Interesting Topic! ;)

maybe it's a little bit off topic, but I feel sad to see many guys recommend Java ,C++ etc(in perlmonks!).

yes, C++ Java, python etc are all good languages and many many guys use them. but if let me say, Perl is absolutely best language for kids learning. It has at least 2 advantages:

it's still in most 20 pop languages. that means it's still evolved, many many ppl use it and you can find what you need in CPAN

second, but the more importantly, Perl is the most like human language which I've seen. Other languages, for compromising engineering and semiconductor, they have been add many things but not for pure language. like python's tab, C's pointer etc. that's maybe good for worker and engineer, but for kid, they are all useless.

In short, computer language is another language for human. So the most importance are can-evolve, the ability of expression (especially new thing), easy use for communication(Making Easy Things Easy and Hard Things Possible) and free style for expression(TIMTOWTDI, ). I think perl perfectly meet these requirements. that's my 2c.