The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Jessica Iwanski and Review of Stories by the Sea
Jessica Iwanski grew up spending every bit of her free time reading and writing stories, dreaming of one day becoming a real author. Now she has the joy of being exactly what she always hoped to be when she grew up!
She writes lyrical picture books that invite young readers to step into a moment in time. Jessica’s life as a second-generation homeschooler deeply informs her storytelling as she seeks to write books that cultivate meaningful connections while opening the world to curious young minds.
When not reading or writing, Jessica can often be found spending time with family, baking mediocre sourdough loaves, and lesson planning literature-based learning for her children and their homeschool co-op. She lives in Arizona with her husband, three children, and two very silly dogs.
Jessica’s debut picture book, Stories by Sea: A Lighthouse Library's Journey, released on September 22nd.
Welcome Jessica,
Hi Maria! Thanks so much for having me.
Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you typically write? How long have you been writing? How does homeschooling affect your writing time & topics?)
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I bought myself a little Scooby-Doo journal when I was seven and the rest is history. But I’ve been writing in pursuit of publishing since the spring of 2023.
As a busy homeschooling mom of three, I write anytime and anywhere I can! There are a few larger chunks of time throughout the week that I set aside for writing, but most often I work in mini writing sprints. Fifteen minutes here, ten minutes there. I’ve learned to be efficient with the time I have and not stress about it looking “perfect.” I’ve gotten pretty good at tuning out the thumping music at my kids’ gymnastics practices, the loud instructors at my son’s karate classes, the sound of Bluey in the living room.
Homeschooling has also shaped what I’m drawn to writing about. I love using books in our homeschool to inspire, pique interest, ignite curiosity. I especially love making memories together through the stories we encounter. And that’s what I try to do in my writing, too. Above all, I write books to nurture curiosity and connection.
It is wonderful to "meet" you. What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written a manuscript?
© Los Angeles Dept of Recreation & Parks, Creator: JUANCARLOS CHAN
I love this question! The most fun place I’ve written a manuscript is definitely at Point Fermin Lighthouse while researching for Stories by Sea. I didn’t write the entire manuscript in one go, but I was jotting down lines and ideas while exploring the lighthouse and grounds. It was such an immersive way to write a book!
Wow! Park Fermin is such an interesting lighthouse! What was your inspiration or spark of interest for Stories by Sea: A Lighthouse Library's Journey? How did you discover the Lighthouse library?
I got the idea for Stories by Sea while reading an article about lighthouses (as one does, when one loves lighthouses). A tiny fact was buried within the article, something I almost skimmed right over: lighthouse families in the 1800s received books by boat!
I knew the concept could make a delightful and unique picture book, especially for fellow book-lovers and history-enthusiasts. But it took me a while to get the structure just right. I finally settled on tracking one library case as it journeys from lighthouse to lighthouse, connecting families through the stories they share and celebrating the power of books to light the way.
That is such a wonderful little tidbit to discover and I love the plot you created; it is both immersive and unusual. What was the hardest or most challenging thing about writing Stories by Sea? And what was the most fun?
The hardest part of writing Stories by Sea was definitely finding the perfect structure for it. I knew the story I wanted to tell, but it took me a little while to figure out how to tell it. I eventually settled on a circular structure, which allowed me to follow the library case as it journeys from lighthouse to lighthouse and back again. In a way, the library case was my main character!
As for the most fun part, that’s a hard one. Researching in person at Point Fermin was incredible, and chatting with lighthouse experts on the phone was a joy. And, of course, I loved seeing Angela C. Hawkins’ beautifully detailed and whimsical illustrations for the first time. Such a surreal moment!
You've created such a fun and unusual way for readers (kids and adults) to interact with lighthouses; expanding our knowledge and imaginations beyond just lights which guide boats and highlighting another fun way that books travel to find their readers. Neither the story nor the back matter mention if the lighthouses shown are real (or where they are located). How were you able to trace the journey of the library between lighthouses? Where did the library travel? (just along the East coast?)
The lighthouses shown in the book are not actual lighthouses, but they are based on real ones. Angela did an incredible amount of research behind the scenes to make sure her art was historically and visually accurate, which I was so thankful for! It was wonderful to be paired with someone who cared so much about the details.
