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Tea Dragon #3
The Tea Dragon Tapestry
Join Greta and Minette once more for the heartwarming conclusion of the award-winning Tea Dragon series, now available in paperback!
Over a year after being entrusted with Ginseng's care, Greta still can't chase away the cloud of mourning that hangs over the timid Tea Dragon. As she struggles to create something spectacular enough to impress a master blacksmith in search of an apprentice, she questions the true meaning of crafting, and the true meaning of caring for someone in grief.
Meanwhile, Minette receives a surprise package from the monastery where she was once training to be a prophetess. Thrown into confusion about her path in life, the shy and reserved Minette finds that the more she opens her heart to others, the more clearly she can see what was always inside.
Told with the same care and charm as the previous installments of the Tea Dragon series, The Tea Dragon Tapestry welcomes old friends and new into a heartfelt story of purpose, love, and growth.
Over a year after being entrusted with Ginseng's care, Greta still can't chase away the cloud of mourning that hangs over the timid Tea Dragon. As she struggles to create something spectacular enough to impress a master blacksmith in search of an apprentice, she questions the true meaning of crafting, and the true meaning of caring for someone in grief.
Meanwhile, Minette receives a surprise package from the monastery where she was once training to be a prophetess. Thrown into confusion about her path in life, the shy and reserved Minette finds that the more she opens her heart to others, the more clearly she can see what was always inside.
Told with the same care and charm as the previous installments of the Tea Dragon series, The Tea Dragon Tapestry welcomes old friends and new into a heartfelt story of purpose, love, and growth.
135 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2021
About the author
Kay O'Neill
27 books3,791 followersKay O'Neill is an illustrator and graphic novelist from New Zealand. They are the author of Princess Princess Ever After, The Tea Dragon Society, Aquicorn Cove, and more. They mostly make gentle fantasy stories for younger readers, and are very interested in tea, creatures, things that grow, and the magic of everyday life.
On an Instagram post 17th December 2020 the author shared that they use they/them pronouns and prefers to be called Kay.
They published some of their books as K. O'Neill.
On an Instagram post 17th December 2020 the author shared that they use they/them pronouns and prefers to be called Kay.
They published some of their books as K. O'Neill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,774 reviews
August 3, 2023
ARC provided by Oni Press in exchange for an honest review.
1.) The Tea Dragon Society ★★★★★
2.) The Tea Dragon Festival ★★★★★
*.) Aquicorn Cove ★★★★
This entire series is just so special to me, and this newest installment is probably my favorite thing by Katie O’Neill to date. The Tea Dragon Tapestry truly feels like a love letter to remember loving yourself through all your phases.
I think something we just don’t really talk about enough as readers and reviewers is that sometimes we truly read a book at the most perfect moment in our lives, almost like it was destiny for us to choose this particular story at this particular moment, and that was very much me with The Tea Dragon Tapestry.I honestly don’t think I can put into words how much this story means to me at this time in my life, but I suppose I should give it a try still.
This is a series about a small little village, where some of the community members have tea dragons! Tea dragons are little dragons that sprout little tealeaves when they are being well taken care of. And even though tea dragons are very rare, we get to fall a little bit more and more in love with their caretakers each installment!
This is also one of the most inclusionary graphic novels, which has some of the most beautiful diversity. This story has sapphic characters, gay characters, characters of all different skin colors, disability representation, nonbinary/genderfluid representation, and one of the most beautiful found families of all time.
Like always with my graphic novel reviews, I’m going to try to do little breakdowns of each chapter so I can come back and recap when needed! I’m going to try to keep this relatively spoiler free because this beautiful volume isn’t out yet but use caution still if you’d like to go into this one not knowing anything!
➽ Chapter One:
Brick is the cutest little coal sprite in the whole wide world. My heart's quadrants still belong to Ginseng & Greta and Chamomile and Minette! Hesekiel and Erik and their tea dragons and little tea house mean everything to me too. And in this chapter, we get to see how tea dragons have an extremely strong bond with their caregivers!
➽ Chapter Two:
Minette starts to have magical dreams (that are drawn… so breathtakingly beautifully, oh my word, I’m still rendered absolutely speechless) and Greta is going to try for a blacksmithing apprenticeship!
➽ Chapter Three:
A lot happens in this chapter, but this is where the graphic novel starts to talk about our life’s purpose, and how sometimes our lives do not go the way we thought they would (even if extremely planned and laid out for us), but that is okay. We all experience phases where we question things, even ourselves, but we are never alone with that experience. Also, being nostalgic is very human (and dragon) things, that we all love to feel, but we shouldn’t compare the happiness of the past to the sadness we could be possibly experience in the present.
