Learn Spanish with The Happy Hollisters!
The Happy Hollisters series by Jerry West offers many opportunities for young readers to embark on more detailed studies of many subjects, from Revolutionary War history in The Happy Hollisters and the Secret Fort to learning a few words in other languages, such as Spanish in The Happy Hollisters at Lizard Cove.
The Happy Hollisters at Lizard Cove kicks off with a stowaway lizard in a crate of pineapples and leads the Hollister family south to sunny Puerto Rico on a mysterious adventure. As Pete, Pam, Ricky, Holly, and Sue romp around the tropical beaches and explore the historic forts of the capital city of San Juan, they also learn some simple Spanish words and phrases from their new Puerto Rican friends, Carlos and Maya.
While writing this book, author Andrew Svenson (aka Jerry West) traveled to the Caribbean island to do on-the-spot research and talk with the residents of the island. His personal experiences give this story a lively and authentic energy as well as a fun introduction to Puerto Rican culture and the Spanish language.
Learn how to talk like a Happy Hollister—en español—with these basic phrases from The Happy Hollisters at Lizard Cove:
Bueno – good
Buenas noches – goodnight
Si – yes
Señor – Mr. or sir
Calle – street
Avenida – avenue
Gracias – thanks
Caramba – an expression of surprise
Hasta luego, lagarto – see you later, alligator
Qué pasa? – What’s going on?
Siesta – a period of rest
Muchacho – a young man or boy
If you’re ready for a more immersive language experience, six volumes in The Happy Hollisters series have recently been reissued as Los Hollister with new updated illustrations (volumes 1, 2, 15, 22, 23, and 25).
