I've never read a K. O'Neill book that was anything less than five stars for me. This story in particular might be their most gentle, most quiet. A lot is said without words, through shared looks between the characters and observing the scenery. I really enjoyed going on the journey with Rowan and Leone as they learned more about themselves, their gender identity, and their connection with each other. It's basically a starter cozy romantasy for the middle grade audience.

This is such a cute and cozy graphic novel. I love how small scale the stakes are but the characters deal with such depth. The art is gorgeous and very welcoming. Everything feels like a comfy hug of support. What more do you need?!

This book was a quick read but an excellent one. In the end it was about being brave enough to be yourself, even if it isn't who others think you should be.

This book is so beautiful. I didn't want it to end! K. O'Neill does it again!

Thank you to K. O'Neill, Netgalley, and Random House Children's for the ARC of this book.

After reading The Moth Keeper last year, I fell in love with K. O’Neill’s gorgeous, soft illustrations and thoughtful themes, so when I saw that A Song for You and I was set to release for this March, I had high hopes. I’m pleased to say that this new Middle Grade fantasy graphic novel is even better than I expected. The way it handles identity, self-confidence, and romance is so gentle, yet so powerful.

Rowan is desperate to prove they have what it takes to be a ranger, so when their flying horse is injured during a rash attempt to outrun a storm, they’re reassigned to follow the easygoing shepherd and aspiring musician, Leone, making deliveries across a vast, breathtaking landscape. The unlikely pair confide in each other; Leone is afraid to play in front of others after a disheartening performance, and Rowan is worried that even if they’re allowed to join the rangers, they’ll have to use the name that no longer feels like it belongs to them.

One of O’Neill’s strengths is their ability to make complex ideas simple—or maybe, they’re showing us how simple things could be if we showed ourselves and others more kindness. Leone and Rowan are a safe space for each other as they each struggle with their identities, and it’s a heartfelt picture of what it looks like to listen, to accept, and to love.

A Song for You and I will be a perfect Spring release for fans of O’Neill’s other works, wide fantasy worlds, TJ Klune, and cozy games like Spiritfarer.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Graphic for the advanced reading copy!

Rowan has always known that they want to be a ranger, born to protect their village with their flying horse Kes. But when their first assignment isn’t what they expected it would be, they take matters into their own hands. Unfortunately, their eagerness to help causes Kes to get hurt.

In order to allow Kes time to heal, Rowan is assigned to help Leone with their delivery route across the meadows. Their journey allows Rowan to start to learn patience, especially when it comes to healing their relationship with Kes. But as their friendship with Leone starts to turn into something more, do they still want to pursue being a ranger?

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Graphic for an advanced copy of A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill! O’Neill is always good for a cozy graphic novel story, and this one definitely fits the bill. Paired with their gorgeous artwork, this book will definitely allow you to escape the real world for a little while.

At its core, this is a story about growth, growing up, and learning from your mistakes. It’s also a story about identity and learning to be comfortable in your own skin. Especially when it comes to forming friendships and relationships with other people. This may be a quick read, but it is one that will linger once you are finished reading it.

As far as graphic novels go, this is heavier on the illustrations rather than the words. It lends itself well to immersing yourself in the story and just forgetting about the real world for a little while.

If you need something cozy to start your March with, definitely pick this one up!

It was the Scandinavian inspired buildings that drew me into this sweet coming of age story but the theme of patience, courage, and nature as teacher that I’ll remember and share with customers. As a parent, I’ve always told my kids to get to know themselves- and that is the work of growing up- figuring out who you are! I loved this graphic novel!

Rowan is well on their way to becoming a great ranger. They have proven to be a strong candidate, and are therefore disappointed when their last training assignment is with a seemingly lazy sheepherder, Leone. When Rowan tries to rescue Leone during a storm and injures their flying horse, their punishment is to travel with Leone to help others in the community rebuild from the storm. Along the way, Rowan learns a lot about themself, Leone, and family.

A beautiful graphic novel about nature, found family, and identity. A Song for You and I will appeal to fans of O'Neill's other works, and will be a good addition for many collections.

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.