Introduction
Esti Pienaar is an author, illustrator and educator with a passion for inspiring young minds. An environmental enthusiast with a deep appreciation for languages, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Currently specialising in teaching young learners how to read, she understands the importance of fostering a love for reading in children.
When not teaching or writing, she enjoys exploring new destinations and cultures, delving into a good book, and sharing her love for the environment. As an avid traveller, reader and environmental enthusiast she draws inspiration from diverse stories and cultures around the world. She continues to inspire and educate, always exploring new adventures and narratives to share. 
background
Esti Pienaar was born in South Africa, and attended an all girls boarding school in Pretoria before attending the University of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. From a young age she frequented the library and loved reading bedtime stories. She lived in Cape Town and Johannesburg before moving to Hong Kong to pursue a career in Education. She recently embarked on her writing journey, a lifelong dream and published her first book in 2024.
Inspiration
Her inspiration comes from the profound connections we share with the world around us. She has always been fascinated by the intricate relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. This deep appreciation for nature and its inhabitants often finds its way into her stories, where she explores themes of co-existence, respect, and sustainability. Reading opens up endless worlds of imagination and knowledge, and she believes that cultivating a love for reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves and others. Through her work she aims to inspire young readers to embark on their own literary journeys, and for adults to think deeper about their own actions and relationships, but ultimately for everyone to discover the joy and wonder that books can bring.
Qualifications & Achievements
MAAL: Masters in Applied Linguistics (HKU)
Passed with Distinction
Peter Cheung Memorial Prize for Outstanding Academic Performance
Published thesis: The Language of Climate Change: A Comparative Multimodal Analysis of Primary School Science Textbooks in Hong Kong and Australia
PGDE: Post Graduate Diploma in Education (HKU)
Passed with Distinction
Rowell Prize in Education for the highest overall combined grades in the theoretical and practical aspects
International Baccalaureate (IB) Certificate in Teaching and Learning
Passed with Distinction
PGCE: Post Graduate Certificate in Education (UNISA)
Passed with Distinction
BDRAM: Degree in Drama (University of Stellenbosch)
CELTA: Certificate in Teaching English to Adult Learners (Manchester Academy of English)
ISHTA: Integrated Studies of Hatha, Tantra & Ayurveda (500 hour Yoga Teacher Training)