➽ Chapter Four:
We get to see Rinn and Aedhan from The Tea Dragon Festival again and my heart felt like it had wings of it’s own! And how sometimes all our senses work together to remind us of happy or sad things and times.
➽ Chapter Five:
This was my favorite chapter, and I kind of just wept while reading it. Life can be so hard, and so sad, and so unexpected, and so all of these things at the very same time, but you just have to remember that it will get better, it can get better, and that this is only part of where you are at in life right now. One of the most beautiful things about life is that it is a full journey, where we will change, and people will change, and that’s okay, an that can be beautiful, but we have to keep changing and keep growing and keep living.
➽ Chapter Six:
And even if your journey might be a little unexpected, be happy that it is your journey. I truly know I sound like a bit of a self-help reviewer right now, but this chapter is just so beautiful, and hopefully, and left me so very excited to see where the rest of my journey will take me, no matter how many sad days are left and coming, because there will always be even more happy ones along the way, too.
➽ Epilogue:
This epilogue was so good because it shows you the history on tea dragons! And Hesekiel is too kind to us to show us these secrets and stories of the tea dragons. And to remind us that all our stories are so very important and worthy to be told. And it’s also important to go on your own path and make many more new stories to keep on telling your loved ones who make you feel safe.
The Tea Dragon Series is just a gift to the whole world. It feels like a comforting hug from my very own family and friends who are too far away to give me one. Again, this series just means a lot to me, and if you’re looking for a little light in a world that feels easy to be dark, then I really just recommend this installment with my whole heart and soul. Words and stories really have healing power, and this one truly made me feel so much lighter. And I promise, you are right where you are supposed to be too, friends.
Blog | Instagram | Youtube | Ko-fi | Spotify | Twitch
[2021 reread] truly my favorite of them all
1.) The Tea Dragon Society ★★★★★
2.) The Tea Dragon Festival ★★★★★
*.) Aquicorn Cove ★★★★
”You feel like you’ve lost your path. It’s natural to be sad… it’s alright to let those feelings wash over you, and give them time to soak into the earth. That’s when things start to grow again.”
This entire series is just so special to me, and this newest installment is probably my favorite thing by Katie O’Neill to date. The Tea Dragon Tapestry truly feels like a love letter to remember loving yourself through all your phases.
I think something we just don’t really talk about enough as readers and reviewers is that sometimes we truly read a book at the most perfect moment in our lives, almost like it was destiny for us to choose this particular story at this particular moment, and that was very much me with The Tea Dragon Tapestry.I honestly don’t think I can put into words how much this story means to me at this time in my life, but I suppose I should give it a try still.
”The sadness, the loss, the hurt, as well as the joy, the love, the friendship – it is all part of you tapestry.”
This is a series about a small little village, where some of the community members have tea dragons! Tea dragons are little dragons that sprout little tealeaves when they are being well taken care of. And even though tea dragons are very rare, we get to fall a little bit more and more in love with their caretakers each installment!
This is also one of the most inclusionary graphic novels, which has some of the most beautiful diversity. This story has sapphic characters, gay characters, characters of all different skin colors, disability representation, nonbinary/genderfluid representation, and one of the most beautiful found families of all time.
Like always with my graphic novel reviews, I’m going to try to do little breakdowns of each chapter so I can come back and recap when needed! I’m going to try to keep this relatively spoiler free because this beautiful volume isn’t out yet but use caution still if you’d like to go into this one not knowing anything!
➽ Chapter One:
Brick is the cutest little coal sprite in the whole wide world. My heart's quadrants still belong to Ginseng & Greta and Chamomile and Minette! Hesekiel and Erik and their tea dragons and little tea house mean everything to me too. And in this chapter, we get to see how tea dragons have an extremely strong bond with their caregivers!
➽ Chapter Two:
Minette starts to have magical dreams (that are drawn… so breathtakingly beautifully, oh my word, I’m still rendered absolutely speechless) and Greta is going to try for a blacksmithing apprenticeship!
➽ Chapter Three:
A lot happens in this chapter, but this is where the graphic novel starts to talk about our life’s purpose, and how sometimes our lives do not go the way we thought they would (even if extremely planned and laid out for us), but that is okay. We all experience phases where we question things, even ourselves, but we are never alone with that experience. Also, being nostalgic is very human (and dragon) things, that we all love to feel, but we shouldn’t compare the happiness of the past to the sadness we could be possibly experience in the present.
”It sounds strange, but I feel homesick for the person I used to be…”
➽ Chapter Four:
We get to see Rinn and Aedhan from The Tea Dragon Festival again and my heart felt like it had wings of it’s own! And how sometimes all our senses work together to remind us of happy or sad things and times.
