Learn to read with the Usborne Reading Programme

Learn to read with the Usborne Reading Programme

The Usborne Reading Programme is a collection of over 350 reading books, both fiction and non-fiction, graded in eight levels for guidance.

Beautifully produced, with lively writing and fabulous illustrations, the books are designed to capture the imagination and build the confidence of beginner readers, and to motivate and inspire children who find reading difficult or dull.

What are the different reading levels?

Very First Reading

Usborne Very First Reading is an exciting series of books for children who are just starting to learn to read. The series offers the appeal of imaginative rhyming stories and irresistible illustrations. 

They are part of a well-researched framework, and are designed to be shared and enjoyed with an adult.

First Reading books (level 1-4) 

These are designed to be the first books a beginner will own and read for pleasure, with very light support from a parent or teacher. They encourage the reader to develop reading stamina, and include up to six pages of fun, reading-related puzzles.

Young Reading books (level 1-4) 

These are designed for newly independent readers to become confident and fluent. With a wide range of lively chapter books including adaptations of classics, history titles and original fiction – including the new series Billy and the Mini Monsters – there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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Information for parents and teachers

• Reading Programme Guide – booklet for parents and teachers, including explanations of the levels and all titles (view online)
• English Learner's Editions worksheets and teachers' notes – click on a book on the English Learner's Editions website
• Book bands – Reading Programme titles arranged by book band (pdf)
• Lexile measures for Young Reading and First Reading titles (pdf) 

Usborne English Readers

Usborne English Readers are English language readers for young learners. They can be read either in class or independently in students’ own time.They are available at four levels: Starter (CEFR low A1), Elementary (CEFR A1), Pre-intermediate (CEFR A2) and Intermediate (CEFR B1). Titles include fairy tales, myths and legends and English language classics for all ages.

The Emperor’s New Clothes was a finalist in the Extensive Reading Foundation’s Language Learner Literature Awards for 2017. 

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• The books are easy to read, in natural-sounding English. They are beautifully illustrated in full colour by artists from around the world.
• They include free online audio readings by native speakers in both British English and American English.
• There are fun activities and useful word lists after the story in each book.
• They are fully compatible with coursebooks and other series of readers at recognised ELT and CEFR levels.
• They have been developed in consultation with acclaimed ELT expert Peter Viney.
  

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Books

Usborne English Readers are available at four levels. Browse all books, click on one of the levels or scroll down to find out about the key features.
Not sure of your level? Try our online test.
View our brochure with more information about all titles on Issuu.



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English Readers Starter Level

These are suitable for students a little above Beginner level (CEFR level low A1).

The stories are short fairy tales and folk tales, told in the present tense.

• The Sun and the Wind
• The Golden Fish
• The Three Billy Goats
• The Princess and the Pea

Starter Level: Beginner+ (CEFR low A1)

• 300 headwords
• Typically 400–600 words
• Stories include popular short fairy tales, folk tales and fables (The Princess and the Pea, The Golden Fish, The Sun and the Wind)

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English Readers Level 1

These titles are suitable for students at Elementary level (CEFR level A1).The stories are classic fairy tales and folk tales, told mainly in simple past tense.

• Little Red Riding Hood
• Rapunzel
• The Elves and the Shoemaker
• The Emperor and the Nightingale
• Sleeping Beauty
• The Boy Who Cried Wolf
• Puss in Boots
• Snow White
• Beauty and the Beast
• The Gingerbread Man
• The Emperor's New Clothes
• Cinderella
  

Level 1: Elementary (CEFR A1)

• 500 headwords
• Typically 800–1,200 words
• Stories include well-loved fairy tales and folk tales (Cinderella, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Gingerbread Man)

Download the grammar structures students can be expected to know at Level 1.

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English Readers Level 2

These titles are suitable for students at Pre-intermediate level (CEFR level A2).

The stories include myths, legends and children’s classics, told in a variety of active tenses.

• Jason and the Argonauts
• Alice in Wonderland
• The Wind in the Willows
• Robin Hood and the Silver Arrow
• The Phantom of the Opera
• The Little Mermaid
• Aladdin
• Arthur and the Sword in the Stone
• Pinocchio
• The Wooden Horse
• The Snow Queen

Level 2: Pre-intermediate (CEFR A2)

• 800 headwords
• Typically 1,400–2,400 words
• Stories include longer fairy tales, children’s classics, myths and legends (Pinocchio, The Snow Queen, The Wooden Horse)

Download the grammar structures students can be expected to know at Level 2.

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English Readers Level 3

These titles are suitable for students at intermediate level (CEFR level B1).

The stories are adaptations of longer novels and plays by classic British and American authors, told in a variety of tenses.

• Great Expectations
• Dracula
• Frankenstein
• Romeo and Juliet
• The Hound of the Baskervilles
• Oliver Twist
• The Jungle Book
• The Wizard of Oz
• Treasure Island
• A Midsummer Night's Dream

Level 3: Intermediate (CEFR B1)

• 1,200 headwords
• Typically 3,000–3,600 words
• Stories include English language classics for all ages (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oliver Twist, The Wizard of Oz)

Download the grammar structures students can be expected to know at Level 3.

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