Ten-year-old João lives on Green Island, a volcanic island where nature is woven into everyday life. Raised by his parents, Sophia, a biologist, and Fernando, an aviator, and inspired by his friendship with Mr. Alberto, a 90-year-old gardener, João grows up learning to respect and love the natural world. His connection is so deep that he considers the island’s volcano his best friend. When his father disappears during a flight, João’s world is shaken and, at the same time, a tremor announces that the volcano has awakened. What follows is a mystery that unfolds on both a physical and emotional level.
Written by Guilherme Semionato, whose books have been published in eight countries, Two Islands combines emotional depth, imagination, and a strong sense of place. Before publication, the manuscript was shortlisted for three prestigious Brazilian literary awards for unpublished works: the Barco a Vapor Prize, the Sesc Literature Award, and the João-de-Barro Prize. Through João’s journey, the novel explores geography, geology, environmental awareness, friendship, family, and self-discovery, revealing the strength and resilience that lie within the young protagonist.
Zansky’s illustrations are central to the reading experience. At once realistic and dreamlike, they capture the beauty and grandeur of Green Island while reflecting João’s inner world. Landscapes, memories, emotions, and imagination blend seamlessly throughout the artwork, creating a visual narrative that mirrors the story’s delicate balance between harmony and contrast, the external world and the feelings that shape it. Together, text and image create a poetic and immersive reading experience.
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