Abstract
This paper is a simple guide to Info Trail, the unique series of 78 English textbooks of geography, history and science. Info Trail is a sort of graded readers for elementary school children in Britain, consisting of four stages: beginner, emergent, competent, and fluent stages. The authors often introduce completely different ideas and tell stories in the form of debate, asking at the end "What do you think?" Various questions include whether you are for or against, say, the construction of a huge supermarket, the monarchy, and dangerous space exploration, all of which are generally considered in Japan as adult matters. It is likely that through these books children will be able to think by themselves and have their own opinions. In this sense, Info Trail helps young readers grow into responsible members of their democratic societies. Which seems to be the very ideal aim of this series that is worth imitating among Japanese educators of English.
The Info Trail books can be also enjoyed by foreign learners of English whether you are a student or an adult. Originally intended for school kids, the series is much easier for adult readers to understand and appreciate. In fact Info Trail is not boring at all even to adults. Though partly childish to be sure, the contents are wonderfully written in order to stimulate the readers’ interest and imagination. For example, "From an Acorn to an Oak Tree" is a little masterpiece, which may touch your heart. History is described clearly and sympathetically as if it had happened to your friends only yesterday. Science deals with the thrilling adventures of distinguished men like Edward Jenner and Charles Darwin, satisfying mature readers’ intellectual curiosity.