”Taste has a strong association with memory”
➽ Chapter Five:
This was my favorite chapter, and I kind of just wept while reading it. Life can be so hard, and so sad, and so unexpected, and so all of these things at the very same time, but you just have to remember that it will get better, it can get better, and that this is only part of where you are at in life right now. One of the most beautiful things about life is that it is a full journey, where we will change, and people will change, and that’s okay, an that can be beautiful, but we have to keep changing and keep growing and keep living.
”…Little one, you are the person you are meant to be”
➽ Chapter Six:
And even if your journey might be a little unexpected, be happy that it is your journey. I truly know I sound like a bit of a self-help reviewer right now, but this chapter is just so beautiful, and hopefully, and left me so very excited to see where the rest of my journey will take me, no matter how many sad days are left and coming, because there will always be even more happy ones along the way, too.
”…Remember, that you are already whole.”
➽ Epilogue:
This epilogue was so good because it shows you the history on tea dragons! And Hesekiel is too kind to us to show us these secrets and stories of the tea dragons. And to remind us that all our stories are so very important and worthy to be told. And it’s also important to go on your own path and make many more new stories to keep on telling your loved ones who make you feel safe.
”Everything that happens is part of your wholeness”
The Tea Dragon Series is just a gift to the whole world. It feels like a comforting hug from my very own family and friends who are too far away to give me one. Again, this series just means a lot to me, and if you’re looking for a little light in a world that feels easy to be dark, then I really just recommend this installment with my whole heart and soul. Words and stories really have healing power, and this one truly made me feel so much lighter. And I promise, you are right where you are supposed to be too, friends.
Blog | Instagram | Youtube | Ko-fi | Spotify | Twitch
[2021 reread] truly my favorite of them all
Read
August 7, 2020e-ARC provided by Oni Press in exchange for an honest review
It's common knowledge amongst my friends, family, and many people who watch my videos that I'm more than a little in love with the Tea Dragon series. Katie O'Neill's art style is my absolute favorite of all time. I love the dreamy, cozy atmosphere and the soothing color palette. I love the wholesome characters and, most of all, the tea dragons. (I even bought myself a Chamomile plushie because I am a responsible adult who wants to pretend she lives in a fictional world.)
All of these wonderful qualities are present in The Tea Dragon Tapestry, the conclusion to the series. It's like living inside of an autumnal paradise.
The one thing that was lacking, unfortunately, was the plot. These graphic novels aren't plot-heavy to begin with. They are a lovely, meandering walk through a central theme. In this conclusion's case, that theme is growing from loss and finding a new purpose, which I loved. However, especially as this was a conclusion, I didn't feel like everything was explored enough. We get glimpses into characters' struggle with finding a purpose and ultimately get an epilogue with how everything pans out - but we don't get much of the internal journey. I wasn't satisfied.
This is a middle grade graphic novel, and I'm nitpicking! I do ultimately 100% recommend this entire series.
It's common knowledge amongst my friends, family, and many people who watch my videos that I'm more than a little in love with the Tea Dragon series. Katie O'Neill's art style is my absolute favorite of all time. I love the dreamy, cozy atmosphere and the soothing color palette. I love the wholesome characters and, most of all, the tea dragons. (I even bought myself a Chamomile plushie because I am a responsible adult who wants to pretend she lives in a fictional world.)
All of these wonderful qualities are present in The Tea Dragon Tapestry, the conclusion to the series. It's like living inside of an autumnal paradise.
The one thing that was lacking, unfortunately, was the plot. These graphic novels aren't plot-heavy to begin with. They are a lovely, meandering walk through a central theme. In this conclusion's case, that theme is growing from loss and finding a new purpose, which I loved. However, especially as this was a conclusion, I didn't feel like everything was explored enough. We get glimpses into characters' struggle with finding a purpose and ultimately get an epilogue with how everything pans out - but we don't get much of the internal journey. I wasn't satisfied.
This is a middle grade graphic novel, and I'm nitpicking! I do ultimately 100% recommend this entire series.
April 17, 2022
Muy wholesome, pero es el que menos me ha gustado de la serie.
January 22, 2022
The third installment of the cozy and cute Tea Dragon series, The Tea Dragon Tapestry by Kay O’Neil, is another joyous round of heartwarming tales and cottagecore bliss. Set months after the first graphic novel (the second was a prequel), Tapestry returns to the stories of Greta and Minette as they struggle and learn with their inherited tea dragons while also trying to find their place in the world. This is a beautiful story of caring for those suffering grief, finding yourself and supporting one another, told through O’Neil’s signature comforting art that you’ll want to get lost in again and again.
