White Rabbit Press :: Japanese Language :: Japanese Graded Readers Level 1 - Vol. 1 (includes CD)

Japanese Graded Readers Level 1 - Vol. 1 (includes CD)

Suitable for beginner level students, Volume 1 level of the Japanese Graded Readers series is one of our most popular titles. Published in late 2006, this product is actullay a boxed-set of 5 booklets which comprise 5 stories with about 500-1,500 words each. The included CD audio companion includes the full-text read by Japanese native speakers.

Japanese Graded Readers Level 1 - Volume 1 is designed for a proficiency level equivalent to Japanese Langauge Proficiency Test Level N4~N5. The set of stories utilizes a vocabulary of about 350 words. The grammar points include: ~desu, ~masu, present tense, past tense, question form, ~tai, etc.

The stories are beautifully illustrated, and furigana (small kana written beside kanji to show the pronunciation) are included on all the kanji.

(Volume 2 is also available.)

Sample Audio

Click here for Level 1 sample page

Spotlight Review
By Zack Kaplan

Japanese Graded Readers Vol. 1 Level 1 contains text which equates to level four of the JLPT, however, it can be immediately useful to many learners, and chances are that if you are already searching for Japanese texts, then you are ready to let these stories start helping you. The stories make use of a mixture of sentences structures ranging from the very basic “see spot run” format to more complex styles, which begin to test and teach more sophisticated linguistic patterns. The vocabulary itself is mostly basic with a few words that reach out of the box. If you know the basics in motions, seasons, emotions and nouns you should be alright. The text also requires an understanding of ~mas form, ~te form, past tense, present tense, the question form, tai form, desu and a few other basic conjugations. Each booklet in level one consists of roughly 350 words, and subjects range from basic to slightly more complex.

The kanji that is mixed into the text isn’t an obstacle for beginning readers because all kanji have accompanying furigana, (so unfamiliar words can be pronounced and found with the help of a dictionary or the Internet) [But this reader is really designed so that you can infer the meaning of unknown words from the context of the story because the words are used repeatedly. --Max] while at the same time the text provides good practice for those familiar with the kanji within. For readers who are unfamiliar with many kanji, it’s just as easy to forget there are kanji in the text as it is to forget that you are reading in Japanese as you move through the stories. It should be noted that these books contain no English. Of course, the pictures and context provided within should be more than enough to fill the comprehension breach and help kick you off the crutch of texts which supply English. These books help you down the road to thinking in Japanese, as well as reading in Japanese.

Each page consists of a rather affable illustration with several columns of overlaid text (just as one would find in a children’s book.) The images help aid the reader in their understanding of the text, and help the reader fill in some words that they may be unfamiliar with. However, the images don’t give away too much meaning; just because you understand the text doesn’t mean you’re being cheated.

The vocabulary you learn in the individual stories are repeated throughout the following tales, (often times) creating a fun environment in which the reader can easily pick up and keep new vocabulary and phrases. After using these books, it’s hard to go back to old-fashioned vocabulary lists and sentence diagramming. It’s a great way to really make new words your own and to cement old vocabulary as well as facilitate the quick use and comprehension of sentence structures and words that have several meanings.

These stories will really help you remember words, think in the language, and keep up with core vocabularies.

SKU 77

Weight 1.70 lbs

Our price: $28.88

Quantity

Share |

Customers who bought this product also bought


Japanese Graded Readers Level 2 - Vol... $28.88


Japanese Graded Readers Level 1 - Vol... $28.88


Japanese Kanji Flashcards, Series 2 V... $28.00


Flashcard Case - translucent plastic,... $3.00

Customer feedback

Product rating

Customer Reviews

Author: untmdsprt
I've just received these books, and found them very good for my level. They use the "masu" form of verbs, and put furigana next to the kanji used. I have one complaint though, it would be nice if they only used the furigana once at the first occurance of the kanji. It is also nice that no romaji is ever used.
Author: Ninette Farrier
These are exactly what I've been looking for! I had been searching for "read along" books with cds or tapes so that I could hear how they should sound from native speakers. The audio quality is excellent, and the furigana is very helpful if you are just learning kanji, as I am. I would highly recommend these and I'm looking forward to my next set!
Author: David M.
I received Level 1 Volume 1 on Friday and love it so much. I have read each book in the set 3 times already. These are perfect to build my confidence and vocabulary. I love how they reinforce the grammar. Your screen shots of sample pages are very helpful and appreciated.
Author: Soutsanith Douangphachanh
The book I have been searching for is now in my hands. Easy to read and comprehend the stories. The furigana is very helpful! The pictures dictate the story and I can figure out new vocabulary words without a dictionary. I love it! Highly recommended for anyone wanting to improve reading skill, grammar and vocabulary. I can't wait to own all of the series. Its worth every penny spent.
Author: Hansum Pete
These books are the best. They are absolutely amazing for a beginner, and they are actually amazing for some one who is slightly more advanced, too. Being able to read it with ease, translate it without realizing it and sharing the story with someone else is a beautiful feeling! The CDs that come along with them help for a better understanding of pronunciation, too. Highly recommended!
Author: PA
Great books! I have been studying for 6 months, and was able to make it through the first few books without too much difficulty, only having to look up an occasional word. The books use lots of repetition and short sentences, and it's amazing what they can convey with the limited vocabulary. Each book gets progressively longer (more words/page). The CD readings are clear and at a slow enough pace to be able to hear what is said (although it may take a few readings before you can understand everything as it's being said). I really like having the kanji available to get me used to seeing it, even though I'm relying more on the furigana at this point. They even have furigana for the katakana, although I wish they did not. Each successive volume in this level appears to build on the previous volumes (so start with this, the first volume).

Japanese Graded Readers Level 1 - Vol. 1 (includes CD)