Just So Stories

I am not sure how others may be using these retold classics from RealReads but they have now published dozens of titles across a wide range of authors and genres, and have sales in excess of 280,000 in many different countries.

There is certainly an argument that these condensed retellings with their illustrations, notes and additional information could well engage readers of lower ability to begin exploring classic stories. To my mind they resemble basal readers for older children in both appearance and appeal and for that reason I am doubtful as to their potential for firing imaginations or encouraging readers to go further.

John Buchan’s thrilling adventure was one of the first of its genre I read as a very young teen many years ago (and then of course followed up by the wonderful movie with Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll) and I loved it for its intrigue and excitement. Reading this version it seemed all the life had been sucked out of it but for a newcomer perhaps it would suffice. If you have English staff looking for alternatives for struggling students, these could well be the answer.Available in Australia via Tom Danby at INT books.

The 39 Steps

by John Buchan

Retold by Tony Evans

Illustrated by Sarah Wimperis

ISBN 978-1-906230-67-8

All Quiet on the Western Front

by Erich Maria Remarque

Retold by Tony Evans

Illustrated by Sarah Wimperis

ISBN 978-1-906230-66-1