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Aquicorn Cove
When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a storm, the last thing she expects is to discover a colony of Aquicorns—magical seahorse-like residents of the coral reef. As she explores the damaged town and the fabled undersea palace, Lana learns that while she cannot always count on adults to be the guardians she needs, she herself is capable of finding the strength to protect both the ocean, and her own happiness.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published October 16, 2018
About the author
Kay O'Neill
27 books3,824 followersKay O'Neill is an illustrator and graphic novelist from New Zealand. They are the author of Princess Princess Ever After, The Tea Dragon Society, Aquicorn Cove, and more. They mostly make gentle fantasy stories for younger readers, and are very interested in tea, creatures, things that grow, and the magic of everyday life.
On an Instagram post 17th December 2020 the author shared that they use they/them pronouns and prefers to be called Kay.
They published some of their books as K. O'Neill.
On an Instagram post 17th December 2020 the author shared that they use they/them pronouns and prefers to be called Kay.
They published some of their books as K. O'Neill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,430 reviews
June 11, 2022
Cute pastel art with a good message about being kind to the sea~ This would be a great book for middle grade kids. There's also a sapphic relationship casually showcased so bonus points!
April 23, 2019
Probably my favorite of Katie O'Neill's graphic novels. So sweet and so important!
August 28, 2019
"Some things are meant to come back to you."
REP: characters of colour, f/f relationship, mental health (hints at depression), grief.
trigger warnings: storms, loss of a loved one, drowning, hurt animals, depression.
This is such a stunning and important story all about how our actions are affecting our oceans and reefs. Katie O'Neill also has such a stunning art style with gorgeous colours and loveable characters!
Special thanks to Kerri (KerriTheBookBelle) for gifting me the ARC and Whitney (WhittyNovels) for gifting me a finished copy <3
REP: characters of colour, f/f relationship, mental health (hints at depression), grief.
trigger warnings: storms, loss of a loved one, drowning, hurt animals, depression.
This is such a stunning and important story all about how our actions are affecting our oceans and reefs. Katie O'Neill also has such a stunning art style with gorgeous colours and loveable characters!
Special thanks to Kerri (KerriTheBookBelle) for gifting me the ARC and Whitney (WhittyNovels) for gifting me a finished copy <3
October 8, 2018
ARC provided by Oni Press in exchange for an honest review.
I just want to say that Katie O'Neill has the most breathtaking, most gorgeous, and most adorable illustrations out there right now. Each page is literally a brand-new work of art. Never have I ever loved the illustrations in anything as much as I do in this and in The Tea Dragon Society!
Aquicorn Cove stars a young girl named Lana, and she and her father come to visit her Auntie Mae on her little island. Lana is grieving the loss of her mother, but feels happier in her hometown, before Lana was forced to move to the city with her father. And the village is rebuilding after a disaster has struck. But Lana is more than happy to help. But when she goes to the water, she finds a little seahorse-like friend, who is in need of her help!
We also get to see Auntie Mae’s journey below the water, where the Aquicorns live! And Aunt Mae and their leader, Aure, strike up the most heart-warming f/f relationship. But we also get to see firsthand how important it is to keep our waters clean and that we need to respect coral reefs and underwater ecosystems.
Every book I’ve read by Katie has also has such an important and powerful message. Aquicorn Cove is about conservation and how the actions we take on land are impacting our waters. How overfishing, climate change, and polluting is hurting these water sources, and if we don’t change our actions then the results are going to be more and more severe. This is a book that really focuses on the delicate balance we have with all living things, and how we have to respect and protect each other to keep the cycle going. We all have to be responsible for our carbon footprint, or nothing will be safe; land or sea.
Overall, I loved this more than words. Some of these panels were able to evoke such an emotional response from me. I shed so many tears, but also grinned so many smiles. I truly think Katie O’Neill is doing so much good in the world, and I wish I could put her work in everyone’s hands. Beautiful and breathtaking illustrations, empowering and important messages, and characters that I wish I had growing up. I hope you all pick this up and fall in love, too!
