Tumbao Bilingual Books: Empowering Multiethnic and Multilingual Families Through Inclusive Children’s Literature
USA News January 24, 2025
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Tumbao Bilingual Books: Empowering Multiethnic and Multilingual Families Through Inclusive Children’s Literature
Nationwide - January 27, 2025 - Tumbao Bilingual Books, founded by Valerie Butrón and Dr. Rita Guzmán, is transforming bilingual children’s literature by creating authentic stories that reflect the beauty and complexity of multiethnic and multilingual families. With a deep commitment to representation and cultural inclusivity, the company inspires young readers to embrace their identities and celebrate the fullness of who they are.
We Celebrate Juneteenth Unidos, the company’s latest release, perfectly embodies this mission. The book offers children a bilingual exploration of Juneteenth’s significance while celebrating the connections between African-American and Hispanic cultures. With its vibrant illustrations and dual-language format, it invites families to connect, learn, and celebrate together.
Why “Tumbao”?
The word “tumbao”, rooted in Afro-Caribbean culture, refers to a person’s unique rhythm or cadence in life. For Valerie and Rita, tumbao captures the heartbeat of their mission: celebrating the rhythm, diversity, and authenticity of bilingual and bicultural identities.
"Tumbao resonates deeply with us because it connects to the African diaspora and represents individuality and rhythm," says Valerie, referencing Celia Cruz’s iconic song La Negra Tiene Tumbao. "We want every child to feel seen and celebrated for who they are."A Unique Vision for Representation
As a Spanish-English bilingual children’s book company, Tumbao Bilingual Books stands out for its authentic representation. Founded by two women with lived experiences, Valerie and Rita bring decades of expertise in bilingual education and community engagement to their mission.
"Our books are designed to help children develop both their language and literacy skills while fostering a sense of belonging," explains Rita. "We want students to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. It’s about connecting with meaningful content and celebrating cultural diversity."
For Valerie, the mission is deeply personal. "As a Black child growing up in predominantly white communities, I experienced feelings of isolation," she shares. "Books became my bridge to understanding, empowerment, and connection. I want all children—especially those from multiethnic backgrounds—to feel that same sense of belonging and pride in who they are."We Celebrate Juneteenth UnidosWe Celebrate Juneteenth Unidos introduces young readers to the history and significance of Juneteenth, highlighting themes of freedom, unity, and joy. By emphasizing the connections between African-American and Hispanic cultures, the book fosters conversations about history, culture, and community.
"Juneteenth is a celebration of resilience and freedom," says Rita. "This book honors those connections while making the story relatable for children from all backgrounds."
With a bilingual glossary and vibrant illustrations, the book ensures families can enjoy it together, regardless of their primary language. It reflects Tumbao’s commitment to bridging cultures through intentional storytelling.
Magic at the Intersection of Self-Belief and Effort
From their first conversation over lunch to publishing five books, Valerie and Rita credit their success to a shared vision and unwavering dedication.
"Magic happens at the intersection of self-belief and consistent effort," Valerie says. "We’ve poured our hearts into Tumbao because we believe in the power of words and stories to transform lives."
Valerie’s experiences as an African-American woman exploring the African diaspora in Spanish-speaking cultures shape her storytelling approach. Rita’s expertise as an educator and bilingual advocate drives the company’s focus on language development and literacy.
Building Bridges Through Bilingual Books
More than a publishing company, Tumbao Bilingual Books is a movement to celebrate cultural identity and connect communities. Beyond publishing, Valerie and Rita support educators and families through:
- Professional development workshops
- Bilingual learning resources
- Community engagement initiatives
Connect with Tumbao Bilingual Books
Families, educators, and readers can explore Tumbao Bilingual Books and their growing collection by visiting their official channels:
- Website
- @tumbaobilingualbooks on Instagram
- LinkedIn: Tumbao Bilingual Books LLC
- YouTube: Tumbao Bilingual BooksConclusion
With every story they publish, Tumbao Bilingual Books empowers children to celebrate their unique rhythm, fosters a love of language, and builds bridges between cultures. For Valerie and Rita, this is just the beginning—bilingual children’s literature has never looked brighter.