Member Reviews

The Tea Dragon Festival is the second part of the series and still as cute as ever! Rinn has lived her whole life surrounded by tea dragons until she actually stumbles across a real dragon that has been sleeping for eighty years. Aedhan was supposed to be the guardian of the city, but was under a spell and feels like it lost so much due to it. Rinn teaches Aedhan about the village, tea dragons and stuff she loves about to make the dragon feel at home again. At the same time Uncle Erik and Hesekiel try to unravel the mystery of the deep sleep. The story is heartwarming and full of meaning, which makes this series so wonderful. I kind of wished we had got better into the sleep spell though, since it was somewhat lacking, but otherwise I don't have any complaints. The story rhythm is great and the pace just perfect.

The art is cute and works well with the story and world. The absence of black lines is a good call and softens the art. The roundness is adorable and the tea dragons are cute like no other. I also enjoyed the sign language and the appreciation of being different, which has been evident in this series from the start. O'Neill has created a marvelous world that is exciting and new and still so familiar all at the same time.

Was this review helpful?

Ohh this is such a cute thing.

I loved this comic book so much, can't stop gushing over it. Artistically speaking, the art is superb, the drawings make you want to be part of the story, everything is so beautiful, all the details are so vivid. The color pallete is just stunning, all those magical creatures come to life with such wise color choices. And the fact that purple is very predominant here and my favorite color, gained a million points with me!!

This story itself is very interesting, I loved the fact the we have a dragon here who was a sleepyhead hahahaha, not his fault though. Rinn is such a cute little girl who wants the best for her family and who's always willing to help everybody, it doesn't matter who they might be.
This magical world is just fantastic but I wished we could've known a bit better about the clan where Aedham came from. Maybe in another book? Heheheh.

I loved this story and even though I wish I could've read The Tea Dragon Society first, this one was a great introduction to the Tea Dragon World. Totally recommend it!!!

Was this review helpful?

This is an adorable graphic novel.

Rinn is looking for mushrooms in the forrest when she across a real dragon. The dragon has been asleep for eighty years. The dragon's job was to protect Rinn's village. Rinn takes the dragon back to the village. Her Grammon remembers the dragon from when she was a child.

This was my first graphic novel. I really enjoyed this one. The graphics were beautiful. I will be picking up the first book in this series and this one.

Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Children's Fiction
Comic & Graphic Novels
Release Date: September 17, 2019

Was this review helpful?

I received an exclusive copy of The Tea Dragon Society in an Owlcrate box, and absolutely loved it. When I noticed I could request The Tea Dragon Festival on NetGalley, I didn't hesitate and requested it rightaway. I'm so happy I did!

The story starts off with an explanation of the sign language used in the story. I find it incredibly important that not only a deaf character is included, but they use sign language aswell. It's even further explored in the story.

The story takes place years before The Tea Dragon Society and I was so surprised to see old characters in this book! This story was a bit different but followed the lives of different people, what they were doing and how they where life was going to take them. Whether that's with a person they love, a place they can life their life or maybe what work you'll do to live the life you want.

"Just because something comes easily to you, does not mean it has no value. You find it effortless because you love it, and that is why it is your gift."

It was endearing and funny and thoughtful and sweet. It was everything I wished for. The Tea Dragons were such an addes bonus. The Mountain Chamomile! I really relate to it.

At the end of the book there is a short explanation about the different Tea Dragons in the story and a note about the differences and similarities between Dragons and Tea Dragons. It's just something I didn't expect. I knew the explanations regarding the Tea Dragons was in the first book aswell, but I was still surprised. Happily so, as it's just an extra bonus. More artwork for me to fawn over!

Was this review helpful?

I, too, want to befriend a dragon.

I simply adore The Tea Dragon Society so was it a surprise that I would love The Tea Dragon Festival too? No, absolutely not. Reading this story felt like being wrapped in a blanket with a sweet forehead kiss by someone who loves you, it feels safe, satisfying, joyous.

If I had to describe this book in one word I would say fluff, but of course I can't so I'll add heartwarming, colourful, the most feel good ever, lovely, pure, adorable and so much more. I am completely in love with this story and these characters and the art.

