Jawon Koo

I’m Jawon Koo, I’m a multicultural author-illustrator based in San Francisco and Seoul. I create emotionally resonant stories paired with expressive artwork that help children explore their feelings with empathy and courage. 

My books explore the wide range of human emotions — from the quiet, poetic waves of sadness to the racing heartbeat and fight-or-flight response of stage fright in my upcoming work.

I draw inspiration from childhood memory, and the hidden feelings that shape us. Some stories ask for softness, others demand energy — but all are rooted in empathy and the search for connection.

I graduated from Ewha Womans University with a degree in Environmental Engineering, and I often draw on both scientific curiosity and artistic sensitivity to shape narratives rooted in emotional truth. Writing and illustrating has been a personal healing process as I’ve navigated the loss of my grandparents and two beloved pets.

Outside of creating books, enjoy ballet dancing, singing, violin playing, traveling, cooking, and learning new languages—rhythms that nurture both my emotional depth and my multicultural spirit.