The Tea Dragon Society

Author: Katie O’Neill

The Tea Dragon Society is the first book of three in a series by author and illustrator Katie O’Neill. Blacksmith apprentice Greta discovers a Tea Dragon, a once widely cared-for creature. Tea Dragon’s have special herbs and leaves that grow along their horns to create all sorts of teas. Her father recognizes the dragon and sends Greta to return the dragon to his owner. Greta befriends tea-shop owners Hesekiel and Erik and comes to learn the history of Tea Dragon care-taking and just how these unique creatures can positively impact her life.

The story is told over the course of all five seasons and is quite possible one of the most heartwarming stories I’ve read in a long time. The world is so unique to any other fantasy series I’ve read. I especially loved the way the history of the tea dragons was woven into the present-day story. This story teaches the importance of honoring the past while also surrounding yourself with love. The characters were all lively and brilliant in their own ways. This had wonderful LGBTQ+ representation as well as disability representation – with one character in a wheelchair and one experiencing memory loss. The art is also soft and beautiful throughout the story. This is a Middle Grade graphic novel, but any age group could read and appreciate it.

Kaitlin S.