As always, O’Neil has designed a loving world with attention to inclusive representation, particularly having primarily LGBTQ+ characters populating their stories. Here there is mention that Greta’s mother became a world-renouned blacksmith for crafting armor that fits a wide variety of body types, which is a nice touch. The whole of this series is a statement on the strength of caring communities and Tapestry continues this wonderfully. Familiar faces to this community all return and the addition of master blacksmith Kleitos is a welcomed newcomer.
‘I feel homesick for the person I used to be,’ says Minette, and much of this story finally explores her character a bit more. Her memory has not returned and she feels directionless even while apprenticing with Erik and Hesekiel. Meanwhile Greta is being tested by Kleitos in order to apprentice under him but is feeling unsure of her abilities, particularly as her tea dragon continues to grieve for it’s deceased former owner and she struggles to find a way to help. However, with the encouragement of their loved ones, they learn to embrace who they are and keep moving forwards. It’s all really lovely and full of valuable lessons to take to heart, ones that seem especially important to the younger audience this is aimed at.
‘It’s natural to be sad. It’s alright to let those feelings wash over you, and give them time to soak into the earth. That’s when things start to grow again.’
I simply adore this series and Tea Dragon Tapestry is a fantastic new addition. These are such tender tales that deal with big issues in a soothing way, plus the visual aesthetics are sheerly stunning. The landscapes are lush and alive with special attention to seasonal adornments, the character’s fashion makes me want to go shopping with them and the color choices all make this so pleasing to the eye. This installment includes a new appendix with more tea dragon history that is fresh and exciting to read. The best part is that these are great for anyone children to adults. Tea Dragon Tapestry is a moving story with many of lovely lesson and I can’t recommend this series enough.
4.5/5
As always, O’Neil has designed a loving world with attention to inclusive representation, particularly having primarily LGBTQ+ characters populating their stories. Here there is mention that Greta’s mother became a world-renouned blacksmith for crafting armor that fits a wide variety of body types, which is a nice touch. The whole of this series is a statement on the strength of caring communities and Tapestry continues this wonderfully. Familiar faces to this community all return and the addition of master blacksmith Kleitos is a welcomed newcomer.
‘I feel homesick for the person I used to be,’ says Minette, and much of this story finally explores her character a bit more. Her memory has not returned and she feels directionless even while apprenticing with Erik and Hesekiel. Meanwhile Greta is being tested by Kleitos in order to apprentice under him but is feeling unsure of her abilities, particularly as her tea dragon continues to grieve for it’s deceased former owner and she struggles to find a way to help. However, with the encouragement of their loved ones, they learn to embrace who they are and keep moving forwards. It’s all really lovely and full of valuable lessons to take to heart, ones that seem especially important to the younger audience this is aimed at.
‘It’s natural to be sad. It’s alright to let those feelings wash over you, and give them time to soak into the earth. That’s when things start to grow again.’
I simply adore this series and Tea Dragon Tapestry is a fantastic new addition. These are such tender tales that deal with big issues in a soothing way, plus the visual aesthetics are sheerly stunning. The landscapes are lush and alive with special attention to seasonal adornments, the character’s fashion makes me want to go shopping with them and the color choices all make this so pleasing to the eye. This installment includes a new appendix with more tea dragon history that is fresh and exciting to read. The best part is that these are great for anyone children to adults. Tea Dragon Tapestry is a moving story with many of lovely lesson and I can’t recommend this series enough.
4.5/5
June 23, 2020
As always, Katie O'Neill's art is absolutely unmatched. It is so cute and atmospheric and I would hang every single panel up in my house if I could. That being said, the plot of this one didn't do a ton for me? It definitely wasn't bad in the slightest, but it just wasn't especially memorable.
November 6, 2023
reading vlog: https://youtu.be/yfOHztTQJs0
June 23, 2020
"Everything that happens is part of your wholeness. The sadness, the loss, the hurt, as well as the joy, the love, the friendship--it is all part of your tapestry."
representation: queer relationships and characters, characters of colour, disability rep (character who uses a wheelchair), different body shapes/types.
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★★★
An absolutely stunning conclusion to my favourite graphic novel series of all time. As per usual, it features absolutely breathtaking illustrations with gorgeous colour choices and has such beautiful messages interwoven throughout the story. These are stories I will revisit and cherish forever <3
trigger warnings: grief.
Thank you to much to NetGalley & Oni Press for the review copy!
representation: queer relationships and characters, characters of colour, disability rep (character who uses a wheelchair), different body shapes/types.
