The Island

Grades Preschool – 3
Ages 4–8

A powerful and poetic picture book, featuring gorgeous watercolor art, about a child who learns to make peace with their overwhelming emotions.

Sometimes I go to the Island.
I never mean to go.
I never want to go.
But the sky darkens,
and the wind rises,
and the current pulls me away.

On the Island, a child wanders down dim and winding paths, their emotions churning. Loneliness. Sadness. Fear.

But today on the Island, for the first time, they meet another person. A person who guides them out of the shadows. Assures them that everyone feels this way sometimes. And helps them find their way home.

From two New York Times-bestselling creators comes a moving picture book about the island inside all of us: the place we go when we feel scared and sad and overwhelmed. It shows kids that, by exploring and learning from our scariest emotions, we can feel more at home inside ourselves.

"Profound . . . a soothing, radiant balm for stormy days." —Publishers Weekly

"Sarcone-Roach’s responsive, resplendent watercolors capture emotion and nature with palpable depth." —School Library Journal

"Sterer’s reassuring text may well help some young readers learn to face difficult emotions head on." —Kirkus Reviews

"Author-illustrator duo Sterer and Sarcone-Roach capture conceptual storytelling at its best.... gentle narration emphasizes the compassion, acceptance, and grace necessary to work through one’s own inner turmoil." —The Bulletin

"This gentle metaphorical story offers reassurance to readers experiencing big feelings that a safe harbor awaits them." —Booklist

ISBN 9780593900147 (Hardcover)
Published on Nov 24, 2026
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages 40
Dimensions 7-1/2 x 10
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3
Reading Level Lexile: 490L | Fountas/Pinnell: O

ISBN 9780593900161 (Ebook)
Published on Nov 24, 2026
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages 40
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3
Reading Level Lexile: 490L | Fountas/Pinnell: O

Julia Sarcone-Roach

After attending the Rhode Island School of Design, Julia Sarcone-Roach made her Knopf picture book debut with The Secret Plan, and followed it up with the highly praised Subway Story. She is also the creator of animated videos, including Call of the Wild, which was featured in indie film festivals and won several prizes. Julia lives in Brooklyn, New York. You can find her on the Web at jsarconeroach.com.

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