The Only Way to Dance

by Cristina Quintero, Eugenia Mello (Illustrator)

Overview

From the author of The Only Way to Make Bread comes a new picture book that's a sumptuous celebration of dance from around the world, from breakdancing to bhangra to ballet.

What's the only way to dance?

You'll need a beat. Any beat will do.

You'll need a space. Maybe a bright clean stage made of perfectly matched boards or a mossy forest floor.

You'll probably want music. A full orchestra, some trumpets or violins, or the buzz and blare of a busy street.

You might dance with a group, moving together to tell a story. You might dance with family to celebrate something special. You might dance on your own to show who you are.

What's the only way to dance?

Your way!

This beautiful celebration of all kinds of dance will delight readers big and small. No matter how YOU like to dance, this book is for you!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780735271784
Publisher:	Tundra
Publication date:	08/18/2026
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

CRISTINA QUINTERO is a first-generation Colombian-Canadian of both Afro-Colombian and Indigenous-Colombian descent. As a child of immigrants, she understands the importance of stories that go beyond trauma and struggle and instead highlight the everyday joy that is created within immigrant communities. She grew up in a neighborhood where one mama filled in for another, so while it was not always easy, her childhood was always full of all kinds of music and dance. She is the author of The Only Way to Make Bread, and she lives with her family in Alberta.

EUGENIA MELLO is an award-winning illustrator and art director from Buenos Aires, Argentina, based in Brooklyn, NY, who draws inspiration from the sounds and textures of her childhood travels throughout Latin America. Through her rhythmic and colorful artwork, she has garnered recognition from prestigious institutions including the Society of Illustrators, Communications Arts, American Illustration and The Art Director's Club of New York. She is the author and illustrator of Moving, and the illustrator of A River of Dust and Jazz for Lunch.