Graded readers are books especially written for language learners. They employ a limited set of grammar and vocabulary which allows learners to enjoy reading without struggling.
Studies show learners who use graded readers improve reading speed, reading fluency, help develop and enrich already known vocabulary, and improve their ability to move from working with words to working with ideas when reading.
Each story includes illustrations to aid comprehension and audio of the full-text narrated by professional Japanese voice actors.
"Ari to Kirigirisu" is a retelling of Aesop’s fable, “The Ant and the Grasshopper.”
Grasshopper was singing and enjoying its summer day, while Ant was working and preparing for the coming winter. The story shows the value of hard work and thrift.
"Doushite Koumori wa Hiru Tobanai" is the retelling of Aesop’s fable, “The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat.”
The birds and the beasts started a war. The bat was watching while everyone was fighting. When the war ended, everyone's attention turned to the bat.
"Doushite Umi no Mizu wa Shiokarai?" is a story about a man who because of him kindness received a magic mill. Then his jealous brother stole the magic mill.
Reading in a foreign language can be frustrating. By deftly mixing unfamiliar and familiar grammar and vocabulary, Graded Readers serve as a natural bridge, helping readers build-up to native-level materials. Deliberate repetition of carefully chosen new vocabulary enables readers to infer meaning from context. Because they can be read and enjoyed without struggle, Graded Readers build skills and confidence.
The new vocabulary is repeated several times to help the reader understand words meaning through context. Graded Readers improve skills and confidence because they can be read with ease.
New vocabulary and difficult concepts are illustrated with carefully created artwork. Dotted throughout the story, these illustrated scenes help readers understand what they are reading.
Each story is brought to life with professionally recorded audio. Dramatic native-Japanese voice talent make the story memorable while demonstrating proper pronunciation.
Each Kanji is transcribed with furigana. It allows the reader to know how to pronounce Japanese characters. So you only have to know hiragana and katakana to be able to read Graded Readers.
Each story is written for a defined readership. We chose grammar difficulty and vocabulary based on the Japanese level of readers we target.