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The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
“But there’s no home without a future…”
I just want to say that Katie O'Neill has the most breathtaking, most gorgeous, and most adorable illustrations out there right now. Each page is literally a brand-new work of art. Never have I ever loved the illustrations in anything as much as I do in this and in The Tea Dragon Society!
Aquicorn Cove stars a young girl named Lana, and she and her father come to visit her Auntie Mae on her little island. Lana is grieving the loss of her mother, but feels happier in her hometown, before Lana was forced to move to the city with her father. And the village is rebuilding after a disaster has struck. But Lana is more than happy to help. But when she goes to the water, she finds a little seahorse-like friend, who is in need of her help!
We also get to see Auntie Mae’s journey below the water, where the Aquicorns live! And Aunt Mae and their leader, Aure, strike up the most heart-warming f/f relationship. But we also get to see firsthand how important it is to keep our waters clean and that we need to respect coral reefs and underwater ecosystems.
Every book I’ve read by Katie has also has such an important and powerful message. Aquicorn Cove is about conservation and how the actions we take on land are impacting our waters. How overfishing, climate change, and polluting is hurting these water sources, and if we don’t change our actions then the results are going to be more and more severe. This is a book that really focuses on the delicate balance we have with all living things, and how we have to respect and protect each other to keep the cycle going. We all have to be responsible for our carbon footprint, or nothing will be safe; land or sea.
“Children don’t deserve to lose their home with the sea.”
Overall, I loved this more than words. Some of these panels were able to evoke such an emotional response from me. I shed so many tears, but also grinned so many smiles. I truly think Katie O’Neill is doing so much good in the world, and I wish I could put her work in everyone’s hands. Beautiful and breathtaking illustrations, empowering and important messages, and characters that I wish I had growing up. I hope you all pick this up and fall in love, too!
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Youtube | Twitch
The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
May 19, 2020
a lovely, simple story with stunning illustrations
July 18, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
This book was beyond precious!! It's like a Disney movie in a graphic novel because of its lighthearted, magical vibe yet undertones of sorrow and meaning. There's loss, there's reunion, there's messages about environmentalism, there's mythical creatures, and there's even a subtle f/f romance. The art was so gorgeous and this book was very easy to follow and a quick read that definitely got me teary-eyed. I can't wait to get a copy of this for my shelf!
This book was beyond precious!! It's like a Disney movie in a graphic novel because of its lighthearted, magical vibe yet undertones of sorrow and meaning. There's loss, there's reunion, there's messages about environmentalism, there's mythical creatures, and there's even a subtle f/f romance. The art was so gorgeous and this book was very easy to follow and a quick read that definitely got me teary-eyed. I can't wait to get a copy of this for my shelf!
December 18, 2022
Love the message presented & as usual, the illustration is to die for
January 3, 2023
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AQUICORN COVE is so precious. The environmental message is a little heavy-handed but that's okay since it's for kids. Beautiful message about doing what you can, even if you feel like your efforts towards change are like small drops in a massive bucket. Also explains climate change and coral reef damage in a way that's easy for kids to understand. Not gonna lie, I teared up. The art is gorgeous.
3.4 to 4 stars
August 10, 2018
Not only does this book feature mind-bending gorgeous works of art, it holds so much meaning in its pages. Usually, books that evoke such truly beautiful pieces tend to not have an exciting storyline to tag along, but this is where Aquicorn Cove comes in to shake up the status quo.
When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a big storm, Lana remembers how much she’s missed the ocean—and the strong, reassuring presence of her aunt. As Lana explores the familiar beach, she discovers something incredible: a colony of Aquicorns, small magical seahorse-like creatures that live in the coral reef. Lana rescues an injured Aquicorn and cares for it with the help of her aunt, who may know more about these strange creatures than she's willing to admit. But when a second storm threatens to reach the town, choices made many years ago about how to coexist with the sea start to rise to the surface. Lana realizes she will need to find the strength to stand on her own, even when it means standing up to the people who she has always relied on to protect her.
