New Zealand creator Katie O’Neill announced a new book during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con. “Dewdrop,” which releases in April of 2020 from Oni Press, is an early readers book that tells the story of an axolotl who cheers on his friends as they each bring their unique talents to their pond’s sports fair. It aims to teach children the values of friendship, teamwork, healthy competition, and community.
Dewdrop is an easygoing, gentle axolotl who enjoys naps, worm pie, and cheerleading. When the yearly sports fair nears, he and his friends—Mia the weightlifting turtle, Newman the musical newt, and three minnows who love to cook—get ready to showcase their skills to the whole pond! However, as the day of the fair gets closer, Dewdrop’s friends can’t help putting pressure on themselves to be the best. It’s up to Dewdrop to remind them how to be mindful, go at their own pace, and find joy in their own achievements.
“I’m so happy to be creating a book for younger readers, especially one with themes of mindfulness and self-fulfillment,” O’Neill said in a press release. “I hope the ideas in ‘Dewdrop’ will sew seeds that may stay with children in some small way, and eventually grow when they need them most. It’s also a real honor to help with starting kids reading in any way I can, so I am very excited for them to meet Dewdrop and his friends!”
School Library Journal has an exclusive interview with O’Neill about the new project, as well as a look at more of the adorable inside art.
