Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I adore Katie O'Neills work, especially The Tea Dragon Society, so when I had the option to request Dewdrop it was a no-brainer.

In trademark Katie O'Neill style the art is expressive, emotive and utterly adorable. Dewdrop, our titular character, is an enthusiastic axolotl who loves cheerleading and helping out his friends.

A sports festival is coming up and Dewdrop is working on his cheers whilst also helping out a variety of cute and wholesome characters. There's Mia, the weightlifting turtle who is worried that she isn't as strong as the other competitors. Newman, a musical newt, concerned that the song he's writing for the festival isn't good enough. And a trio of minnow, tasked with catering who are concerned that their food isn't fun or exciting enough, Dewdrop must cheer his friends on and raise his friends spirits before their doubts and insecurities get the better of them.

This is a short story, aimed at younger readers, but is delight for all ages. The messages it gives are powerful. I found that I could especially relate Mia's moment of clarity "The only person I need to compete with is myself, and try to do better than I did yesterday". I think we all need reminding of this sentiment occasionally.

It cannot be stressed enough how beautiful Katie's art is. Every panel is its own little artwork. I cannot wait to consume more of her art and her writing.

Ahhh, this was soo cute!! An beautiful short story about friendship and always cheering others on in life.

Super short, which is fine, because you can easily get it finished in 10mins so you don't have to worry if you don't have lot of time.

I love Katie O'Neill's style. Super simplistic but so beautiful.

I thought I'd love this book, seeing it's by Katie O'Neill, and I was right!

Just like The Tea Dragon Society and Princess Princess, this picture book is presented like a comic book, full of gorgeous drawings, fun dialogue and gentle action. Dewdrop is so charming and it is so enjoyable watching him cheer for and support his friends.

This book is utterly charming. Told in panels, this is the story of little Dewdrop, an axolotl who is preparing a cheer-leading routine for the annual Sports Fair. When their friends worry that the contributions they're preparing--a song, weightlifting, and some food--won't be good enough, Dewdrop encourages them. Sports Fair day comes, and everyone is satisfied and happy. Dewdrop's friends reward them with a worm pie. The story line is presented simply, the message is clear, and the brightly colored illustrations, reminiscent of Japanese manga, pop off the page. Highly recommended.

This is by far the cutest children's book I have ever seen. Not only is the artwork super cute and colorful, but the story is delightful and has a really great message- Doing your best is enough!

I loved this and can't wait for it to be out in the world so I can buy it for all my friends' kids. Just amazing.

O'Neill does it again with her bright, soft-edged illustrations, except this time, it's for even younger readers. Excellent as a picturebook to read out loud or as an independent graphic novel for 2-4th. Dewdrop is a cheerleader who knows just what to say to help her friends gain confidence in their craft.

Katie has created a comic-book feel in this book which works well with the message-heavy dialogue. Dewdrop is a lovely warm and bubbly character as well as a great, diverse group of friends. I really liked how Dewdrop is so supportive of his friends. I like the quirky comic-book style illustrations and that Dewdrop is an unusual animal. The messages of believing in yourself and trusting in your own abilities shine through loud and clear. It was refreshing to read a book where the main character wasn’t the centre of the story, but the friends, and Dewdrop supporting them.

This is part of a longer review to be published on my blog. I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Dewdrop is the epitome of a cute and heartwarming graphic novel for kids. I had a great time following Dewdrop as they cheer up and cheer on their friends at the sports festival. This is a book about competition and creativity and the insecurities that come with them and through Dewdrop, we are reminded that we should strive simply to do our best and do what we love rather than put too much pressure on ourselves and lose the heart of what we are trying to accomplish. With bright colors and an adorable style, Katie O'Neill brings life to a lovely story of friendship and self-love.

A sweet book suitable for 5 - 7 year olds. My class enjoyed the cute illustrations and wanted to find out more about axolotls. The story is told through bright graphics and speech bubbles. The cheerleading axolotl goes round and encourages her friends in different ways, telling them to do their best. It was a quick picture book but my class enjoyed reading it - it could be used as part of a PSHE lesson on growth mindset.

What a sweet children's picture book that is both written and illustrated by Katie O'Neill. It's about a little creature called Dewdrop, who is a cheerleader and loves encouraging his friends at the annual sports fair. The characters are all adorable, each with their own strengths and abilities. The illustrations are bright and engaging. With central themes of comparison, encouragement, and doing your very best, this would be the perfect addition to any children's bookshelf. *Advance copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

LOVE

This is absolutely precious. I'm a big fan of Kate O'Neill's style which is perfect for children's fiction.

Axolotl Dewdrop and his friends are super excited for the Sports Fair. Turtle Mia wants to win the pebble throwing contest. Newt Newman wants to write the perfect song. Three minnows want to make the perfect dish. While Axolotl is busy working on his cheers, his friends are losing faith in their abilities and second guessing themselves. Hopefully cheerful peptalks from their friend will embolden them to do their best.

This book is so cute! My favorite part is the illustration, for sure, but the messages about believing in yourself, working hard, and achieving your best are all great, too! There’s more art than words, perfect for very early readers or those learning pre-reading skills with loved ones who are reading to them. I’d love to read more adventures from Dewdrop and his friends! This one is out April 7th, so keep an eye out for it.

This is a sweet, fun read about friendship. I was excited to see Katie O'Neill trying her hand at a picture book, and this did not disappoint.

I always love Katie O'Niell's art style and it really lends itself well to this children's story. Dewdrop is the kind of friend whose message children can easily understand and get behind.

This book is absolutely perfect in its simplicity. The artwork is amazing and the inclusion of an axelotl as the main protagonist i think was an interesting, and great choice to expand the animals children know about, to outside what they may regularly see. I think the message behind the story was sweet and perfect making it a valuable and lovely story to read over and over again to young children.

Dewdrop by Katie O’Neill, 40 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, PICTURE BOOK
Oni Press, 2020. $18.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Sports Fair is coming up and all of Dewdrop’s friends have something different to prepare. Will they be good enough to perform when it’s their turn? Dewdrop believes they will!
Told more from the vibrant pictures than words, this story is a quick read with an encouraging message for readers. The colorful illustrations will capture the attention of young readers, while Dewdrop’s friendship makes a wonderful example to audiences of all ages. Dewdrop was endeared to me from the beginning, and O’Neill even cleverly slips in characters going against stereotypes. I loved this little book more than I expected.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

This is so precious! Katie's style is really well-suited for children's books as well.

My favorite children's books have always been the ones that are still meaningful as we get older — this is most definitely one of them now. It's an important message to get across, and I'm grateful to have read it. (Also, I can relate to Dewdrop always being their friends' biggest cheerleader!)

This was one of the most adorable children books that I've read. Unlike other illustrated books, Dewdrop doesn't tell a story about success at all cost: it teaches how to be kind, to aim to improve your abilities without being too hard on yourself. It's ultimately a tale of friendship and overcoming negative thoughts. In addition to that, the illustrations were superb and now I'm a Katie O'Neil's fan!

got an arc via netgalley
omg this was the cutest graphic novel ever! It is a middle grade one and the story is adorable and so so pure!
The art style was also the cutest and my heart felt so warm after finishing it.
It might only be 30 pages long but it is worth the read if you want to feel cozy and happy.

Katie's work is so adorable but I think I love Dewdrop most of all. We should all strive to be like this cute tenacious Axolotl. This book can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Dewdrop encourages their friends when they're feeling lost and does everything with enthusiasm.