The Moth Keeper

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I adore this book. K O'Neill's artwork is absolutely stunning, with beautiful watercolor sunsets and vibrant desert landscapes. I love O'Neill's ability to create whimsical and cozy magical worlds that stand out from other fantasy books. This lovely and layered story also has subtle and sweet queer and disability representation that does not focus on trauma, but instead focuses on the love and care the characters have for one another. I cannot recommend it enough.  Recommended By Sarah B., Powells.com

Being a Moth Keeper is a huge responsibility and a great honor, but what happens when the new Moth Keeper decides to take a break from the moon and see the sun for the first time? A middle-grade fantasy graphic novel about passion, duty, and found family.

Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. Her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn't exactly what Anya thought it would be?

The nights are cold in the desert and the lunar moths live far from the village. Anya finds herself isolated and lonely. Despite Anya's dedication, she wonders what it would be like to live in the sun. Her thoughts turn into an obsession, and when Anya takes a chance to stay up during the day to feel the sun's warmth, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences.

K. O'Neill brings to life a beautifully illustrated fantasy world about responsibility to yourself and your community. The Moth Keeper is filled with magic, hope, and friendship.

"A nature-based coming-of-age story aglow with the light of loving bonds and communal living." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

"Hand this quiet, beautifully drawn book to readers of gentle, uplifting, character-driven comics." Booklist (Starred Review)

"Containing a deeply contemplative aura, this worthy volume explores themes of connection, mythology, personal growth, and tradition." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

K. O'Neill is an author and illustrator based in Aotearoa New Zealand, and a lover of nature, tea, and growing things. They strive to make books with themes of kindness, inclusiveness, and well-being, with worlds that children can play in and characters they can explore these ideas alongside. Past acknowledgments of their work include: 2019 Eisner nominee for Best Children's Comic (Aquicorn Cove), 2018 Eisner winner for Best Children's Comic, 2018 Eisner winner for Best Webcomic, 2018 Harvey co-winner for Best Children's Comic, 2018 Dwayne McDuffie Award winner for Kids' Comics (The Tea Dragon Society), 2017 ALA Amelia Bloomer List, 2017 Dwayne McDuffie Kids' Comics Award nominee (Princess Princess Ever After).