Chelo Manchego

Chelo Manchego was born on February 15, 1993 in El Pulgarcito – the little thumb – of Central America, El Salvador. He moved to Los Angeles when he was 18 years old in search of new creative experiences.

While studying theater and screenwriting, he lived in a Buddhist monastery near the L.A. River, where he still volunteers for the meditation class for children. These kids inspired him to write and illustrate his own stories and he went back to college to focus on the beautiful world of children’s literature. He recently finished his studies and is ready to conquer the world.

The Want Monsters, published by Shambhala Publications and distributed by Penguin Random House, is his debut picture book. It is followed by Little Royal in the fall.

Chelo misses his family and home country. He writes for them and hopes to make them proud.

www.chelomanchego.com