Bomba Bebé

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 Bebé'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 Bebé" 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 Bebé" 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 Bebé" is the first book in the fantasy nonfiction series "Bebé & 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 Bebé" was developed over years of fieldwork, research, and collaboration. This book kicks off the series "Bebé & 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 Bebé" 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!

"Bomba Bebé" is a beautiful, vibrant, and colorful story about dance and love and culture. It's a great way to teach your kids about other cultures and languages and to think about the world as a bigger place than just what they know.

Christina Stacy, Parent & Economist @UrbanInstitute (Alexandria, VA)

"Bomba Bebé" introduces young readers to the power of Afro-Latin dance through the story of a child discovering their cultural roots. The book highlights how Bomba, a traditional Afro-Puerto Rican dance, becomes a symbol of freedom, healing, and love, creating connections across generations. The bilingual format makes it particularly engaging for my family, helping my boys connect with their heritage. The story, filled with rhythmic language and vivid illustrations, celebrates Afro-Latin culture while teaching important lessons about identity, unity, and resilience. It's a must-read for celebrating diversity and cultural expression.

Veridiana Montas, Parent & Esthetician @the.nu.ances (Bronx, NY)

"Zelle" (Elizabeth) Allyson Crawford is a teacher-educator specializing in child-parent wellbeing. A leader in numerous education and public health projects, Zelle holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Loyola Marymount University and is a Culture of Health Fellow of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. A long time meditation and yoga practitioner, Zelle is passionate about building positive interdisciplinary, intergenerational, and multicultural connections in all areas of life. Based in the Bronx, NY with strong ties to Lares, Puerto Rico and rural NJ, Zelle is a dancer, writer, and illustrator with a deep appreciation for the arts and a lifelong love of travel. Daniella M. Hernández González - affectionately known as the "Dance Doctor" - is a dance artist and teacher pursuing public health studies at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. Originally from Canovanas, Puerto Rico Daniella is passionate about promoting wellbeing and cultural exchange through many different avenues. A talented dancer and writer with international appeal, Daniella debuted on the MTV VMA's in 2024 with reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro. Actively involved with various cultural organizations and health initiatives, Daniella is committed to community engagement and plans to infuse a long term career in healthcare with a passion for cultural advocacy.

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