K. O'Neill

This delightful middle grade manga-esque fantasy graphic novel follows a young girl as she discovers tea dragons and the people who care for them. Tea dragons are small dragons, somewhat feline in nature, whose horns produce leaves from which one can make various kinds of tea. They live for thousands of years and require near-constant attention to be kept alive and well. The story is in large part about the joy to be found in patient, exacting, rewarding work, especially of the kind that not show more everyone understands or that few people see the value in. The illustrations are the perfect combination of whimsy, detail, and charm. Whole-heartedly recommended. show less

From the first page, I adored this diverse, relevant graphic novel that stirred my ocean-loving eco-protecting mermaid heart. New Zealand based author Katie O'Neill has created a call for action to protect our oceans, while also offering an insightful, loving look at how (non-nuclear) families and communities support each other. The art is just so cute. I want an aquicorn! The relationship between Mae and Aure was stunning, beautifully depicted, though I think I loved Lana's connection with show more the ocean and the natural world even more. The author has dedicated the book to "everyone who protects the sea, and for those who will inherit the responsibility." Truly inspiring, and I am getting a copy for my classroom library! This joins my favorite middle grade graphic novels along with The Tea Dragon Society, Tidesong, Katie the Catsitter, My Brother's Husband, and Witches of Brooklyn. LOVE! show less

Rose is a novice training to be a guardian. Soon, she'll carve her name into stone along with all the other guardians' names, but she doesn't feel comfortable with her name. She doesn't reveal this to the other novices or her mentor, Julian, but eventually she tells Leone, a shepherd/musician who lives nearby. Leone easily accepts Rose's name change to Rowan, giving Rowan the confidence they need to repair their relationship with their winger horse, Kestrel (Kes), whose wing was damaged in a show more storm, and become a guardian.

Really, truly beautiful. I especially loved the wordless spreads, which forced me to focus on the art: the changing weather and landscape, the interactions between the characters, new settings, etc. I actually read Leone as female, but he's male. A gentle world that prizes caretaking and balance.

Quotes

"Learning to see through the eyes of a guardian changes you forever." (101)

"It gets a bit tirin', tryin' to prove yourself to others. Some people are just never gonna see you the way you want to be seen, y'know? I reckon it's best to please yourself first, and the ones who love you will get it." (Leone to Rose/Rowan, 167)

Wordless panels, 190-191 show less

Once again, Katie O'Neill has produced a beautiful and touching graphic novel that can't help but charm the reader. I loved the way O'Neill explored themes of grief and growth, of moving on from an old life and embracing a new one, and the fact that while these are universal experiences we all approach them differently and in our own time. Minette, Greta & Ginseng, and Kleitos are all facing new life experiences and new feelings about their old lives and all of them have to grapple with show more those changes in their own way. Like the other books in the Tea Dragon series, this book was quiet and soft and thoughtful. It's definitely a book that I will be coming back to time and again to appreciate the sense of calm and serenity that this book gives me. show less