I am an advocate for using Python as a first language and for using programming as a tool to explore abstract concepts and technology literacy (Informatics) starting in elementary and middle school. Here is a book written for kids using Python that looks like it can support making Python accessible to younger learners.
Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners
The book is written by the father and son pair of Warren D. Sande and Carter Sande.
Here is an interview with Warren and Carter on Canadian Television with the authors:
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/clip186877
Here is the web site for the book including several sample chapters:
http://www.manning.com/sande/
This is very cool and I will buy the book and then review it in more detail.
On first glance looking at the sample chapters and table of contents, it looks well suited for K-12 applications since has many short chapters, gets into graphics quickly using its own GUI (easygui), and is careful to have lots of additional explanation in areas that readers might have questions. Of course since Carter Sande is still in K12 it is very natural to have it structured properly for K12.
Perhaps after students get done with Warren and Carter’s book – the students and teachers will want to learn HTML and do web programming on Google App Engine! And of course there is a book for that – Using Google App Engine.
This all moves us further down the path of technology literacy based on foundations of open source technology and transforming K-20 education to include technology literacy at the right places.
Congratulations to Warren and Carter!

Here is the obligatory cute High School Graduation memories video for Brent Severance.
This is a video which contains some early memories for Brent. The video includes video from the 1995 Easter Seals telethon and Brent singing at the Sycamore Elementary School Talent show in 1997, 1998, and 1999. Brent has Cerebral Palsy.
http://www.vimeo.com/5305387
Brent graduated from Holt High School in Holt, MI and will attend Lansing Community College in the fall.