Easy-to-Read Literature for Spanish language learners
I write Easy-to-Read books
that beginners can really read!
When I’m reading with beginners or students with reading difficulties, I try to create what I call a “single-page reading experience.” Students should have as much support as possible right where they are reading, to never have to leave the page to check a glossary. In my books, I already use controlled vocabulary, introduced gradually…
Not all students come to class with a natural love for reading. Many struggle, especially at the beginning of their language learning journey. As teachers, we know that developing a habit of reading is essential, but we also know it is not always easy. Sometimes an external motivator helps. A Reading Marathon can provide that…
I spent last week at the 7th Extensive Reading World Congress in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Organized by the Extensive Reading Foundation, the event brought together about 400 educators from around the world at Hokusei Gakuen University. It was not only my first time at the congress but also my first time in Japan, which made the…
What happens when you put a Venezuelan and a Colombian together and ask them where the arepa comes from? You’ll see! There’s going to be a fight! The arepa is a hot topic that sparks debates, controversies, and endless jokes, with each country claiming the arepa as their own and saying their version is the best.
To settle the score, Reina, the Venezuelan arepa, and Paisa, the Colombian arepa, face off on TV in an epic cooking competition to win the title of World’s Best Breakfast. Both countries insist they invented the arepa, but who’s right?
Each arepa wants to prove they are the original, the biggest, the tastiest, and even the most beautiful. But it’s not just about flavor—it’s about pride!
With 1 million pesos at stake, the pressure is on. Who will win the ultimate bragging rights? Will it be Colombia or Venezuela?
It is the year 2064 and the Amazon rainforest is gone. All the trees have been cut down and all that remains is one ancient tree, an old woman and a little blue bird. Follow the bird on its journey through a grey, empty world in search of a colorful future, trying to save those left behind and what’s left of the forest.
The story of EL ÚLTIMO ÁRBOL invites us to imagine a world where most of the trees have disappeared. But it is not a sad story. It’s a story of hope, because we can still do something; it’s not too late to save the forest. Sometimes hope for a better future is all it takes to make us act. Hope can be a thing with feathers. Maybe just a little blue bird…
It’s a gem in your library
“El Último Árbol by Margarita Pérez García is an enchanting story that invites reflection on the significance of nature in our lives. It takes you through the journey of a beautiful blue bird symbolizing resilience and hope during challenging times. This book enables educators to establish numerous connections with nature, geography, immigration, and the consequences of our environmental footprint. The illustrations beautifully capture the contrast between the greyness of urban landscapes and the vibrancy of nature’s colors. I anticipate engaging in conversations with my students about this compelling narrative.”
Adriana A., Spanish Teacher, US.
Destined to become a classic
“Margarita and Trish’s new book, El último árbol, breaks new ground among comprehensible readers for language learners as a large-size picture book with each page featuring a full-spread, gorgeous work of art. The book is stunning for Trish’s art alone. On top of the visual feast, Margarita’s words are poetically crafted and accessible to a tremendously wide range of readers — from children to adults, language novices to language experts, emerging readers to experienced readers, and everyone in between. It is a book for everyone. And the message — the message is one for the entire planet, for trees, birds, and even humans. It shows the power of community and tenacity as we hope… dream… plant… and create new beginnings out of the shell of something dying. This is a book about life, and one to carry with us for life. Bravo, bravo, bravo to Margarita and Trish.”
Kristi L., Spanish Teacher,US.
