Barnes & Noble announced its June Spanish-language Storytime at select stores across the country featuring a reading of "El miedo de Iván (Ivan's Fear)", written by Ariel Andres Almada and illustrated by Cha Coco and other stories for toddlers.

 "We're hearing from parents that they want to immerse their children in language learning at a young age, when language acquisition is easy and fun," said Sarah DiFrancesco, Vice President of Business Development for Barnes & Noble. "More schools are embracing dual immersion language programs, helping children become fluent speakers in two languages by the time they graduate high school. We believe Spanish-language Storytimes fill a growing demand for this type of early childhood foreign language programming."

The picture book El miedo de Iván tells the story of Ivan's nervous relationship to the sea, mist, loud noises - everything. And with all those frights and shivers, his dreams of having great adventures and visiting far-away places seem more and more unlikely. But could an unexpected visitor help him overcome his deepest fears? Could an old African song change his life forever? El miedo de Iván is an inspiring tale about bravery.

"Barnes & Noble's Spanish Storytimes, Cuentacuentos, will appeal to parents who want their children to learn a new language and native Spanish speakers looking to enjoy their language and increase their children's vocabularies by listening to stories read aloud," said Denise Duarte, Spanish-Language Children's Buyer for Barnes & Noble. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our favorite Spanish-language books with customers attending our new monthly Spanish-language Storytimes. The June selection, El Miedo de Iván , is an inspiring story about bravery, filled with beautiful illustrations the children will love."

Barnes & Noble Storytimes are free and open to the public. Days and times of the Spanish-language Storytimes will vary by store.