Written & Illustrated by: Katie O’Neill
For ages:
Language: English
Topics Covered:
Summary:
This oversized graphic novel is a great introduction to both graphic novels and the fantasy genre. Billed as “gentle fantasy”, this is the perfect description for it. I finished the first volume in about 20 minutes, so it’s a pretty quick read.
The diversity of the characters is lovely, with the majority of characters being people of color. One of them, Erik, is disabled and in an LGBTQ relationship! There aren’t any scary parts, it’s really just a lovely graphic novel about tiny little critters called tea dragons and their caretakers. The illustrations are gorgeous and lush, making us wish we lived in the little village ourselves! The Tea Dragon Society is definitely worth a read, especially with a third volume coming out soon!
In publishing it’s tricky sometimes to find characters of color that are protagonists at all, let alone enjoy the outdoors or are in a fantasy world. The Tea Dragon Society has all three, which is incredibly refreshing!
About the Author & Illustrator:
Katie O’Neill is a self-taught writer and illustrator based in New Zealand. She’s interested in nature and all kinds of creatures, mindfulness and mental health, and the magic of every day life. To date Katie has published three books, which have won Eisner, Harvey and Dwayne McDuffie awards for children’s comics, as well as being Cybils Award finalists and featured on the ALA Rainbow List.
Outside of work Katie loves tea and food, plants, transitional seasons, reading, walking and listening to podcasts.