Stories by Sea: A Lighthouse Library's Journey - Hardcover

by Jessica Iwanski (Author), Angela C. Hawkins (Illustrator)

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

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.

Author Biography

Jessica Iwanski is a lyrical children's writer with a passion for all things books and reading. She loves drawing inspiration from true stories and enjoys the challenge of bringing new life to overlooked historical and cultural gems. As a second-generation homeschooler, Jessica can often be found planning literature-based learning for her children and their homeschool co-op. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, baking mediocre sourdough loaves, and trying to find her next favorite read - or else, trying to write it! Jessica lives in Arizona with her husband, three children, and one curly dog (who the family agrees is probably a cat in disguise).Angela has been creating since she was as small as her characters. In 2003 she sold her first story to Spider Magazine. Soon after, she plunged into illustration. Practice, two babies, and ten moves later she got paid for that too! In addition to writing and illustrating MousterWorks (Gnome Road Publishing 2025) and illustrating Nancy Bess Had a Dress (Claire Annette Noland, Gnome Road Publishing, Spring 2024), you'll find Angela's art in books for Heinemann and Deeds Publishing, a poster for the Brooklyn Public Library, and Babybug/Ladybug/Spider Magazines. She's won several awards, including the 2017 Don Freeman Grant, the 2017 RMC-SCBWI Portfolio Showcase, and the 2021 SCBWI SW Texas Portfolio Contest. Angela was also a 2023/2024 PBParty Finalist and is currently represented by Mara Cobb (Martin Literary Agency). Find out more about Angela at www.angelachawkins.com.