There’s a big moment in every young reader’s journey: the day a child stops reading single words and reads a whole sentence. Level A is built for that step. The sentences are short, the words come back again and again, and the pictures help with anything new. Children can guess what comes next, and they’re usually right. That feeling of “I knew it!” keeps them turning the page.

These books were formerly called My First Chinese Reading. They’re the same 36 books, now Level A in our leveled readers series.

Who Is Level A For?

Level A suits children who recognize some Chinese characters and are ready to read short sentences. It’s often used with children around 5 to 9, but choose by what your child can do, not by age. Not sure where your child is? Our guide to the 5 phases of Chinese literacy development can help.

It’s a good fit if:

• your child has finished Level aa, or can already read a few dozen common characters;
• your child enjoys picture books and likes to “read” along with you;
• you’d like easy, repeatable reading practice that builds confidence before longer stories.

What’s Inside Level A

• 36 printable books.
• Two versions of every book: Chinese only, and Chinese with pinyin. Start with pinyin for support, then switch to Chinese only as characters become familiar.
• A pronunciation video for each book, so you and your child can hear every sentence, even if your own Chinese is limited.
• A reading log sheet to record the books your child has read.
• Instant download. Print the pages, assemble them, and you have your own books.

What a Level A Book Looks Like

Each line has two to six words, and each book has roughly 21 to 40 words in all. Sentences are complete, so children read real Chinese, not just labels. Often a single word changes from page to page while the rest of the sentence stays the same. That repetition is the secret: children spot the pattern, and the new word is easy to work out from the picture.

• Complete, simple sentences. A natural step up from single words.
• High-frequency words repeated. The more often children meet a word, the faster it sticks.
• Predictable language. Patterns that help children guess, check, and feel clever.
• Pictures that support the text. Illustrations give clues for new words.
• Familiar topics. Toys, animals, family, and the seasons, so the words connect to things children know.

How to Use These Books

1. Print and assemble. Start with a few books. You don’t need all 36 at once.
2. Read the first one aloud together. Point to each word. Let your child join in on the repeated part.
3. Take turns. You read a page, then your child reads a page. Next time, let them read more.
4. Reread favorites. Rereading is where fluency grows. Fill in the reading log together.
5. Move from pinyin to Chinese only when your child is ready. Try the Chinese-only version of a book they already know well.

Keep sessions short and happy. A few minutes a day is plenty. For more ideas, see our step-by-step guide to Chinese reading, or try some Chinese reading activities for kids.

What Comes After Level A?

When your child reads these books smoothly and wants more, move on to Level B, which has longer passages with several sentences per page. If you’re not sure which level fits, our Chinese reading books for kids page compares all four levels and has a free sample pack with one book from each.

Want the whole library? The Chinese Reading Made Easy Book Vault gives you a year of access to the books at all four levels, with more added regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the books come with pinyin?

Yes. Each book comes in two versions: Chinese only, and Chinese with pinyin.

What’s the difference between Level aa and Level A?

Level aa has one to three words per page, matched to a picture. Level A uses complete sentences of two to six words per line, with repeated words and predictable patterns.

Is this a physical book?

No. It’s an instant digital download. You print the pages at home or at a print shop and assemble them.

Can I use these in my classroom?

Yes, in one classroom. The license covers personal use and use in one classroom. Please don’t share or distribute the files.

How do I know if my child is ready for Level A?

If your child can read a handful of common characters and enjoys short picture books, try Level A. If they’re just beginning, start with Level aa. The free sample pack on our Chinese reading books page lets you try a book from every level first.