Ely Ely
Illustrator
Melissa Zúñiga, better known as Ely Ely, is a Mexican illustrator from Aguascalientes who currently lives in Mexico City. After finishing her studies in graphic de-sign, she worked for a few years in various marketing agencies while also doing freelance work as an illustrator and mural painter, then launched her own illustration studio in 2014.
Women, Mexican graphical elements, nature, and color form the basis for her creativity and inspiration, and these things can frequently be found in her illustrations, murals, and other work. She has worked on numerous projects in Mexico and abroad, including partnerships with Disney, Google, Mary Kay, Clinique, Maybelline, Dole Sunshine, Danone, and Bonafont, among others.
Catherine Russler
Author
Catherine first came to Mexico as a college exchange student. Years later, after obtain- ing her master’s degree in international affairs with a focus on Latin American studies, she returned to Mexico as a U.S. intelligence analyst posted abroad. There, she fell in love with Francisco, to whom she is now married. They live in Guadalajara with their young daughter Olivia, an ever-changing number of senior rescue dogs, and an opinionated cat. They are excited to soon grow their family by adopting Mexico’s foster care system.
Catherine enjoys spotting butterflies and hummingbirds with Olivia and imagining ways to help young people discover their own magic. She is passionate about social justice issues impacting youth in both of her countries.
d&i EXPERT
Kaila Alvarez
Publisher
Grafo House Publishing
website team
Maketo