I was already keen on the premise alone, courtesy my unshakeable love for the ocean, but the fact that Aquicorn Cove also addressed the harms in fishing ocean creatures and the dangers of plastic had me practically cheering out loud. WHOO!!
This is one of those reviews were words needn't be written because the art speaks for itself. I mean:
This stilled my mind from all racing thoughts.
The beauty and power of that first panel stopped me cold, for some reason.
I zoomed through this short read without even trying because IT'S JUST THAT GOOD.
One last thing: Aquicorn Cove knows how to evoke real emotions, make characters feel completely real, and seamlessly captures intricate details that had a calming effect on me.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: October 16, 2018
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March 14, 2019
I've read and enjoyed the two previously published graphic novels illustrated by
Katie O'Neill
before. Hence, when I saw that she will be releasing a new book, I immediately seize the chance to check this out.
The illustrations in her latest comic book are quite similar to The Tea Dragon Society which she released last year, but I prefer the story of Aquicorn Cove because of how it brings up the environment issue. It set as a wake-up call for readers about it and no matter how small, we could contribute to saving our habitat that will help all living things.
This graphic novel is an amazing and a bit informative reading material with a great message and heartwarming story that will delight readers of all ages.
The illustrations in her latest comic book are quite similar to The Tea Dragon Society which she released last year, but I prefer the story of Aquicorn Cove because of how it brings up the environment issue. It set as a wake-up call for readers about it and no matter how small, we could contribute to saving our habitat that will help all living things.
This graphic novel is an amazing and a bit informative reading material with a great message and heartwarming story that will delight readers of all ages.
August 2, 2023
"I didn't know how to explain I needed help with the small things."
Most of us have this problem even when we do not own up to it. And that's making things difficult. It's not always the big things I guess that makes life meaningful.
I love the author's work so much! Her graphic novels are always so heartfelt and dreamlike beautiful.
All the feels. The girl is missing her mom. She's hurting. Her dad is hurting but trying his best to make a new start at a new place.
But the little girl feels she belongs to her home by the sea.
The story is about grief and magic. It's about acceptance and healing.
So worth the read.
Most of us have this problem even when we do not own up to it. And that's making things difficult. It's not always the big things I guess that makes life meaningful.
I love the author's work so much! Her graphic novels are always so heartfelt and dreamlike beautiful.
All the feels. The girl is missing her mom. She's hurting. Her dad is hurting but trying his best to make a new start at a new place.
But the little girl feels she belongs to her home by the sea.
The story is about grief and magic. It's about acceptance and healing.
So worth the read.
August 17, 2019
Katie O'Neill never stops stunning me. Her stories are so beautiful and so is her art, and the characters, and the world... all of it is perfect. There's a great story about environmentalism and doing our part in the world to keep things clean and not take more than we need, which was really sweet and heartfelt. I just loved the whole thing so much and I truly never get tired of Katie O'Neill's stories. <3
December 22, 2018
Can you write a book for children that is both adorable AND also that focuses on the ongoing devastation of climate change to make it both entertaining and educative? New Zealand artist Katie O'Neill, the author of ther also adorable The Tea Dragon Society, says yes, and I say yes, too. Lana lives close to the ocean, where she and her family are experiencing world-wide--increasingly devastating storms.
Lana is grieving the loss of her mother, and she and her father have been forced to relocate because of the disaster created by a recent storm, though the village is rebuilding. They visit her Auntie Mae on a small island. When Lana goes to the water on the island, she finds an injured little seahorse-like friend, aquicorn, who is in need of her help! Auntie Mae takes Lana below the water, where the Aquicorns live.
