Sonia Manzano, best known for role as Maria on "Sesame Street," used to spend her time giving advice to Elmo and Big Bird. Now, the native Bronx resident is sharing life-lessons with fans in her book, "Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx."

Manzano spent Saturday signing copies of her book at the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

The Emmy Award-winning actress and writer also took questions from fans. She says she left the show after 44 years because she was ready to move on.

In her book, Manzano writes about a difficult childhood in the Bronx because of her parents' tumultuous relationship. She says she found comfort in watching people on TV.

"When I was growing up, there were no Latinos in any media and I felt invisible," Manzano told News 12. "I wondered how I was going to contribute to a society that didn't see me."