GVFaces: Jacqueline Listman

August 12, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 21)
Article by Joseph Martin

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Jacqueline Listman is a fourth-year student studying elementary education who wrote and illustrated a children’s book, “The Magic Mitten." 

Listman, who will begin her teaching internship this fall, said her experience as an illustrator helps give her a unique perspective as a teacher. 

"Most of my students can’t yet read, so writing down a word and drawing the image above it helps them understand," she said.

Her book features a girl who goes on an adventure in Michigan's outdoors. The adventure revolves around things any Midwestern kid could do in their yard or nearby, like finding a praying mantis in the garden or watching deer by the shoreline while fishing. 

Listman said that nature, her frequent walks and camping trips were the main inspirations for the book. She added that she wanted to create something to encourage kids to get outside, and she hopes to read the book to her classes one day.

Listman said she is interested in writing as a hobby but mostly passionate about art and illustration. She incorporates these skills into her Etsy store, “CustomedByJackie,” where she creates pieces like pet illustrations and paintings, and custom serving platters for weddings. 

She used Amazon to get her book to the market, saying she wanted to make the experience of publishing her first book less daunting. “It’s a great self-publishing tool," she said.

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