Lana learns to begin to heal the reef, help the aquicorns and other creatures there, and in an appendix, O'Neill shares resources for her young readers to learn to help, too. The story is a kind of passionate love letter to the ocean, and an invitation to learn about what is going on and participate in what healing that may be possible. The story captures some wonder and magic through the lovely fantasy artwork.
Oh, and I had to google "aquicorn" to see if it was an actual thing, and sure enough, I saw it is--in addition to tother things--a part of someone's "extended zodiac":
http://hs.hiveswap.com/ezodiac/truesi...
Lana is grieving the loss of her mother, and she and her father have been forced to relocate because of the disaster created by a recent storm, though the village is rebuilding. They visit her Auntie Mae on a small island. When Lana goes to the water on the island, she finds an injured little seahorse-like friend, aquicorn, who is in need of her help! Auntie Mae takes Lana below the water, where the Aquicorns live.
Lana learns to begin to heal the reef, help the aquicorns and other creatures there, and in an appendix, O'Neill shares resources for her young readers to learn to help, too. The story is a kind of passionate love letter to the ocean, and an invitation to learn about what is going on and participate in what healing that may be possible. The story captures some wonder and magic through the lovely fantasy artwork.
Oh, and I had to google "aquicorn" to see if it was an actual thing, and sure enough, I saw it is--in addition to tother things--a part of someone's "extended zodiac":
http://hs.hiveswap.com/ezodiac/truesi...
October 30, 2018
Thanks again to Oni Press for sending me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a cute read and the art was amazing! I especially loved how it dealt with an important topic such as climate change and how the message was that we definitely have to pay more attention to our environment and have to take care of our oceans and that even small things can already make a big difference.
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This was such a cute read and the art was amazing! I especially loved how it dealt with an important topic such as climate change and how the message was that we definitely have to pay more attention to our environment and have to take care of our oceans and that even small things can already make a big difference.
instagram || my blog || twitter
October 5, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for sending a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This graphic novel was so adorable! I loved Katie O’Neill’s art and the story was lovely. The environmental message got across very well. Loved all the illustrations, and I can’t wait for this book to be released!
March 27, 2019
No puedo negar que Katie O'Neill se está convirtiendo en una de mis ilustradoras favoritas. Su forma de dibujar me tiene totalmente enamorada y no he visto ilustraciones más cuquis y bonitas en un libro en mi vida.
Ya amé La sociedad de los Dragones de té, pero esta historia me ha conquistado aún más. Es más extensa y trata temas muy importantes, entre ellos la pérdida de un ser querido, cuidarse a uno mismo y la protección del mar, y todo esto lo hace de una manera fluida y llena de magia. También deja caer, como en otras de sus novelas, pinceladas de representación LGTB, cosa que me fascina.
Este libro es ideal para los niños, pero sin duda un adulto puede disfrutarlo muchísimo. Si hay que adoro de la autora, es que aunque termine lo que tiene que contar, siempre me queda con ganas de volver a sus mundos y volver a leerlos.
Si os apetece leer una novela gráfica bonita, llena de valores y magia, este es vuestro libro.
Ya amé La sociedad de los Dragones de té, pero esta historia me ha conquistado aún más. Es más extensa y trata temas muy importantes, entre ellos la pérdida de un ser querido, cuidarse a uno mismo y la protección del mar, y todo esto lo hace de una manera fluida y llena de magia. También deja caer, como en otras de sus novelas, pinceladas de representación LGTB, cosa que me fascina.
Este libro es ideal para los niños, pero sin duda un adulto puede disfrutarlo muchísimo. Si hay que adoro de la autora, es que aunque termine lo que tiene que contar, siempre me queda con ganas de volver a sus mundos y volver a leerlos.
Si os apetece leer una novela gráfica bonita, llena de valores y magia, este es vuestro libro.
November 24, 2018
4.5 stars
Really lovely story about finding yourself after loss, caring for others, and how global warming is affecting the coral reef.
