The youngest of twelve children in a family of settlers, Matthias grows up and grows old on a small island off the coast of New England. Cooney's luminous gouache paintings depict details of 19th century island life. (Ages 4-8)

The acclaimed author of Miss Rumphius recounts the lives of four generations living on a New England coastal island and the importance of family ties.

The youngest and quietest of 12 children, Matthias grew closest to Tibbets Island, learning its secrets through the years. And though in later years he sailed to faraway places, he always returned to the island he loved.


"Island Boy is certain to be a favorite for family sharing, as well as a must for school and public libraries. Teachers will love it; buy extra copies."—School Library Journal

"As encompassing as the portrait of a life depicted in the award-winning Miss Rumphius , Cooney's latest work is an ode to simple acts of daily living."—Publishers Weekly