Press Kit
Here you'll find information for media inquiries about my books, plus access to high resolution headshots, book covers, and interior spreads.
Bios
Short Version
Jessica Iwanski is a picture book author with a passion for stories that inspire curiosity and connection. A lifetime lover of books, Jessica now has the joy of writing them!
Jessica lives in sunny Arizona with her husband, three children, and two silly dogs. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and dreaming up stories for the young and young at heart.
You can visit her online at www.jessicaiwanski.com or follow her on Instagram @JessicaIwanski.
Long Version
Jessica began her writing career at the age of seven when she used her hard-earned money to buy a Scooby-Doo journal. She has been writing on and off ever since. Jessica is the author of Stories by Sea: A Lighthouse Library’s Journey (Gnome Road Publishing, 2026), a Junior Library Guild selection.
Jessica’s life as a second-generation homeschooler deeply informs her storytelling as she seeks to write books that inspire curiosity and connection. She lives in sunny Arizona with her husband, three children, and two silly dogs.
In her spare time, Jessica enjoys reading books for all ages, spending time with her family, and dreaming up stories for the young and young at heart. You can visit her online at www.jessicaiwanski.com or follow her on Instagram @JessicaIwanski.
Author Photos
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Book Information
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STORIES BY SEA:
A Lighthouse Library's Journey
Illustrated by Angela C. Hawkins
(Gnome Road Publishing, September 22, 2026)
ISBN: 9781957655703
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Description: 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 the late 1800s, 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.
Key Concepts: U.S. History, Lighthouses, Libraries, Historical fiction, sea life.