Hints at a f/f romance
Really lovely story about finding yourself after loss, caring for others, and how global warming is affecting the coral reef.
Hints at a f/f romance
February 10, 2020
With its stunning art style and colour scheme, a gentle plot and a powerful message about taking care of the earth and its oceans, Katie O’Neill has once again proved she can do no wrong. Although I truly believe this story is one for all ages, it makes my heart especially happy to know younger readers have stories like this to turn to, learn from and find inspiration within.
February 9, 2020
I really need all of katie o’neill’s books to get animated shows, netfix get on it
July 15, 2022
kay o’neill and their ability to write these heartwarming stories that also make me teary-eyed……. a GIFT
i wish i could tattoo their beautiful art inside my eyelids
i wish i could tattoo their beautiful art inside my eyelids
March 17, 2019
3.0 Stars
This was a cute graphic novel with some important environmental themes. I enjoyed the artwork, but found the story too short and undeveloped to leave an impact. I appreciate the fact that I am much older than the intended audience, but I still expected more from this middle grade story.
This was a cute graphic novel with some important environmental themes. I enjoyed the artwork, but found the story too short and undeveloped to leave an impact. I appreciate the fact that I am much older than the intended audience, but I still expected more from this middle grade story.
March 14, 2021
no I totally didn’t cry reading this while listening to Taylor swift’s folkmore....
September 22, 2023
cozy environmentalist marine fantasy is an insanely on-brand niche for me
loved this touching, sweet story about healing, on personal and environmental levels. the art is so beautiful! i loved the info at the end for coral reef conservation. perfect for kids or any whimsical fantasy art lover!
loved this touching, sweet story about healing, on personal and environmental levels. the art is so beautiful! i loved the info at the end for coral reef conservation. perfect for kids or any whimsical fantasy art lover!
August 19, 2020
3.5 stars
I quite enjoyed this graphic novel. I absolutely love O'Neill's graphic novel "The Tea Dragon Society" so I was very intrigued to give this a read.
This focuses on conservation and protecting the ocean. Lana was a really nice main character to follow, I loved how open she was to learning. The story briefly touches on grief, it acknowledges the emotions that go along with it, but it is not the main focus of the story.
I think this is a really great middle-grade read. Adolescents could learn so much and find value in the environment/oceans. Lana is also a good main character to look up to, as she is brave and open-minded which is always nice to see in m.g.
I would recommend this for those interested in the premise or O'Neill's other work.
The colour palette is really pastel and beautiful. The colour scheme was gorgeous.
I do prefer her other work thus far, as opposed to "Aquicorn Cove."
I do also wish it was a bit longer and that we got more explanations about the Aquicorn's.
I quite enjoyed this graphic novel. I absolutely love O'Neill's graphic novel "The Tea Dragon Society" so I was very intrigued to give this a read.
This focuses on conservation and protecting the ocean. Lana was a really nice main character to follow, I loved how open she was to learning. The story briefly touches on grief, it acknowledges the emotions that go along with it, but it is not the main focus of the story.
I think this is a really great middle-grade read. Adolescents could learn so much and find value in the environment/oceans. Lana is also a good main character to look up to, as she is brave and open-minded which is always nice to see in m.g.
I would recommend this for those interested in the premise or O'Neill's other work.
The colour palette is really pastel and beautiful. The colour scheme was gorgeous.
I do prefer her other work thus far, as opposed to "Aquicorn Cove."
I do also wish it was a bit longer and that we got more explanations about the Aquicorn's.
April 6, 2019
I can't get enough of Katie O'Neill's artwork and stories. The illustrations are beautiful, captivating, and comforting. In her author bio, she says that she writes "gentle fantasy stories," and I think that's the perfect description.
This is also a love letter to the ocean, and it has an environmentalist message, including information at the back of the book about coral reefs and how we can take care of them.
