Chelo Manchego is an author and illustrator originally from El Salvador. He moved to Los Angeles after he finished high school in 2011—and while studying theatre and illustration he lived in a Buddhist monastery near the L.A. River, where he learned how to navigate the new, big, and exuberant city with mindfulness. He began volunteering at the meditation classes for children and became the art director of the program. Manchego has also worked as an art gallery manager and production designer for short films. His website is www.chelomanchego.com.