Brazil

I am a land full of sunshine that makes you feel warm and happy. My beaches have soft, yellow sand, just right for wiggling your toes in. Can you hear that? It is the sound of pretty birds singing their songs and happy music playing all day long. A big, long river that looks like a sleepy snake curls through my green, green forests. So many trees and flowers grow here. I love when the sun tickles my beaches and the music makes everyone want to dance. I am a very special place. I am the country of Brazil.

A long, long time ago, I was waiting for new friends to visit. One day, on April 22nd, 1500, a brave explorer sailed across the big blue ocean. His name was Pedro Álvares Cabral. He was so happy to find my sunny shores. When he walked in my forests, he found a very special tree. This tree had wood inside that was as red as a beautiful sunset. It was called the Brazilwood tree. Pedro thought this tree was so wonderful and so beautiful that he decided to give me a name after it. That is how I became Brazil. He was my new friend who helped give me my name.

Today, I am still a place full of sunshine and fun. People love to dance here. We have a special dance called the samba that makes your feet want to wiggle and clap. We also have big parties called festivals with bright, colorful costumes that sparkle and shine. In my big green rainforests, playful monkeys swing from tree to tree, and toucans with big, colorful beaks fly by. I love to share my happy music and my warm sunshine with everyone. I am always ready for a new adventure with friends just like you.