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After publishing The Magical Skies of Sumpango, I was elated to hear a number of people comment that they thought the book would be a good way for their children to learn and practice Spanish. I have always been a strong advocate of bilingual education. As a sociologist, I believe that learning other languages enables us to have a better understanding and appreciation for the world and the diverse peoples in it. Since starting Vista Tranquila Publishers, our goal has been to publish bilingual books. The Magical Skies of Sumpango is currently available in English/Spanish and Spanish/French. The Spanish/German translation is currently under review and will soon be printed.
Young children are like sponges when learning a new language. They don’t get caught up in the grammar of high school foreign languages classes. They approach another language as if they are seeing the world in a whole new way. They are often excited about learning one new word. As teachers and parents, it is important to foster second language acquisition and to provide a fun, non-threatening (don’t constantly correct mispronunciation) environment to experiment with foreign language development.
Multilingualism and multiculturalism are important tools to foment in children to prepare them not only for the job market, but for life in an increasingly diverse globally connected world. My sons, Forrest and Walker, attended a dual-language immersion elementary school in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a first grader, they learned to read and write in Spanish and English. At Forrest’s behest, he participated in an after school French class. He is now a multicultural marketing specialist for a Fortune 500 company. Early second language exposure makes a difference!
With the Magical Skies of Sumpango, Vista Tranquila Publishers is introducing Making Amigos, a beginner Spanish lesson to accompany each book. The exercises are progressively leveled to build language and acquisition confidence. Rebecca Barrera, the artist who created the artwork for the Livingston puzzle, designed a coloring page for young readers. For older readers, Wayne and Elsa, the team graphic designer, created an owl coloring page based on Analuisa’s art from the book. Additionally, to accompany the book, we have created a leveled reading guide for parents and teachers that includes facts about Guatemala, discussion questions, and activities. We hope that the ancillary materials enhance the reading experience and promote a desire in young people to become multilingual and multicultural global citizens.
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