Stay with the story.
Use the simplest route that lets you enjoy the book.
1. Begin with A1 English
Read a short passage without stopping at every new word. Try to understand who is speaking, what happens and where the story is going.
2. Use the notes when you need them
The word glossary explains vocabulary. The culture glossary explains people, places, objects and customs. In the general A1 edition, both use simple English.
Read a note, then return to the sentence. You do not need to learn every word before continuing.
3. Compare with the original
The complete general A1 ebook pairs simplified English with the original English text. Reading links let you move between corresponding passages where a verified alignment is available.
The original keeps the author’s language. It may contain longer sentences and less familiar vocabulary. Try a small part that you already know from the simpler reading.
4. Read again, then move forward
Read more than one story at a comfortable level. Familiar characters, themes and authors make repeated words easier to recognise.
Move to a more demanding text when you can follow the story with fewer interruptions. The reading levels are a guide, not a deadline.
English and other languages
This section contains free English-only A1 editions. Localised editions in the other language sections can also include translations of the simplified text and the original. Their availability depends on the specific edition.
Listen while you read
A compatible reading app can use text-to-speech to read the text aloud. Availability and pronunciation depend on the app and the voices installed on your device.
Reading formats
EPUB works with compatible reading apps. PDF is useful for a fixed page layout. Kindle editions are prepared for Kindle reading. Check the format supplied with each book.