Abstract
This is an introduction to two unique kinds of graded readers: Helbling Young Readers Fiction (2014), and e-future Graded Comic Readers’ Jack and Bella series consisting of Magic Adventures (2012) and School Adventures (2014).
The former, published in London, UK, are beautifully illustrated picture books such as The Beach (written by Rick Sampedro and illustrated by Agilulfo Russo), The Sun is Broken (written by Andrés Pi Andreu and illustrated by Catty Flores), and Henry Harris Hates Haitches (written by Maria Cleary and illustrated by Lorenzo Sabbatini), all of which are good examples of wonderful collaboration between an author and an illustrator. Although the main purpose of graded readers is to make learners accustomed to reading in English, some of these books are so artistic that they are really worth much more recognition by avid book lovers all over the world. It is such a relief to know that there is at least a "Language Learner Literature Award," which was rightly given to Maria Cleary and Lorenzo Sabbatini’s Skater Boy, the very simple but quite powerful picture book about a mysterious boy hero.
The latter, published in Seoul, Korea, is a readable series of comic books, which must be far more enjoyable among children who, whether they like it or not, have to study the international language, for Jason Wilburn and Casey Kim’s story-making is so splendid (in fact they are genius in combining the evil force of the crystal with environmental problems in "Dark’s Hearts" of Magic Adventures, and in retelling children’s classics like Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, and Robin Hood in "Storybook Mysteries" of School Adventures, using their own protagonists: Jack and Bella) and Jaehwan Jung’s anime-like character design is so charming that the results turn out to be another instance of successful collaboration. Therefore it is strongly recommended that both Magic and School Adventures be read as fantastic works of manga on their own, not just as tools for learning English.
