Island Storm, written by Brian Floca and illustrated by Sydney Smith. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"We stand on stones
that lie like great bones, 
weathered and worn
by water and time - 
by storms like the one 
that's headed our way."

Two children look out to see their mother gathering clothes that have blown off the clothesline on a very windy day. It is an exciting sight for the boy who encourages his sister to venture outside together. It is their chance to see what the sea looks like before the storm rolls in. A gravel road leads to the water. Their adventure explores the level of trust they have in each other as they move further and further from home in awe of the coming storm.

They can feel it in their ears, see it as they move forward, and watch the power of the wind as the sky darkens. They have seen such storms before. They are there to take it all in once more. The waves are awesome. They pause to think about moving on. Should they? A neighbor suggests they should head for home, as she is doing. 

Still undaunted, they continue their trek forward. 

"And then we ask, is this enough, or do we try for more?

You pull on me, I pull on you, and we decide to go on."

Tension is building. An enormous BOOM! evokes a panicked RUN! Holding tight to one another, they make their way home in the fastest way possible - the path through the woods. It is dark, gloomy, worrisome; they continue on. Finally, they see a light in the window and the shadow of their mother holding a flashlight as she runs toward them. Home at last. Safe and secure, they ride out the storm. The following morning, the three head back to the water and the beauty of a calm, bright day.

Sydney Smith is a marvel, and proves it again in this thrilling story. His watercolor and gouache artwork (that we have come to admire in previous books) is filled with the strength of the storm and the constantly shifting light as the children move forward. Long panels that run horizontally across full spreads arouse awareness for the distance the two children are travelling. Readers find themselves immersed in the tale told in impressive language, that is fully complemented by glorious images of a raging spectacle of nature.    

Don't miss this glorious book!