Island Storm Perfect Picture Book Friday

A gorgeous tribute to the bond of siblings, the power of a storm, and the thrill of adventure.

text copyright Brian Floca, 2025, illustrations copyright Sydney Smith, 2025, Neal Porter Books

When curiosity captures a sibling pair, they decide to venture out to the seaside to watch a storm approach. But as the wind gets stronger and the waves thunder against the shore, the children must decide what to do--make their way to safety or continue on and risk getting caught in the squall.

Told with lyrical language as lovely and captivating as the vivid illustrations, this story thrusts readers into the action from the very beginning. With every page turn, the intrigue--and danger--increases as the powerful force of a storm is explored. Island Storm is sure to inspire readers' curiosity about weather disturbances, and would make an excellent catalyst for conversations about storm safety, weather patterns, and the special bonds within family.

Title:  ISLAND STORM

Author:  Brian Floca

Illustrator:  Sydney Smith

Publisher:  Neal Porter Books, 2025

Age:  4-8

Themes:  Family and sibling relationships, Adventure, Weather, Decision-making

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• From a safe distance and in a safe location, with the supervision of a trusted adult, watch a storm approach. What do you see? Smell? Hear? Feel?
  
• If you were one of the children in this story, what would you have done? Write a story or draw a picture about what decisions you would have made.
• Conversation starters: "The children in the story encountered a storm. How do you think they felt?" "Have you ever been caught in a storm? How did you feel? What did you do?"

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!