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★★★
An absolutely stunning conclusion to my favourite graphic novel series of all time. As per usual, it features absolutely breathtaking illustrations with gorgeous colour choices and has such beautiful messages interwoven throughout the story. These are stories I will revisit and cherish forever <3
trigger warnings: grief.
Thank you to much to NetGalley & Oni Press for the review copy!
June 16, 2022
“When someone is grieving, the best thing you can do is let them heal on their own, and show them that you’ll be there for them.”
So good… exactly what I needed
So good… exactly what I needed
July 26, 2021
“... But sad people aren't objects to fix. Give them space and show them you'll still love them whenever they are ready to be loved.”
What another charming work by Kay O'Neill! Everything from the illustrations to the plot are beatific and delightful. I truly enjoy the friendship and family dynamic, assimilating a heartfelt story of love and growth. This book has been nothing but such a comfort through tough times.
I'm so glad to stumble upon the series and will definitely recommend this to everyone <3
January 12, 2021
Possible re-read soon. 💟
August 30, 2024
This was almost 5 stars! 4.5
While there isn’t much that I can say about this volume, it is definitely my favorite out of the series because of the conversations about grief and healing. Even as an adult, I really connected with Minette’s story as she tries to find peace with her decision not to return home to her family. O’Neill approached the subject with such care and grace. I adored it! The artwork was impeccable as always and I found myself really gravitating towards the panels that captured the seasonal changes.
While there isn’t much that I can say about this volume, it is definitely my favorite out of the series because of the conversations about grief and healing. Even as an adult, I really connected with Minette’s story as she tries to find peace with her decision not to return home to her family. O’Neill approached the subject with such care and grace. I adored it! The artwork was impeccable as always and I found myself really gravitating towards the panels that captured the seasonal changes.
August 1, 2023
GINSSSEENNNNGGG oh my god 😭😭
Such a beautiful story about supporting people thru their grieving processes and finding your place
Such a beautiful story about supporting people thru their grieving processes and finding your place
December 15, 2020
As always, this was incredibly sweet and lovely and soft. I love the tea dragons so much and this cast of characters is delightful and wonderfully diverse. I have to admit that this was my least favorite in the series by a small margin, maybe because I felt like it held so little world-building and development — and the fact that it seemed to involve much less dialogue than the previous installments. That said, it's still a really precious read and a satisfying conclusion to an incredibly lovable series.
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 29, 2024
i would love absolutely nothing more than to have my own little tea dragon.
this whole series is just a wonderful metaphorical cup of tea that gives you the most comforting hug ever.
the only thing wrong with this book is that it's the last one 😭
this whole series is just a wonderful metaphorical cup of tea that gives you the most comforting hug ever.
the only thing wrong with this book is that it's the last one 😭
November 20, 2021
kay’s art: 🥰🍵❤️🌷🌿
kay’s stories about loss, grief, belonging, losing passion: 🥺😭💔❤️🩹
kay’s stories about loss, grief, belonging, losing passion: 🥺😭💔❤️🩹
November 30, 2023
Final installment for the Tea Dragon series!!!
~ 5 stars ~
“I feel homesick for the person I used to be.”
I’m happy, sad, and cozily floating all at the same time. This was such a perfect little graphic series. I adored every second of it.
This book brings us back to the main characters from book one—Greta, Minette, Greta’s tea dragon Ginseng, and Hesekiel and his husband Erik. It’s been a year now and poor Ginseng is still having a hard time adjusting and mourning for their first owner which broke my heart to total pieces. I can’t stand for cute baby animals to be sad!! But this story does a great job discussing many more important topics such as grieving, dealing with and accepting change, and the beauty of found family. It wrapped up so very nicely with each character getting an outcome which I very much appreciated.
Highly recommend this series!
The entire series has been visually appealing and five stars all the way!!
~ 5 stars ~
“I feel homesick for the person I used to be.”
I’m happy, sad, and cozily floating all at the same time. This was such a perfect little graphic series. I adored every second of it.
This book brings us back to the main characters from book one—Greta, Minette, Greta’s tea dragon Ginseng, and Hesekiel and his husband Erik. It’s been a year now and poor Ginseng is still having a hard time adjusting and mourning for their first owner which broke my heart to total pieces. I can’t stand for cute baby animals to be sad!! But this story does a great job discussing many more important topics such as grieving, dealing with and accepting change, and the beauty of found family. It wrapped up so very nicely with each character getting an outcome which I very much appreciated.
Highly recommend this series!
The entire series has been visually appealing and five stars all the way!!
