A vibrant bilingual picture book for all ages, centering young readers ages 4-8+ and celebrating the joy of dance, cultural identity, and community! (English/Spanish)
By following Bomba Beb's lifelong dance-journey, families can discover and rediscover the importance of cultural heritage, the transformative power of movement, and the strength of community arts.
"Bomba Beb" is a true (hi)story about a child who discovers from an early age that afrolatin dance is a cultural superpower that brings freedom, healing, and love to everyone, no matter where or when. This beautifully illustrated picture book shows the power and significance of Bomba - Puerto Rico's traditional community dance form - as a promising pathway for violence reduction in the United States and outlying territories.
"Bomba Beb" is more than just a story; it's an experience! Thoughtfully designed to spark meaningful conversations between caretakers and children, this book includes learning questions to encourage critical thinking and build healthy relationships, as well as multicultural resources for further exploration. You'll also find references to active Bomba groups where families can connect with dance communities in person.
"Bomba Beb" is the first book in the fantasy nonfiction series "Beb & Friends," written and illustrated to foster a love for dance, community, and multicultural awareness.
A labor of love plus lots of research! Co-authored by educators and public health professionals from both the U.S. and Puerto Rico, "Bomba Beb" was developed over years of fieldwork, research, and collaboration. This book kicks off the series "Beb & Friends," a literary collection dedicated to intergenerational antiviolence and child-parent wellbeing. evolutionforward publication's community books and resources are created by network leaders, members, and contributors from across the United States and outlying territories who are committed to improving education and public health. "Bomba Beb" is a testament to the enduring power of culture, community, and the human spirit. Read and dance along with us on this journey of cultural discovery and live the transformative magic of Bomba.
Acknowledgements: Cynthia Garcia Coll, PhD for making connections; Julie Cruz Studio and William M. Morgado for artistic inspiration and guidance; Cruz James and family for a rich exchange of ideas; and the evolutionforward network of family, friends, and partners for encouraging community leaders to write and draw their own (hi)stories.
Let's dance our way to a brighter future, together - join the journey today!