visit to Bermuda.

Anyone who lived through one of the worst storms in the Island's history, is unlikely to forget the experience. Children, however, will have no idea of what a bad hurricane is really like -- and this is the audience targeted by children's author Mark Booth in his latest book.

"This offers an insight into living through a hurricane, not through the eyes of an adult, but from the perspective of a little sailboat named Sidney,'' he said.

Following on the success of "Sidney the Sail Boat'' last summer, Mr. Booth has now written its sequel. It is called "Sidney and the Hurricane'' and has just been released in stores across the Island.

Once again, the colourful illustrations are by Patricia DeCosta. "I had only been here a few months when Emily hit.'' says Mr. Booth, "I had just bought a sailboat, which I moored at Mangrove Bay. It ended up on the road, so I saw first-hand what a hurricane can do to a boat! The memory of Emily has stayed vividly in my mind, as I'm sure it has for everyone else. The events in my book are obviously based on that day, with a little bit of artistic licence thrown in.'' "Sidney and the Hurricane'' re-unites his young readers with Sidney and his owner, Captain Haggard, the elegant yacht Rebecca and the flash red motorboat, Razor. A new character this time around is Billy, a young friend of the Captain who is learning how to sail Sidney.

Children will enjoy the references to local landmarks, such as Somerset Bridge ("the smallest drawbridge in the world'', explains the Captain), Hamilton Harbour, Mangrove Bay and Gibbs Hill lighthouse.

Mr. Booth's own children, Charlotte, 4, and Nicholas, 2, are his keenest fans.

"In fact, the first book began as a bedtime story. Then I met Pat DeCosta. I was living next door to her at the time, so I showed her my stories.

Luckily, she liked them -- and began sketching and painting. We have worked together ever since.'' For Mrs. DeCosta, who says art has always been a part of her life, the chance to illustrate childrens' books is "a dream come true''.

The self-taught artist (she began her career as a graphic artist with The Royal Gazette ) usually paints commissioned works -- often portraits -- in oils.

With over 20 main illustrations, the project has kept Mrs. DeCosta busy for the past year. All of the paintings are in watercolour, a medium she says is particularly suited for book illustration.

"I find it very refreshing. It allows me to paint with child-like abandon and lets my imagination run wild. I love it!'' Mrs. DeCosta says her son, Ryan, 4, is her most tenacious critic: "He told me he loves the second book even more than the first, so I hope other children do, as well!'' Audio tapes, narrated by local actor, Richard Fell, of "Sidney and the Hurricane''. "Sidney the Sailboat'' tapes are also available.

The book, designed by Daron Lowe, is published by The Bermudian Publishing Company.

Mark Booth will be on hand for book signing at A.S. Cooper & Sons today, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and at the Windjammer Gallery Front Street outlet, as part of Hamilton's "Harbour Nights'' from 6.30 p.m. onwards, and again next week.

Mrs. DeCosta will be signing her name (complete with a little drawing) at Trimingham's on Wednesday, August 9, during Harbour Nights.

illustrator, Mrs. Patricia DeCosta and author Mr. Mark Booth.