The Usborne Reading Programme

The Usborne Reading Programme is a collection of over 300 reading books, graded in eight levels and covering a wide range of subjects, both fiction and non-fiction.

Beautifully produced, with lively writing and fabulous illustration, 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?

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.

Superb quality books

Each beautifully designed hardback book has a ribbon marker and combines vivid, engaging writing, with captivating full-colour illustration on every page, featuring the work of artists from around the world and superb contemporary or archive photography.

Supported by experts

The programme has been developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, a leading expert in the teaching of reading, who helped to draw up the eight-level framework and reads every title before publication.

Alison helped to establish the key principles of the Usborne Reading Programme: exciting, engaging narrative that both appeals to readers and provides inspiration for their own writing, and lively, detailed design and illustration.

Non-fiction titles also draw on the expertise of specialists in the relevant areas. A number of these tie in with key topics in the UK National Curriculum, especially for history.

Internet links

A number of titles have recommended websites packed with historical details, dramatic reconstructions and puzzles and games. There are links to the recommended websites at the Usborne Quicklinks Website.

English Learner's Editions

Usborne English Learner's Editions are a selection of titles from the bestselling Usborne Reading Programme, offering extra support to learners and teachers of English.

There are fiction and non-fiction titles at five levels from Elementary to Advanced, as shown on the right. Each title includes:

Audio CD with full reading of the text in both British and American English
Free downloadable student's worksheets
Free downloadable teacher’s notes