Venturing youths in the midst of an 'Island Storm' ponder: Should we continue our quest further?
In the world of children's literature, the name Sydney Smith stands out for his richly textured, multi-media artwork. His latest masterpiece, "Island Storm" by Brian Floca, is a testament to his unique talent and the power of collaboration.
"Island Storm" is a captivating tale about two kids who venture out into a storm. The book's illustrations, a blend of watercolor, gouache, gum arabic, and acrylic ink, create a dramatic, emotional atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the formidable power of the storm.
Sydney Smith, a Canadian illustrator, discovered his passion for children's book illustration during his studies at NSCAD University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His career spans numerous collaborations with authors, including notable works like "Small in the City" and "Do You Remember?", which he both authored and illustrated.
Brian Floca, a Caldecott Medalist and an accomplished children's book author, enlisted Smith's help for "Island Storm". Floca was drawn to Smith's ability to handle paint, light, water, and weather with a depth of feeling, making him the ideal illustrator for this project.
Smith aimed to evoke the genuine fear and awe one experiences during a fierce storm, capturing both the drama and calm of the event. The book balances the excitement and risk of storm-chasing with a celebration of childhood curiosity and adventure.
The story of "Island Storm" is inspired by a storm that Floca experienced on an island off the coast of Maine. The book emphasizes the importance of safety, with the siblings having each other, their mom waiting for them at home, and the storm passing.
In Smith's studio, messy with various types of paints, the illustrations for "Island Storm" were born. Smith believes that childhood is about discovering the line by crossing it, a sentiment reflected in the book's narrative.
Brian Floca describes "Island Storm" as a book about risk and risk-taking, but not encouraging storm-chasing. The publishing rights of the book are held by Holiday House Publishing, Inc. in 2025, with both the text and interior illustrations copyrighted by Floca and Smith respectively.
Smith, humbly, admits that he's unsure about exactly how he illustrated "Island Storm". However, he stands firm in his belief that none can handle paint, light, water, and weather like he does, making him a truly unique talent in the world of children's literature.
This captivating book, "Island Storm," showcases the collaborative efforts of two talented individuals, Brian Floca and Sydney Smith, in the realm of children's entertainment. The book's richly textured illustrations, a combination of watercolor, gouache, gum arabic, and acrylic ink, offer a compelling depiction of a storm, merging elements of fear, awe, childhood curiosity, and adventure.