January 15, 2023
this is the future the communists want (love and joy and rampant homosexuality)
October 2, 2021
Everything that happens is part of your wholeness. The sadness, the loss, the hurt, as well as they joy, the love, the friendship - it is all part of your tapestry.
▴▴▴
this book marks a convergence of the storylines of greta and minette, the girls from the first volume, and rinn and aedhan, the couple from the second volume! it's so nice to have them all together with erik and hese!! i love the tender warmth that flows among the characters.
in this book greta works on her blacksmithing trade while trying to comfort her mourning tea dragon, and minette tries to reconcile her past with the person she is now. i love the way o'neill handles deep themes with such subtle and gentle care.
as always, the art is lovely and the colors are perfectly vibrant. such a cozy comfort to soak up a volume while sipping a hot mug of tea.
the end of the book also includes an illustrated history of tea dragons, which has some interesting new info on the lore of the species! oh, how i wish to live in the world of tea dragons!!
July 14, 2020
I am grateful to NetGalley, Oni Press, and Katie O’Neill for the opportunity to read this book, the third in the Tea Dragon series, which I review thankfully, without prejudice.
The Tea Dragon Society was the winner of the 2018 Eisner Award for Best Publication for kids 9-12! Yay, Katie O'Neill! It was followed by The Tea Dragon Festival.
Entitled The Tea Dragon Tapestry, this third volume that appears to conclude a trilogy maintains the tone and warmth of the original and deepens the reach of the project. I guess you could say it both focuses on the making of a tapestry and is also a tapestry of the rich world it creates. The heart of this volume is the addition to and recognition of grief and loss as important parts of one’s personal tapestry.
Both Tea Dragon Ginseng and Minette experience grief and loss in this volume, and this is part of life and growth, of course,. Minette seems to have lost her sense of purpose; but with the help of a visit from ner Ancestor, she completes a tapestry that she began working on when she lived in the monastery where she practiced ritual arts. Greta is testing to be an artisan apprentice. She makes a bowl for sad Ginseng, to communicate her love and support for this tea dragon.
"Everything that happens is part of your wholeness. The sadness, the loss, the hurt, as well as the joy, the love, the friendship--it is all part of your tapestry."
(As someone who has just lost a sister in this past week, I can attest to the importance of working through grief and loss in one’s life as ultimately enriching)..
On the surface, adorable would seem to be the central purpose of this fantasy world, since all the colors of the digital art, all the designs, and all the characters, are warm and cute with an appeal to pet-owners and friendships and playing nice with others everywhere. Under the surface of adorableness, ia deeper purpose is warmth and compassion and goodness.
There’s a certain nostalgia or “old world” commitment in it, too: We have blacksmiths (and apprentices), we have a nearby monastery, and we drink a lot of tea! Discipline and order matter. Spirituality matters. Traditions, and our relationship to nature, matter. They gather wild rosemary! This is a world that values beauty and slowness, leisure, and love and friendship..
Diversity also matters. We have inter-species relationships, a range of colors/ethnicities, sizes, folks in wheelchairs, deaf folks. And then we also have kids with antlers and extra (animal) ears! We have tea dragons named Chamomile and Ginseng and Jasmine and many more.. An appendix explains tea dragon biology and culture and so on. A lovely sweet fantasy world from Katie O’Neill. It's less about story than atmopshee and tone and attitude, and that is just fine. We get to know the characters and feel warmly toward them.
The Tea Dragon Society was the winner of the 2018 Eisner Award for Best Publication for kids 9-12! Yay, Katie O'Neill! It was followed by The Tea Dragon Festival.
Entitled The Tea Dragon Tapestry, this third volume that appears to conclude a trilogy maintains the tone and warmth of the original and deepens the reach of the project. I guess you could say it both focuses on the making of a tapestry and is also a tapestry of the rich world it creates. The heart of this volume is the addition to and recognition of grief and loss as important parts of one’s personal tapestry.
Both Tea Dragon Ginseng and Minette experience grief and loss in this volume, and this is part of life and growth, of course,. Minette seems to have lost her sense of purpose; but with the help of a visit from ner Ancestor, she completes a tapestry that she began working on when she lived in the monastery where she practiced ritual arts. Greta is testing to be an artisan apprentice. She makes a bowl for sad Ginseng, to communicate her love and support for this tea dragon.
"Everything that happens is part of your wholeness. The sadness, the loss, the hurt, as well as the joy, the love, the friendship--it is all part of your tapestry."
(As someone who has just lost a sister in this past week, I can attest to the importance of working through grief and loss in one’s life as ultimately enriching)..