Was this review helpful?

This is the most adorable, sweet, fluffy, feel good, GORGEOUS thing I've beheld! It hit me in the feels harder than Aquicorn Cove - those tea dragons are beyond adorable! After the first chapter, I immediately preordered the book and bought The Tea Dragon Society - I need this cuteness, this acceptance, this inclusion on my shelves. I love how sign language is incorporated, as well as the sense of family and community, and finding one's purpose. I think I may have to read everything Ms. O'Neill offers from here on out - that's how deeply this touched my soul! 5 out of 5 wine glasses.

Was this review helpful?

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Tea Dragon Festival is the second Tea Dragon graphic novel from Katie O'Neill. Due out 17th Sept. 2019 from Oni, it's 136 pages and will be available in hardback format.

I reviewed the first book in 2017 and am happy to report that this book is just as sweetly charming and beautifully crafted as the first book. The artist author is so adept with art that supports and enhances the narrative. The illustrations are very colorful and vibrant.

Although this book is ostensibly aimed at middle readers (age 8-12), I found it a charming and very enjoyable read. This would make a superlative read-to-me book for young children or a read-along. The book's message of kindness, gentleness, inclusivity, and working cooperatively for mutual benefit are -so- necessary and timely. The author manages to convey the messages without ever being strident or preachy. I also liked that one of the characters uses sign language and at least to some degree, the other characters have picked up different signs (which are drawn in the book).

The characters look and act differently from one another and appear to be different ethnicities and it's no big deal .

I loved this book. The author is gifted and generous to share her stories with us. Looking forward to more. (Please).

Was this review helpful?

As the rest of Katie O'Neill's works, this has a lovely story with a diverse cast of characters and fantastic art. I really appreciate how the author always makes it a point to be really inclusive in all her stories and I think we can always use more of that for children's fiction. The world of Tea Dragons that she has created is beautiful and I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want to live in this world if it were possible. I enjoyed her first book set in this world more, but this is a great follow up as well.

Was this review helpful?

I've been waiting for this book for so long because I had loved the Tea Dragon Society and this one was a good as the first one! It was soft and cute and full on flowers and dragons. The drawings are amazing as the colors. I dived into this world and never wanted to go back.

Was this review helpful?

One word review: adorable!
Such a cute continuation of the tea dragons, that does a wonderful job of incorporating ASL and deaf culture into this charming children’s graphic novel. Everyone already following this story will be beyond pleased by the follow up!

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely adored it. I read the Tea Dragon Society last year when it came in an owlcrate box and this prequel is just as cute. The artwork is stunning and the story has some really lovely messages running through it but they don't seem too pushy, if you know what I mean. Loved it and cannot wait to own a copy.

Was this review helpful?

The Tea Dragon Society was one of the most adorable children's graphic novels I've ever read, but I confess I was disappointed by the lack of a satisfying plot arc. This prequel rectified my concerns with the previous book while losing none of its charm. I think some reader may be disappointed that the characters who reappear in this volume are the adults, Erik and Hesekiel, rather than the younger Greta and Minette. Still, there are new wonderful characters to meet instead, including Rinn, a nonbinary youth interested in cooking, and Aedhan, a full-size guardian dragon. And, of course, a new set of squee-inducing tea dragons, all set in a beautiful and gentle fantasy world. I think this will be just as popular at my library as the first volume.

Was this review helpful?

Setting aside the illustrated nature of this book, its story works well. This is a lovable fantasy tale as strong in its world-building as its predecessor.

Now reminding myself of the fact that this is a graphic novel, the images practically pop off the page. This is a work of beautiful art bordering on animation.

Fantastic.

Was this review helpful?

"Just because something comes easily to you, does not mean it has no value. You find it effortless because you love it, and that is why it is your gift."

After having absolutely adored The Tea Dragon Society, I didn't know how quickly to request this companion graphic novel. And just like in The Tea Dragon Society, this was once again a breathtakingly beautiful graphic novel, full of seemingly effortless diversity.

