The Tea Dragon Festival

by Katie O'Neill

[annieb123]

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).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.