On the surface, adorable would seem to be the central purpose of this fantasy world, since all the colors of the digital art, all the designs, and all the characters, are warm and cute with an appeal to pet-owners and friendships and playing nice with others everywhere. Under the surface of adorableness, ia deeper purpose is warmth and compassion and goodness.
There’s a certain nostalgia or “old world” commitment in it, too: We have blacksmiths (and apprentices), we have a nearby monastery, and we drink a lot of tea! Discipline and order matter. Spirituality matters. Traditions, and our relationship to nature, matter. They gather wild rosemary! This is a world that values beauty and slowness, leisure, and love and friendship..
Diversity also matters. We have inter-species relationships, a range of colors/ethnicities, sizes, folks in wheelchairs, deaf folks. And then we also have kids with antlers and extra (animal) ears! We have tea dragons named Chamomile and Ginseng and Jasmine and many more.. An appendix explains tea dragon biology and culture and so on. A lovely sweet fantasy world from Katie O’Neill. It's less about story than atmopshee and tone and attitude, and that is just fine. We get to know the characters and feel warmly toward them.
March 21, 2023
Not me crying about a fictional creature like an absolute baby
August 4, 2020
☆ 5 / 5 ☆
my review for The Tea Dragon Society (Book 1)
my review for The Tea Dragon Festival (Book 2)
...remember, that you are already whole.
This was truly perfect.
For one, the art has gotten even better if that’s possible. The colour work truly enhances every scene and Katie O’Neill knows how to create moods and atmospheres so beautifully. Every colour is so rich and every panel truly draws you into the story. I’d love nothing more but to jump into this world and be a part of it.
“It sounds strange, but I feel homesick for the person I used to be…”
This instalment revolved a lot around finding your place, figuring yourself out and loving yourself at every stage of this journey. It is about accepting that everything that has happened to you is a part of you. I also loved the conversations revolving around losing passion for your craft and something you used to love so deeply and ending up feeling the pressure of creating for the sake of it. For me, this patchwork from different characters culminated in Greta’s storyline. She shows real love and dedication not only into becoming a competent blacksmith but also in the way she cares for Ginseng, she wants to do work she can be proud of and find her way through that. Speaking of, every tea dragon must be protected at all costs but seeing Ginseng’s grief just truly broke my heart.
“You feel like you’ve lost your path. It’s natural to be sad. It’s alright to let those feelings wash over you, and give them time to soak into the earth. That’s when things start to grow again.”
Through all of this the message of this story still stays sweet and hopeful. One can find their way through their grief, either for a loved one, their passion or the person they used to be, and learn to love new things or go back to something they gave up on. On the journey of finding your path and who you are, every step is important and you might even find a place or meet people you can call home.
I love all of these characters so much (I have to admit I do have a soft spot for a certain coal sprite) and all their dynamics are so pure and supportive and wholesome. The dialogue was beautiful and I found it so very quotable and impactful, you don’t need that many lines when you pick your words so well.
Once again with this series the story manages to deliver thoughtful messages and make it all feel like a cup of tea and a warm hug, I just want to live in these pages forever!
Youtube ☆ Twitter
Buddy read with Melanie ♡
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
All quotes are taken from an arc and aren’t final. Please refer to a finished copy.
my review for The Tea Dragon Society (Book 1)
my review for The Tea Dragon Festival (Book 2)
...remember, that you are already whole.
This was truly perfect.
For one, the art has gotten even better if that’s possible. The colour work truly enhances every scene and Katie O’Neill knows how to create moods and atmospheres so beautifully. Every colour is so rich and every panel truly draws you into the story. I’d love nothing more but to jump into this world and be a part of it.
“It sounds strange, but I feel homesick for the person I used to be…”
This instalment revolved a lot around finding your place, figuring yourself out and loving yourself at every stage of this journey. It is about accepting that everything that has happened to you is a part of you. I also loved the conversations revolving around losing passion for your craft and something you used to love so deeply and ending up feeling the pressure of creating for the sake of it. For me, this patchwork from different characters culminated in Greta’s storyline. She shows real love and dedication not only into becoming a competent blacksmith but also in the way she cares for Ginseng, she wants to do work she can be proud of and find her way through that. Speaking of, every tea dragon must be protected at all costs but seeing Ginseng’s grief just truly broke my heart.
“You feel like you’ve lost your path. It’s natural to be sad. It’s alright to let those feelings wash over you, and give them time to soak into the earth. That’s when things start to grow again.”
Through all of this the message of this story still stays sweet and hopeful. One can find their way through their grief, either for a loved one, their passion or the person they used to be, and learn to love new things or go back to something they gave up on. On the journey of finding your path and who you are, every step is important and you might even find a place or meet people you can call home.
