Spanish Short Stories for Beginners

Most beginning Spanish readers, I can barely tolerate. I've tried more than a few. THIS book is excellent. The stories are short enough that a busy person can read an entire story and are not too easy but are not to hard, either. They have just enough challenge. It 's perfect for my level. Each chapter has a glossary. My only problem is finding the time to read them. :- )

Lingo Mastery has embarked on a mission – to make Spanish more accessible to a wider population. In the Introductory Note the goal is stated well: ‘So you want to learn Spanish? That’s awesome, reader. Spanish (or Castilian) is a Romance language spoken by over 570 million people around the world, and is recognized as an official language by the European Union, the Organization of American States, the Union of South American Nations, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, and many other organizations. It is also, impressively, the second most spoken native language in existence, after Chinese. The Spanish language originated in the Castile region of Spain around the 9th century, and slowly evolved into what it has become today with heavy Latin influences as well as Greek ones. Interestingly enough, it is also one of the few languages spoken natively on four different continents (North America, South America, Europe and Africa), and has a heavy influence within the Philippines (Asia). It may be important to note at this point that having a basic to intermediate level of Spanish may be an important tool for your professional future, as well as opening several doors for you on your resume if you feel the need to either migrate or work in a multi-cultural environment. Spanish speakers will usually appreciate your effort in having partially or fully learned their language, and they will happily collaborate with you in solving your doubts.’ Each of the twenty stories follows the pattern Resumen de la historia, Summary of the story, Vocabulary Questions about the story, and Answers. Or as the authors state, ‘Each story will tell a different tale involving unique, deep characters with their own personalities and conflicts, while ensuring that you understand the objective of the particular language device in Spanish. Verbs, Pronouns, Nouns, Directions, Time and Date; all of it will be covered in this Basic-level book for Beginners. At no point will we introduce concepts too difficult for you to grasp, and any complicated vocabulary will be studied at the end of each story.’ An example, in Story 1 Paseo por el parque – A walk through the park - the story (translated for demo) ‘A little boy named Pedrito decided to go to park for a walk alongside his dog, Fido. There, they watch a few children playing, as well as some animals in a lake. Fido suddenly begins to chase a cat, and the hunt causes them to tear through a flower garden and a cafeteria, causing problems all around. Finally, a park security guard appears to escort Pedrito and Fido away for being there without an adult, but the boy’s mother shows up in time to avoid any larger problems.’ This is but one of the well-written stories with the summary in both Spanish and English and the task of this tale is Vocabulary (very well define) and a series of questions about the story written in Spanish with the answers likewise in Spanish. The stories vary, as do the lessons taught. This is a very fine introduction to Spanish, appropriate for all age levels, and a book much needed at this time in our national status! Grady Harp, January 18

While not for beginning language learners, this is a good book for practicing your reading comprehension and picking up on vocabulary. That’s why I got this book. I’m a (non-native-speaking) Spanish teacher, and I would place this book around the intermediate-mid level, according to the American Council of Foreign Languages. I have it a 4/5 just because it says it is for beginners when it is not. Otherwise, I’m glad I got it— the stories are short, and every now and then I come up on a word that I would not have used myself. Learning vocabulary through context is the best, and this book does a great job helping you out by providing lots of details and context to help you determine what’s happening in the story, even if you don’t know all the words. The stories themselves are OK. The plot lines are more along the lines of beginning readers. Maybe this would be a book for “beginners” if they are growing up and learning to read in a Spanish/English household.

When I first bought this book I was a beginner and it was very hard to understand, but as I progressed of course it became easier. As a beginner, I found this book helpful to read aloud and practice my pronunciation. I read a story a few times a week just to continue progress. I recommend this book to anyone learning Spanish.

I purchased this book several years ago when I was studying Spanish inconsistently (after taking it in high school and college and then not studying for 20 years) and immediately put it on the shelf as it was too advanced. I was not a brand new learner, but definitely a beginner. I have now been studying consistently for a year (very low B1 at this point) and while I can definitely read the stories, it still does not feel beginner to me. I have read other stories that are for A2 without issue. I would say this is more upper B1 or low B2 level. The choices of words or phrases are not for beginners either - words or phrases you may not hear very often (which makes it harder to remember them because they are not reinforced in other media). The stories are good, but if you are a true beginner this book is not for you (yet).

I am learning Spanish in preparation for a mission trip to Costa Rica. I have found Spanish Short Stories for Beginners a great and fun way to help learn Spanish. The stories are engaging and each story focuses on a different aspect of the language such as general vocabulary, nouns, verbs, pronouns and others. I have read each story several times always learning something new. The story format really helps to remember the words. I also brought the audio version of the book to improve my listening and understanding as well as pronunciation of words. I do wish that the written and audio versions were combined as now I must use my tablet to read and my phone to listen in order to blend them for easier use. I do highly recommend this book.

I been trying to get my kid to practice his Spanish and this is a great book to do it. There is a glossary of words at the end of each story that helps him understand. Good buy

These stores are short and totally excellent for learning Spanish. It's simplfied Grammer will help you figure out what the short stories are about as well as a title in English letting you know the settings of the stories to help you understand what the story is talking about.