This novel moved a little slower than its predecessor, and it was amazing to see more of a background unfold. In this story, we meet Hesekiel and Erik again, but at an earlier period in their lives, when they've only been together for a few years. The novel is centered around Erik's family, however, and the peaceful, loving village they live in.

I just fell so completely in love with this story. There are were so many incredibly heartwarming, sweet aspects, and reading it felt like a warm hug.

Rep: multiple characters of colour, non-binary character, Deaf character & use of ASL.

Was this review helpful?

This children's graphic novel is a companion story to the utterly charming The Tea Dragon Society and is just as delightful. Rinn gathers food for her isolated mountain village and stumbles across a dragon meant to protect the village whose been caught in an enchanted sleep. Together they try to find their purpose in their community.

Katie O'Neill has once again created a gentle fantasy world full of kindness and care. Her art is enchantingly beautiful, reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's forests, and the tea dragons are adorably cute and grumpy. The Tea Dragon Festival is a lovely book for children but I think readers of all ages would love it and I hope O'Neill will write more in this magical series.

Was this review helpful?

I wish I could live in Katie O'Neill's illustrations. A great follow up to the first Tea Dragon book, this one focuses on a new character in the form of a ~real~ dragon who had been asleep for 80 years. Beautifully rendered story about valuing your time with loved ones and knowing that your skills are valid.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely adorable, as with all of Katie O'Neill's books! This is a prequel to The Tea Dragon Society, but I think they could be read separately or in either order -- Erik and Hesekiel, the sweet older couple who run the tea shop from Tea Dragon Society, appear again, this time as young adventurers, but the primary focus is on Rinn, a young nonbinary resident of a village that raises tea dragons, and the dragon they discover in the woods. The art is beautifully colored and incorporates sign language smoothly (one of the other villagers is either deaf or mute, and the entire village now communicates in a mixture of speech and sign language), and the human characters run the gamut of skin colors (but like. normal human skin colors, nobody is green or purple). A gorgeously illustrated and gentle coming-of-age story that I would strongly recommend to anyone looking for a non-sexualized but queer-friendly book for children, and to any kids who love fantasy but don't want a big scary adventure story!

Was this review helpful?

The Tea Dragon Festival is a heartwarming and delightful story with beautiful illustrations and the cute little dragons. I loved reading every single moment and Katie O'Neil is so talented in the way she effortlessly draws out emotion. The book has wonderful representation and a lovely message yet some how poignant.

It was was wonderful in a heartbreaking sort of way? I was in tears by how sweet and adorable it was. I hope everyone gets a chance to read it.

Was this review helpful?

This is a companion novel to Katie O'Neill's The Tea Dragon Society, which I was lucky to receive a copy of in an Owlcrate box. After reading The Tea Dragon Society I really wanted to know more about Hesekiel and Erik, two of the main characters in the story. They portrayed such a depth of knowledge about tea dragons and the world in which they lived. My wish came true in the form of this wonderful prequel!

We're introduced to a few new characters, a remote mountain village and an actual fierce dragon in this instalment. There's a deaf character amongst these new additions and so the author has amazingly incorporated the use of sign language by most of the characters into the illustrations.

I would have like to have learnt a little bit more about the magical creature in the forest who Hesekiel and Erik stumble upon, but otherwise this instalment was pure perfection. It is such a wonderful story of friendship and companionship.

I really hope there are more instalments planned for this world, as I would love to find out more about the tea dragons.

Was this review helpful?

I requested this the second I saw it and was very excited to be able to read it despite being much older than the target demographic. I loved the first book and the charming, detailed illustrations. I am pretty sure this is a prequal, even though it has been over a year since I read the first one, and it is wonderful to see a few of the beloved characters again as well as many new ones. The grumpy and inquisitive tea dragons are there as well. The main character is Rinn who is learning to cook and loves to forage in the forest. On one such trip, she finds a sleeping dragon and invites him back to the village as the village prepares for a festival. I love the tea dragons and deeply want one. Otherwise, I recommend this to anyone regardless of age for its charming story and the illustrations of a beautiful, magical world.

Was this review helpful?