Graphic Novel Review: The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O’Neill
The Details
Media Type: Graphic Novel
Title: The Tea Dragon Society
Author(s): Kay O’Neill
Publisher: Oni Press
Pages/Length: Hardcover; 71
Release Date: October 31, 2017
Source: Library Borrow
Add it on: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Oni Press
From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever After comes The Tea Dragon Society, a charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons.
After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.
The Review
What is there to say about The Tea Dragon Society that isn’t going to reduce me to a gushing mess? Truly, I think you’re just going to have to deal with me squealing excitedly about this entire gorgeous package of a graphic novel. Have you ever reached the end of a story and been momentarily stunned that there isn’t immediately more? That’s exactly what Kay O’Neill has accomplished here.
The illustrations in this book are just so eye catching, and just so charming. Full of soft color palettes, floral backgrounds, and airy transitions between panels. Every page is like a quiet dream, and evokes so much emotion that it takes a while to fully appreciate the whole thing. I would want to crawl into these pages and live there, right alongside Greta and the tea dragons. It’s a wonderful way to escape for a while.
As for the story, it’s just lovely. It shows the importance of friendship, of sharing memories, and of holding on to traditions. This whole narrative is pleasantly slow and meandering, showing the need for both time and patience in all things. When I say this I don’t mean that it’s a slow read, not at all. As I said before, this volume is over entirely too quickly! It’s more that the story doesn’t rush you along. You can spend as much time with Greta, Minette and the tea dragons as you need. This soothed my soul, at precisely the right time. I highly recommend this!
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