Real Reads are retellings of the classics of world literature, each fitted into a 64-page book. Our books make classic stories, dramas and histories available to young readers as a bridge to the full texts, to reluctant readers as a gentle introduction to a world of wonderful literature, to language students wanting access to other cultures, and to adult readers who are unlikely ever to read the original versions, or simply don’t have time to!

Real classics

The world’s greatest literature, from William Shakespeare to F. Scott Fitzgerald, from Jane Austen to the Ramayana, from the New Testament to the Chinese classic Journey to the West, all made accessible through masterful retellings. Each Real Read reflects the depth and power of the original story, and retains much of the author’s vocabulary, style and tone.

Really accessible

Real Reads bring great books to a wider readership, while always honouring the context and structure of the original.

Really well illustrated

Illustrators are carefully chosen for their ability to convey the mood of the original text. The wonderful pictures, always historically accurate and laid out to complement the text, enhance the reader’s understanding and enjoyment.

Really educational

Real Reads are really at home in the classroom. They’re designed to support the literacy development of primary and lower secondary age children while introducing them to the riches of our international literary heritage. They’re also perfectly suited for the teaching of English as an additional language. Furthermore, Real Reads books have been measured on three widely recognised levelling scales to ensure that the right text is always put in front of the right reader. Learn more about levelling here.

Real books

Real Reads are section-sewn so they won’t fall apart with regular reading. They are printed on heavyweight paper with thick covers. Real Reads are a joy to handle, works of art in their own right.

Real culture

Real Reads embody cultural values and traditions from around the world. They foster cross-cultural understanding and help the reader connect with the world’s most important literature and history. Each book has a section called ‘Taking things further’ which provides historical and human context, suggests links to useful resources, and asks the reader challenging and insightful questions relating to the story.

A real success

As well as the original editions, Real Reads are also available in licensed editions in India, China, Germany, Taiwan, Canada, Greece, Iceland, Korea, Colombia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine …

If you are a publisher interested in Real Reads rights for your country, email us – rights@realreads.co.uk