I love all of these characters so much (I have to admit I do have a soft spot for a certain coal sprite) and all their dynamics are so pure and supportive and wholesome. The dialogue was beautiful and I found it so very quotable and impactful, you don’t need that many lines when you pick your words so well.
Once again with this series the story manages to deliver thoughtful messages and make it all feel like a cup of tea and a warm hug, I just want to live in these pages forever!
Youtube ☆ Twitter
Buddy read with Melanie ♡
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
All quotes are taken from an arc and aren’t final. Please refer to a finished copy.
December 31, 2022
I WANT A TEA DRAGON 😩🥺
June 18, 2023
This might be my favorite book in the series. They're all so sweet and inclusive and gentle with beautiful artwork. This one was really moving as a story about grieving who you used to be and finding the path that fits who you are now. Loved it. And I will never get over the adorableness of the tea dragons!!!
September 25, 2020
Oh, my heart. It’s still tender because it swelled up by three sizes while reading this adorable and beautifully illustrated comic. Queer found family, mischievous tea dragons, being a supportive caretaker and friend for someone grappling with grief... my heart’s swelling again. The art is truly lovely, and I wish I could share some panels that made my jaw drop in awe. I need to hunt down the first two installments of this series.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2020
This book was such a quick and fun read for me I read this one in one sitting! Love Katie's books and fall in love with each one of them. Hopefully there's more in this series but I'm not sure if there will be?
5/5 STARS!!!(:
5/5 STARS!!!(:
July 21, 2020
I was sent this book as an advance copy by the publisher via NetGalley for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
This was just as lovely and wholesome as the previous ones 💕
While it dealt with heavier topics than the last two books, it did so in a very uplifting (and not patronizing) way. This whole series is the perfect example of something written for kids that is also perfect for all adults but especially queer ones who didn't get to read this type of story with a queer found family when they were growing up.
I highly recommend everyone to read all three of these books and to also buy them for the kids in their lives.
This was just as lovely and wholesome as the previous ones 💕
While it dealt with heavier topics than the last two books, it did so in a very uplifting (and not patronizing) way. This whole series is the perfect example of something written for kids that is also perfect for all adults but especially queer ones who didn't get to read this type of story with a queer found family when they were growing up.
I highly recommend everyone to read all three of these books and to also buy them for the kids in their lives.
August 20, 2021
This was a beautiful final installment of the series, and I'm quite sad the journey is over. I believe that this particular story is all about finding yourself and accepting who you are, which I think is not only a wonderful, but important message to shine through one's story.
The artwork is captivating, as always, and I love how O'Neill is able to create such a wonderful atmosphere through her work.
I'm so glad I stumbled across this series, as it has been a good, solid pick-me-up.
The artwork is captivating, as always, and I love how O'Neill is able to create such a wonderful atmosphere through her work.
I'm so glad I stumbled across this series, as it has been a good, solid pick-me-up.
March 12, 2021
LOVED THE CONCEPT
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
November 1, 2020
"If you do not make something your heart us completely happy with, you will never be able to accept the result, whether it is success or failure."
This book made me tear up at 3 in the morning,, what more can i ask for?? i mean literal footage of me reading this book would show me being the exact equivalent of this emoji (🥺)
Everytime i read a Katie O'Neill book i say "that's it!!!!!! that's the cutest book she's ever written!!!!" and then she releases another one and proves me wrong.
Both the art and the story are so cute and wholesome it makes my heart reach ten times it's normal size!! but it also dealt with heavy topics such as grief and feeling like one lost themselves and i loved it showing things like that. it's also one of the most inclusive graphic novels i've ever read we truly love to see it!
"I know it's hard, because you're a kind girl and want to help everyone. But sad people aren't objects to fix. Give them space and show them you'll still love them whenever they are ready to be loved."
Out of a three volumes i think this might be my favorite?? i just love it so so much and it means so much to me and i just want to go cry because it's over.
thanks to netgalley for approving me for the arc!!!!
August 19, 2020
I was provided with this e-ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"The Tea Dragon Tapestry" was such a wonderful installment in this series. The first book "The Tea Dragon Society" blew me away with beautiful art, loveable characters, and a great story. This graphic novel was no exception and I am so glad that I got approved for this ARC as it is one of my most anticipated reads for the year. Overall I would highly recommend starting this series!
"The Tea Dragon Tapestry" was such a wonderful installment in this series. The first book "The Tea Dragon Society" blew me away with beautiful art, loveable characters, and a great story. This graphic novel was no exception and I am so glad that I got approved for this ARC as it is one of my most anticipated reads for the year. Overall I would highly recommend starting this series!
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