The library case in Stories by Sea goes on a shortened, fictional journey for the purposes of the book but in actuality, the library cases traveled all over the coasts of the U.S. and through the Great Lakes. Theoretically, a case at that time could travel the entire loop of lighthouses and make its way back to the beginning again. It might take a while, though!
Congratulations to you both in creating such an engaging and informational picture book. Did anything surprise or amaze you when you first saw Angela C. Hawkins’ illustrations? What is your favorite spread?
I was amazed by every one of Angela’s gorgeous illustrations. She truly brought the story to life. I was especially surprised and delighted by the mice she hid on every spread! My dad used to play a “find the mouse” game with me and my sisters anytime he read Goodnight Moon, so it was very full-circle to have those hidden mice in my first book.
Text © Jessica Iwanski, 2026. Image © Angela C. Hawkins, 2026.
It’s tough to pick a favorite spread because they’re all so beautiful. But two standouts for me are the stunning rescue scene and the spread that Angela created for my words “The world all around gathered in the pages of books.” She chose a bird’s eye perspective, and it works perfectly to mirror the words and the rounded shape of a lighthouse. Brilliant!
Oh, what a special gift! This is such a great image focusing on the kids' reading books in the round room of the lighthouse, with the inclusion of the laps and legs of their parents also enjoying books, and the case flung open and books scattered all about the room! Was there anything you discovered in your research that you couldn’t fit into the book or back matter? Can you share a fun tidbit or two you discovered with us?
Oh yes, so many things! One of the trickiest parts of researching was deciding what to keep and what to cut. Something I loved learning was that the job of lighthouse keeper was actually one of the first non-clerical U.S. government positions that women were allowed to hold. And it was not an easy job! I was blown away reading about the brave women who kept the lights.
I hope you are able to put links or some of this information in a guide or maybe an "extras" page on your website. What's something you want your readers to know or learn about Stories by Sea?
I’d love for them to know that at its heart, Stories by Sea is a love letter to libraries. Books have a way of bringing people together and bringing the world to our doors, whether we’re in the middle of a bustling city or in a lighthouse at the edge of the sea. Libraries make that possible for so many of us!
You have definitely succeeded. Is there an author or illustrator (children’s or otherwise) who has had an influence on your writing or creativity?
Sophie Blackall will always be a source of inspiration for me. Her picture books sing of her passion for creativity, kindness, forgotten places, and (most of all) for people. I love the lyrical way she brings beauty to the ordinary, and how she invites readers of all ages to notice the storied world around them.
I adore her books, too. Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?
Right now, it’s all-systems-go on launching Stories by Sea into the world! It’s been so wonderful seeing readers of all ages connect with this book already.
Other than that, my agent and I are on submission with several other picture books that I'm super excited about. Crossing my fingers they’ll find their homes soon!
Best of luck and we will have to keep our eyes open for future books from you. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park (anywhere in the world)? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?
© Maria Marshall
Perhaps this is unsurprising coming from an Arizonan, but Grand Canyon National Park is definitely my favorite. I’ve been there too many times to count but I’ll never be over it! It’s incredibly humbling to stand on the edge and feel so very small, to imagine all the people who have been there before you and all the ones who will come after. It’s timeless and so beautiful!
Thank you, Jessica for sharing with us a bit about yourself and your new picture book.
To find out more about Jessica Iwanski, or to contact her:
Website: https://www.jessicaiwanski.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaiwanski/
X(Twitter): https://x.com/jessicaiwanski
Review of Stories by Sea: A Lighthouse Library's Journey
This magnificent picture book explores the importance and a lesser known traveling library - a library and journal contained in a case which travels throughout a system of lighthouses, bringing adventure, joy, instruction, and comfort.
Stories by Sea: A Lighthouse Library's Journey
Author: Jessica Iwanski
Illustrator: Angela C. Hawkins
Publisher: Gnome Road Publishing (September 22, 2026)
Ages: 6-8
Nonfiction
Themes:
Lighthouses, traveling libraries, and history.
Synopsis:
Step back in time to explore the fascinating journey of a brass-bound case filled with books as it travels from lighthouse to lighthouse, connecting lighthouse keepers and their families to the rest of the world.
Tending a lighthouse was a lonely job, and obtaining supplies and communicating with people beyond their isolated home could be difficult. In 1876, portable libraries made up of sturdy books contained in wooden cases started circulating on lighthouse supply ships. These books provided information and entertainment for lighthouse keepers and their families. And each stop along the way became part of this innovative library’s own story. With lovely prose by debut author Jessica Iwanski and detailed illustrations by award-winning illustrator Angela C. Hawkins, Stories by Sea tells the true story of traveling library boxes and the courage and persistence of those who received them, got lost in their pages, and sent them on to the next stop.
