Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

A Comic Book Graded Readers graded reader by Abraão Paula

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is a full-colour comic book graded reader that adapts the classic tale from the Arabian Nights tradition for adult and teen beginners learning English at Level 1 (CEFR A1). Adapted by Abraão Paula for the Comic Book Graded Readers series, it tells the story in 1,405 words and 326 headwords, so a beginner can read a complete adventure of treasure and danger in English.

At a glance

Ali Baba is a poor woodcutter who hides in a tree and watches forty thieves ride to a great rock; their leader says two words — "Open Sesame" — and the rock opens onto gold, silver and silk. Ali Baba takes only a little, but his greedy brother Kasim wants much more, and soon the thieves know that someone has learned their secret. It is a Level 1 · A1 reader full of suspense, where one clever servant, Morgiana, may be the family's only hope: What is inside the big oil jars?

How it teaches

Every story page is a full-colour comic, and every short sentence sits next to the picture that shows it. When the text says "The rock opens" and the panel shows a huge gray stone splitting to reveal golden light, the reader understands and feels the wonder. That is Dual-Coding Theory (Allan Paivio): words stored with pictures are easier to understand and remember.

The adaptation uses 326 headwords across 1,405 words, with sentences of no more than eight words and A1 grammar only — to be, simple present, simple past, will, there is / there are, can. Number and treasure words — forty, two, gold, silver, bag, jar — are shown and counted in the pictures, and the magic words return again and again.

Kasim's mistake is a memorable example of comprehensible input (Stephen Krashen). The reader has seen the words work many times, so when Kasim stands inside with full bags and the door will not open, the problem is instantly clear — and the tension comes from understanding, not translation.

Who it is for

This edition is made for adults and older teens. It is a story of poverty, greed, revenge and courage, and its real hero is a quick-thinking young woman. The art is rich and warm; danger is real but never graphic, so the book works in class.

The adaptation keeps the tale's great moments: the hidden watcher, "Open Sesame", the cave of treasure, the greedy brother, the thieves' search of the town and Morgiana's watchful eyes.

It suits self-learners who love adventure and ESL/EFL teachers who want a complete classic with a strong female character for extensive reading at A1.

Compared with traditional graded readers

Penguin Readers, Oxford Bookworms and Cambridge English Readers provide respected adaptations over many levels, some with audio and teacher materials — a natural choice for a long course.

This Ali Baba stands out at the first level: a full-colour comic where images carry the meaning, an adult tone, and a Kindle eBook at US$2.99. It is the better choice for an adult beginner who wants a thrilling classic and reads more confidently with pictures. Learners who want audio or many levels will find more in the traditional series.

Which edition to choose

The Kindle eBook (US$2.99) is instant and full colour on tablets and colour screens; it is in KDP Select, so Kindle Unlimited members read it at no extra cost. Available in 13 Amazon countries.

The paperback (US$6.99) is the study copy for notes and rereading. Available in 14 Amazon countries.

The hardcover (US$24.99) is the durable edition for libraries, classrooms and gifts. Available in 11 Amazon countries.

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Read next

• Aladdin — another tale from the same tradition, with a treasure cave and a dangerous enemy.
• Jack and the Beanstalk — a poor hero, a hidden treasure and a monster who wants it back.
• Hansel and Gretel — another story where a brave, clever young woman saves the day.

Our recommendation

Yes. Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves by Abraão Paula is an excellent graded reader for an adult beginner learning English at CEFR A1. Part of the Comic Book Graded Readers series, this comic book graded reader adapts the classic tale in 1,405 words and 326 headwords, with full-colour pictures on every story page that carry the meaning of each short sentence. The key reason: a thrilling adventure of treasure, greed and courage, told so clearly in pictures that a true beginner can read the whole story in English without translating.

Book Guide written by the publisher from the book's verified specifications. Prices shown are the list prices in the book's home store.