Lana's aunt also is a major character in the story, and it includes a little romance between herself and an underwater woman (not a mermaid... she kind of reminds me of a Pokemon, but in a good way).
Meanwhile, Lana is still processing the loss of her mother, and figuring out her own place in the world.
This is also a love letter to the ocean, and it has an environmentalist message, including information at the back of the book about coral reefs and how we can take care of them.
Lana's aunt also is a major character in the story, and it includes a little romance between herself and an underwater woman (not a mermaid... she kind of reminds me of a Pokemon, but in a good way).
Meanwhile, Lana is still processing the loss of her mother, and figuring out her own place in the world.
February 10, 2020
This was such a cute and easy graphic novel. I really enjoyed this one but I don't think this one was for me but I loved the artwork!
3/5 stars!(:
Ps. Read this in one sitting!(:
3/5 stars!(:
Ps. Read this in one sitting!(:
September 22, 2018
Check out more manga and graphic novel reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
When her seaside town is damaged in a storm Lana and her father help to clear the debris and she discovers a colony of Aquicorns, magical seahorses that are residents of the coral reef. As she learns of the effect her town has on these sea creatures she decides to take responsibility for protecting the ocean and her friends.
I have enjoyed Katie O'Neill in the past and instantly recognized her trademark art style in Aquicorn Cove. I ADORE the way she illustrates fantasy creatures and the aquicorns are no different! They are the perfect pairing of unicorn and seahorse... She is able to twine how we feel about these creatures in her art with all the awe and love we feel for each one of them. Sea horses have always been a sea creature that I have felt so much awe for... to pair it with a unicorn is absolutely divine!
Lana's story is one of loss, awe, and social responsibility. I love the relationship she has with her father and aunt. Things aren't perfect, and the town isn't cruel, but they are having a negative impact on the ocean that supports them. If only the ocean had secret protectors will to work with humans! But since they don't WE need to be those protectors and the best ones to put on the job are the middle grade readers who are perfect for Aquicorn Cove!
I used to live right on the coast and I felt like Katie's art and Lana's story perfectly captured what it means to live a seaside life! Even though I live in a dusty hot place now I used to want to be an oceanographer because of the beautiful tidepools by my home. Then layered on top of that perfect setting is this story of responsibility and loss. Because Lana knows loss she knows that there is a need for a protector of these creatures. That is a message than every middle grade child can learn...
To be frank I didn't feel a whit of tension in this story. You could feel Lana's gentle caring for the aquicorns and that her compassion had been engaged. Everything happened quite easily and without much conflict. I don't necessarily think that was a negative. There is a lesson to be learned here and Lana provides us a way to connect for the sake of Aquicorn Cove...
Aquicorn Cove is a gorgeous story of environmental responsibility and the little girl who became a protector because she knows loss. This is a perfect little volume to engage middle school children in a cause that is important for their future!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my manga and graphic novel reviews in a special feature called Saturday Morning Cartoons...
June 11, 2018
I love the warmth of this book when it comes to the ocean and its creatures. Also, the grief of losing a loved one was expressed so effortlessly. Also x2, Queer ladies looking at each other like youngsters in low-key love. And as always, Katie O'Neill's art is both cute and beautiful. Love, love, love this.
November 2, 2018
Aquicorn Cove es una novela gráfica muy tierna y con un mensaje ecológico súper fuerte sobre el uso y la explotación sin límite que le damos los humanos a los recursos naturales. Toda la historia está teñida de un toque fantástico, de seres mitológicos acuáticos y, además, de amor sin importar absolutamente nada más.
November 30, 2019
I like O'Neill's other books, but this one just didn't work for me. Mostly, it lacked focus due to being overstuffed with storylines: mourning a dead family member, a romance, mysterious but super-cute sea life, environmentalism, climate change. Partly, I was put off by featuring a cool, tough character who smokes and litters their butts in a book seemingly aimed at children. Not cool.
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