Floca, Brian. Island Storm. Sydney Smith, Illus. Candlewick/Neal Porter, 07/2025. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-5647-5. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.
Powerful, painterly watercolor and gouache illustrations capture the energy, atmosphere, and shifting light of a monumental island storm. Rhythmic poetic text speaks in an older sibling’s voice, “Now take my hand and we’ll go see the sea before the storm.” Sensory descriptions and innovative design put the reader into the weather. The booms and cracks and the explosions of spray seem to leap off the page. The division of some spreads into several panoramic sweeps, anchored with text, all help the reader feel part of the siblings’ adventure as the pair pull each other on. The language and illustration brilliantly contrast the sublime power of nature and the fragile, but enduring connection the children share. The children and parent read as white.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired