Rio Chavez, born to an artist mother and raised in the vibrant city of Berkeley, California, has always centered his life around art and social justice.
In his early years, Rio was immersed in the world of murals and public art, accompanying his mother as she painted the walls of San Francisco. Drawing became his primary form of expression as he frequently put pencil to paper. During his teen years, Rio developed a deep love for playing the drums, a passion he took on the road as a young adult, touring the country and playing to both large and small crowds. While exploring a multitude of creative avenues, Rio discovered a strong passion for photography and turned that passion into a profession, dedicating himself to capturing moments and telling visual stories.
Rio's love for photography led him to work with children with disabilities, when he was asked to document the work of KT’s Kids, an organization committed to enriching the lives of young people with disabilities in Chicago. This experience transformed Rio, fostering a deep connection to the unique stories and challenges these children face, and inspiring his next life chapter, fatherhood.
With the arrival of his daughter, Rio felt a call to contribute to children's literature. Driven by the desire to create stories that resonate with children of color and children with disabilities, as well as reconnecting with his love of drawing, he dove into storytelling and illustration. As a children's book author and illustrator, Rio tells stories that reflect multiple cultures, identities, and experiences of early childhood. His narratives, drawn from his journey, ensure that his books reflect the uniqueness of every child, acting as mirrors for them to see themselves.
Embracing being father to a spirited toddler, Rio delights in the simple moments of laughter, discovery, and growth, and the powerful role of storytelling in connecting us all.
