many readers– both in the intended middle grade market and far beyond.

This tender graphic novel from the author of The Tea Dragon Society is gentle, has an aura of kindness, and is delightful from cover to cover.

Rowan is a novice ranger, training to be a guardian along with their trusty flying horse, Kes. Rowan is somewhat disappointed when their ranger assignment includes a meadow where sheep herder Leone often plays violin—instead of watching the sheep. Though Rowan is mentally investigating their sense of self, they still fulfill all their ranger duties… despite teasing from the other rangers about their assignment. A violent storm and the opportunity for a daring rescue tempt Rowan to act outside their orders, resulting in an injury for Kes. To help heal Kes, and their relationship, Rowan helps Leone deliver wool to outlying areas. Their journey offers them the chance to get to know themselves, and each other, better.

O’Neill’s art is breathtaking, from grand vistas to detailed, delicate close-ups. It allows for their subtle storytelling to shine through words and art alike. While there is a lot going on underneath the surface in any given panel, the message is clear– and beautiful.

Main themes include finding oneself and healing, all in various forms. Rowan, Leone, and Kes all dig deep, do the healing work, and bond.

Back matter includes a peek into the author-artist’s sketchbook, a glimpse inside the making of the book. Even the sketches are breathtakingly beautiful.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Random House Children’s for an e-ARC such that I could share my honest opinions.

A Song for You and I is now available!

A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill was a cute little surprise. This graphic novel covered the bases for me: cozy plot, beautiful artwork, character development, and a few sweet meanings behind it. I found myself stopping to admire the artwork many times and understanding a young Rowan’s need to impress their friends and mentors. This story encourages readers to be themselves no matter what others think while also encouraging those around you to do what they love. If you’re looking for something quick to read that’s cozy then this is for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. I've followed this artist for a bit, and the artwork was gorgeous. This is a story of two young people trying to find themselves and finding others who will accept them just as they are. Unfortunately while the story was a sweet one, it felt so disjointed. I wish we could have had more development of the characters and the world they lived in.

1 Sentence Summary: Rowan has always wanted to be a ranger, but after a dangerous mistake, will Rowan be able to find their way again?

My Thoughts: This was so lovely. The story is so wholesome and whimsical; reading it feels like lying in the grass on a sunny day. Also, the art is BEAUTIFUL. The art style, the color scheme, the landscapes…everything was so perfect and gorgeous. I could just look at the art all day. So pretty and atmospheric.

A journey of self discovery, acceptance, and finding your way in the world.

Recommend to: Fans of cozy graphic novels about self discovery.

As a restless trainee wanting to prove their worth as a ranger before the final tests, Rowan winds up putting themselves and their flying horse, Kes, in danger and getting Kes hurt. Their chance to prove their capability after that comes as an assignment to accompany lackadaisical sheep herder Leone across the land to deliver his family's wool. Leone seems like the total opposite of Rowan in his carefree personality, but the fiddle-playing youngster hides a lot behind his carefree smile. It will be a journey of discoveries and revelations for both.

It's amazing how relaxing and cozy a story about a kid who wants to become a defender and go on adventures can be. Rowan being grounded and forced to walk with Leone on their travels gives the story a more grounded feel that helps put both characters' journey of discovery on the forefront. Them slowly opening up and pushing each other to go after what they want and to be who they want to be is lovely. Not a whole lot happens, but that's what makes it so cozy, that it's just about Rowan and Leone finding the will to be themselves.

The art is cute and fits the story perfectly. It flows from adorable moments of fun to slightly darker situations without ever feeling like the change is jarring. Some of the panels are downright art print worthy in the amount of emotion they can express.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Random House Graphic for the sweet read!

heartwarming and adorable. The story was focusing on the characters self-discovery rather than the external problem. Rose was a novice ranger who’s last task is to guard a meadow that was mostly tranquil. That’s where she met Leone, shepherd who spend his days playing violin. Rose felt like her name didn’t fit her, but she didn’t know what to do. Some things led Rose and Leone to spend more time together and they naturally helped each other be the best version of themselves.

There’s not much dialogue happening, but the illustrations on each panel was enough to tell the story. It was beautiful, peaceful. Like it coaxed me to take my time and savor it slowly. The last part made me weep because it just so beautiful. I love it.

This was positively adorable. A story about the adventure of discovering your true self A Song for You and I will sweep you off your feet.

I absolutely adore K. O’Neil’s graphic novels and A Song for You and I is no exception. First, the
art style is incredible. The light blues, greens and yellows complimented the story so well. The colors reminded me of spring when flowers begin to blossom and the sun finally comes out of the shadows. It reflected Rowan and Leone’s growth perfectly. I loved the way Rowan and Leon found each other. Their friendship felt like coming home. It was warm and cozy. I loved getting to know them and watching them help each other blossom. The addition to Kes in the story was also so wonderfully wholesome. There is no bond quite like that between a human and their animal. It broke my heart to see Kes and Rowan stray from one another but ultimately I loved their reunion. I keep saying “I loved…I loved” but really there are no words besides love to describe my feelings towards this book. I can’t wait to keep reading O’Neil's work in the future.

