Meet Shawna Joo

The Mind Behind Esla Travels

Shawna Joo is a Korean-American author, wife, and mother of two. With a background in linguistics and literacy from Teachers College, Columbia University, she spent over 10 years teaching children.

Shawna’s love for travel and storytelling inspired the Esla Travels Collection. Through her books, she aims to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love for exploring the world in young readers—while giving them a fun, hands-on way to create their own adventure memories.

 Shop Esla’s Adventures

A Passion for Storytelling and Travel

From a young age, Shawna loved exploring the world and keeping mementos of her adventures. Her passion for travel, combined with her experience teaching children, led her to create Esla Travels—a series that turns learning about new cities and cultures into interactive, lift-the-flap adventures.

Every book encourages children to explore landmarks, taste local foods, and try fun activities—while capturing their own memories in a creative scrapbook. Shawna hopes that every child who opens an Esla Travels book feels the thrill of adventure and the joy of discovery.

Get to Know Shawna

Fun Facts

World Traveler

Has traveled to over 15 countries

Food Explorer

Loves tasting local foods and collecting recipes

Scrapbook Enthusiast

Believes every child should keep a travel scrapbook

Family First

Wife, mother, and lifelong learner

A Personal Message

I hope every child who opens an Esla Travels book feels the excitement of exploring new places and creates their own adventure memories along the way.

Join Esla on Her Adventures

Pack your imagination and join Esla on her exciting journeys around the globe. Each book is a one-of-a-kind adventure waiting to be explored.
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