By combining the timeless feel of Hello, Lighthouse with the unique history of lighthouse libraries, Stories by Sea will leave young readers with an appreciation for the simple pleasure of receiving the gift of a good book to read. It’s perfect for elementary school classrooms, libraries, and for history buffs - young and old - who are looking for a lyrical adventure of their own.
Opening Lines:
On a weatherworn ship in the middle of the sea,
a brass-bound case begins its journey.
It is made to last a lifetime,
to carry the most precious cargo of all . . .
A fog rolls over the bay but a beam of light
carves a path through the gray.
This way . . .
this way . . .
this way.
What I LOVED about this book:
I was immediately drawn to the cover with the lighthouse keepers and their six kids waving at a passing ship, silhouetted by the setting sun. And I adore these opening endpapers and the images of all the unique and amazing lighthouses that are represented. They show a total of 35 different types and locations of light houses, including a "lightship"! And I love the image on the title page of the library box being loaded onto the supply ship heading out to the lighthouses.
Text © Jessica Iwanski, 2026. Image © Angela C. Hawkins, 2026.
The lyrical opening is so intriguing. I love the warm brown tones of the ship and the distance spot of the lighthouse beam gorgeously set against the foggy landscape and dark waters. On the bow, tucked among barrels of supplies, we glimpse "a brass-bound case" and get a hint that we will be following this special case on its journey. And are offered a little mystery that it has "the most precious cargo of all."
Text © Jessica Iwanski, 2026. Image © Angela C. Hawkins, 2026.
We immediately get a hint as the book zooms in on six brightly dressed kids and their mom arrayed on the lighthouse balcony, as they enthusiastically wave and exclaim "The books are here!" As the case opens, like a book, it reveals shelves of books and an enthusiastic family enjoying the case's treasure.
Text © Jessica Iwanski, 2026. Image © Angela C. Hawkins, 2026.
Angela C. Hawkin's gorgeous pencil, watercolor, and digital ink illustrations are so full of energy, warm colors, and wonderful Victorian period clothing. As well as offering great windows into the varied lives of the keepers manning numerous lighthouses. She has also added adorable little mice in the illustrations. Kids will have fun hunting for them swabbing a deck, watching from windows, hanging tiny clothes to dry, or helping with tools.
When the boat returns to gather the library case, an inset image shows a note in the accompanying journal asking for more historical books next time. Lovely lyrical text, playing with a repetitive refrain which mimics the turning of the lighthouse beam - "This way....this way....this way" and fun book references - "the case sails to its next chapter," carries the case through a storm to a single keeper sharing Shakespeare's plays and the journal with his cats, and then on to a keeper who had requested a maintenance manual. The case continues along its path bringing entertainment, scripture, diversion, and education to so many, both solitary keepers and those with families. each with their own unique and charming lighthouse to explore. Perhaps I'm a bit biased, but I really liked this collection of images of diverse, capable women tending their fascinating and unique lights at their lighthouses (each with their little mouse companion).
Text © Jessica Iwanski, 2026. Image © Angela C. Hawkins, 2026.
Full of adventure, discovery, a glimpse of history and life in a lighthouse, the case circles around to the first family, with Jessica's favorite spread mentioned above. A wonderful author's note offers deeper insight into the lighthouse keepers, their quarterly delivery of supplies and books, and the history of the library cases. A great collection of resources and questions remind readers that, "Books were windows to the outside world, an important source of education, and best of all, a connection to others when life felt lonely." And they still are!
Resources:
make a fun paper plate, paper, or recycled lighthouse.
make your own journal and record the books you read. What
for more lighthouse fun, pair this with Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall. And for more traveling book library fun, pair this with The Camel Library: A True Story From Pakistan by Marzieh Abbas, illustrated by Anain Shaikh, Junia, The Book Mule of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, illustrated by David C. Gardner, Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians by Lauren H. Kerstein, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander, and Colorful Mondays: A Bookmobile Spreads Hope in Honduras, by Nelson Rodríguez and Leonardo Agustín, illustrated by Rosana Faría and Carla Tabora.
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