Thank you to Random House Children’s and Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I am an avid reader of K. O’Neill’s graphic novels! At the heart of this story is a character who realized they made a mistake and hurt one of the ones they love the most. Told through O’Neill’s signature art style, we go on a journey of healing adventures where the characters begin to recognize their places in the world. A Song for You & I features beautiful transgender and gender-fluid representation. This is not my favorite K. O’Neill graphic novel based on the story, but I still recommend it for the art style and representation. 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the graphic novel A Song for You & I.

I am a big fan of K. O’Neill and A Song for You and I did not disappoint. What a beautiful and entertaining read. I am not a big fantasy reader but I still very much enjoyed this book. Will definitely recommend my tweens to read it.

K. O'Neill never misses! Their artwork has this dreamy, surreal quality and their storytelling is lovely and endearing! Add in inclusive characters, mythical creatures, and worlds I want to live in, plus discussing sensitive topics in a delicate way? Bullseye every time! A Song for You and I is no exception! Sweet and whimsical like a Studio Ghibli movie, we follow Rowan and Leone (and Kel, Rowan's pegasus) as they travel from town to town in this picturesque landscape. Rowan is battling with their identity and desire to become a ranger while learning about themself and how they want to move forward in their life. Leone is facing his own struggles of purusuing his passion despite what others may think. Together they develop an unlikely friendship that is so lovely to watch unfold! I only wish it was longer.

At this point, I will read everything K. O'Neill book out there, immediately. As a huge fan of the Tea Dragon books, the author's continued ability to capture quiet yet profound moments in art amazes me. I loved reading about Rowan and Leone; and how each of them develop over the course of the graphic novel. A quick read overall but the art compels me to take my time to engage with each panel; I highly recommend if you're in the mood for a cozy fantasy with heartfelt and powerful moments accompanied by gorgeous and adorable art! A huge thank you to the publisher for sending me an eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest thoughts.

What a beautifully drawn story! I was drawn to it the moment I opened the book to the illustrations. A Song for You and I follows Novice Rose as she receives news that her final post before becoming a Ranger is less than she desired. While at this post, Rose makes a decision that injures her flying horse and trusted companion, Kestrel. Instead of being removed from the program until the following year, Rose is reassigned to ground duty with Leone, the local shepherd and musician. It is through this experience that Rose gains a new perspective on herself and the world around her.

The story was an easy read and a delightful one at that. The beautiful illustrations were a great accompaniment to the wholesome story. I love watching the character development - in Rose herself, her relationship with and understanding of the locals, and her relationship with Leone. It was an absolutely beautiful story about self-discovery and growth that will easily appeal to all ages.

Before I begin, I would like to thank K. O’Neill for allowing me to read a NetGalley copy of their upcoming book, A Song for You and I, which will be available on March 4th, 2025.

Rowan wants to become a ranger that protects their village with their flying horse, Kes. During an act for Rowan to prove themselves, Kes is injured, and Rowan is tasked with accompanying lackadaisical sheep hearder Leone to different lands, and the novice ranger’s frustration and uncertainty in themselves grows. But as Leone reveals his own struggles and offers unlimited support to Rowan, Rowan wonders if their friendship could become something more and whether they can leave Leone once Kes is healed to learn how to be a ranger.

This book was fantastic. You have Rowan, a passionate, clever and brave novice ranger that wants to protect others and do their best. You have Leone, a kind, calm, steady young sheep hearder that likes to play the violin as he watches the sheep. The drawings were beautiful, and the story was wholesome and sweet. I liked seeing Rowan regain their confidence and find their inner strength throughout the book, and how the two main characters supported each other and became friends. The journeys they had were great, and Kes was gorgeous and wonderful (I am so impressed by those who can draw). I cheered for the two characters finding courage to be themselves proudly throughout the book. Overall, if you like gorgeous art, wonderful worldbuilding, complex characters, coming-of-age, great LGBTQ+ representation, and wholesome stories that have romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link with more information: A Song for You and I: (A Graphic Novel): O'Neill, K.: 9780593182307: Amazon.com: Books

A light heartwarming story. Finished this in one sitting. The art-style and color palettes are sure eye-candies. It revolved around the values we take along the journey. Finding bravery to try again, acknowledge one's mistake and getting back to our purpose. To not lose ourselves. love it!!

If you're into graphic novel with coming of age heartwarming story, give it a go!!

Thanks so much publisher and netgalley for the arc in exchange for honest review.

I’ve been a fan of K. O’Neill since The Tea Dragon Society and they continue to build such beautiful, whimsical worlds. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous. The world that’s been created here is intricate and well designed.

My only qualm is that this book is a lot more illustration heavy. There are quite a few times where it’s multiple pages of illustrations without dialogue or written descriptions and I prefer more dialogue heavy graphic novels. There is a lot of nonverbal communication shown in the illustrations but there are also some that are just pages of landscapes.

K. O'Neill is amazing! There are simply no other words needed. The graphic novels they create are magical, adorable and just pure joy to read! Every house should own all of their collection!

This was absolutely beautiful. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I will absolutely be buying this along with O’Neills backlog.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for this arc!

I have been a fan of K's work for so many years now that I was delighted to see a new book from this author. K always has such beautiful messages in their work that told in a way simple enough for any age group to understand. The exploration of gender and names was particularly poignant.

The art style in this book, just as each of this author's works, is absolutely beautiful. I was particularly blown away by how they depicted the Pegasus and the various birds (particularly herons, some of my favorite) throughout this work.

So excited for this book to be out in the world, and as always, looking forward to anything else O'Neill publishes in the future.