INTRODUCTION

Learning Spanish is fun, and you know why? Because it opens up whole new worlds to you. Spanish is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world— hundreds of millions of people in dozens of countries speak it. You know Spanish is spoken in Spain, but did you know that it’s also spoken in most of Central and South America, from Mexico to Chile? In fact, there are only a few countries in Latin America where Spanish isn’t spoken, like Brazil and Belize. There are also millions of Spanish speakers in the United States and in other countries all over the world. So by learning Spanish, you’ll be able to talk to all of these people and learn about the similarities and differences between their countries and cultures and your own.

Plus, if you can convince someone like your mom, dad, brother, sister, or best friend to learn Spanish with you, you’ll be able to study and practice together. It’s a lot more fun learning Spanish when you have someone to speak it with regularly. You can help each other understand the tricky parts and remember what you’ve learned. Then you’ll also have a secret language that only the two of you understand!

Speaking Spanish is useful, too. If you want to travel to other countries, it makes sense to speak the local language. If you visit Argentina or Costa Rica, for example, it will be easier (and more fun!) to eat at restaurants, go shopping, and visit places like zoos and museums when you speak Spanish. Plus, when you go to high school, you have to study a foreign language. If you start learning Spanish now, you’ll be ahead of your classmates. Besides that, there are lots of jobs that need Spanish speakers. If you want to be a doctor, a teacher, or a lawyer when you grow up, knowing Spanish will let you talk to many more people than if you just know English. In fact, speaking Spanish will probably make it easier for you to get the job in the first place. And if find out that you like Spanish so much that you want to learn another language, like French or Italian, knowing Spanish will make learning that new language even easier.

The Everything KIDS’ Learning Spanish Book will help you start learning Spanish and have fun at the same time. This is a complete introduction to Spanish written especially for kids just like you. Every chapter includes lessons, fun activities, puzzles, and games to help you learn, practice, and have a good time, too. You’ll be able to talk about what you love and what you dislike, what you’re studying at school, and what you want to do when you grow up. You’ll also learn how to count, describe your family and friends, talk about clothes and food, and lots more. And when you’ve finished the whole book and are ready for more, there is a list of books and Web sites in the back to help you figure out where to go next. (There’s also a glossary to help you remember how to say something in Spanish.)

Speaking Spanish is the first step to getting to know more about different countries, cultures, and people. It’s fun to learn and speak, and it’s useful too. So let’s get started and have fun!