Emily Ayres grew up in Buffalo, New York, and has been writing stories since childhood. Her world expanded in 2014 when she set sail on Semester at Sea’s Spring Voyage aboard the MV Explorer — a journey that sparked her love for travel and shaped her belief in global connection.

Becoming a mother deepened her desire to create stories that help children see the world with curiosity, kindness, and courage. Today, Emily lives in sunny San Diego with her husband, Jake, their daughter, June, and their loyal co-pilot, Duncan.

Semester at Sea & The Wonder of We is her debut children’s book — a love letter to travel, to community, and to the idea that we become our best selves through the people we meet along the way.