Today's Read Team 
Tumbao Bilingual Books, a company founded by Valerie Butrón and Dr. Rita Guzmán, has officially released their newest book, We Celebrate Juneteenth Unidos. This beautifully illustrated children’s book is an important resource that introduces young readers to the history of Juneteenth while celebrating the powerful themes of family, community, and bilingualism.
We Celebrate Juneteenth Unidos is inspired by the true story of the inaugural “Juneteenth at the U” event held in Crete, Illinois, in June 2024. This groundbreaking celebration brought together the diverse communities of Crete, Monee, University Park, and Park Forest, marking the beginning of a new tradition. The book follows Joy, her Grandma, and her Spanish-speaking abuelos as they come together to honor Juneteenth, weaving in Spanish words within the primarily English text to reflect the beauty and richness of bilingualism and shared cultural traditions.
“At Tumbao Bilingual Books, we are proud to offer books that are not just about storytelling but about honoring the full spectrum of who we are. We Celebrate Juneteenth Unidos brings to life the history and significance of Juneteenth, blending it with the joy of community and bilingual heritage,” said Valerie Butrón, co-founder of Tumbao Bilingual Books. “We hope that this story sparks meaningful conversations with young readers about identity, history, and belonging, and strengthens the ties between families who share diverse linguistic and cultural traditions.”
Tumbao Bilingual Books has earned recognition from respected figures in bilingual education, including Dr. Kim Potowski, Professor of Spanish and Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Rachell Plote of the Illinois Resource Center, who have both praised the company’s commitment to promoting bilingualism and culturally responsive literacy. In addition, multiple school districts have turned to Tumbao Bilingual Books to lead professional development for educators and offer engaging assemblies and classroom visits that foster language and literacy education.
What sets We Celebrate Juneteenth Unidos apart from other books is its ability to not only educate children about the historical importance of Juneteenth but also to celebrate the unity that was at the heart of the inaugural Juneteenth at the U event. This day of reflection and joy was marked by a Freedom Walk led by the nonprofit Crete Community Runners Association, past the historic Crete Cemetery and Congregational Church, which is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. This rich history is captured in the book, allowing readers to connect deeply with the significance of Juneteenth while celebrating the diversity and togetherness that define the communities involved.
The gentle approach of We Celebrate Juneteenth Unidos makes it an ideal resource for families, schools, and libraries seeking to teach young readers about both the history of Juneteenth and the value of community and bilingualism. The book also introduces important cultural and historical topics in a manner that is accessible and engaging for children, making it a unique addition to any collection focused on social justice, diversity, and heritage.
Tumbao Bilingual Books is committed to producing stories that reflect the beauty and complexity of multiethnic and multilingual families, encouraging children to embrace their identities and celebrate their uniqueness. The company continues to inspire and impact the lives of young readers by providing stories that foster understanding, empathy, and respect for different cultures.
For more information about Tumbao Bilingual Books and their new release, We Celebrate Juneteenth Unidos, visit their website at www.tumbaobooks.com, or follow them on Instagram at @tumbaobilingualbooks and LinkedIn at Tumbao Bilingual Books LLC.