01 · LISTEN
Listen Along
Carefully chosen audio that children can listen to anywhere, bringing the sound of Chinese into everyday life.
For children aged 5–17 learning Chinese abroad
Help children abroad love reading Chinese
and keep reading as they grow
Every child starts from a different level of Chinese, with their own interests and pace. Cool Reading combines careful levelling, rich reading materials, regular listening and warm, personal support to find the right reading path for each child.
Listen · Read · Guide · DeepenA complete four-in-one reading loop
5–17 yearsEvery stage of childhood
5 Stages · 10 LevelsStructured levelling
Four-in-OneA complete reading loop
Home · School · CommunityWorks in every setting
READING SYSTEM
A four-in-one Chinese reading system
From listening to speaking, then reading with a guide and reading in depth, Chinese reading becomes a habit children can keep up for years.
02 · EXTENSIVE READING
Read Widely
Graded readers, reading classes and interactive activities that build vocabulary and comprehension through lots of well-matched reading.
03 · GUIDED READING
Read Together
Trained Reading Leaders support children throughout, using questions, games and encouragement.
04 · DEEP READING
Read Deeply
In-depth reading courses that strengthen comprehension, moving children from understanding a text to expressing their own ideas.
GRADED BOOKS
Find Chinese books that truly suit your child
We match reading materials to each child's real Chinese level, age and difficulty, so interest and ability grow together. Your child gets:
- Graded readers matched to their actual Chinese level
- Science, culture, picture books and many more topics
- Printed books paired with audio
- A steady journey from struggling to independent reading
GROWTH PATH
Every child has the right place to start
Our five-stage, ten-level Chinese reading path isn't based on age alone. We look at each child's current Chinese, reading ability and goals to find the stage that fits.
Stage 1
Starter
Levels 1–2
0–200 words
Stage 2
Beginner
Levels 3–4
200–500 words
Stage 3
Elementary
Levels 5–6
500–1,000 words
Stage 4
Intermediate
Levels 7–8
1,000–1,500 words
Stage 5
Advanced
Levels 9–10
1,500–2,100 words
Vocabulary ranges are a guide. Each child's actual level is based on a reading assessment.
WHY COOL READING
Why Cool Reading
01 · Levelled Reading
Not every Chinese book suits children abroad
Books are matched to your child's current Chinese level, age and difficulty.
02 · Expert Selection
Good books, read at the right time
A rich library spanning graded readers, science, Chinese culture and outstanding picture books.
03 · Ongoing Support
Reading with someone makes it stick
Reading Leaders use stories, interaction and feedback to help children build a reading habit.
04 · Four-in-One
From listening to reading, from understanding to expression
Listening, wide reading, guided reading and deep reading all connect.
05 · Original Content
Discover China in ways children love
Original series such as Xiaoku Explores China connect the language with culture, knowledge and the real world.
06 · Reading Community
Taking Chinese beyond the classroom
Connecting families, Chinese schools, Reading Leaders and local reading events.
WHY CONTINUOUS READING
Why do children abroad need to keep reading in Chinese?
Children abroad do get chances to learn Chinese. The real challenge is keeping in regular contact with the language, understanding it and using it, both in and out of class.
The right stories, regular listening and real conversation help children build vocabulary in familiar settings, understand how ideas are expressed and gradually connect with Chinese language and culture. Cool Reading keeps reading going at home, at school and in the community, bringing Chinese into stories and everyday life.
Ongoing Chinese reading
↓↓↓
HomeDaily listening
SchoolBeyond the syllabus
CommunityReading events
PARENT FEEDBACK
In their own words: children and parents
Real feedback from Cool Reading parents, translated from Chinese.
★ Guided Reading★ Graded Books★ Story Player★ In-person Events★ Festival Culture
★★★★★
After three guided reading sessions, I have to share how my daughter has changed. She now tells me stories in Chinese all on her own. She even drew a little script and had me play the bunny while she played the cat. Her Chinese isn't fluent yet, but I can tell she's completely hooked.
R
Guided reading parentAfter three sessions
★★★★★
I heard about Cool Reading from Mia's mum in our community. The books are really well chosen. My son's Chinese isn't strong, yet he didn't push these books away, and I often find him reading one for a while. I hope his Chinese keeps getting better.
C
Community referralRecommended by Mia's mum
★★★★★
Of everything in the Cool Reading set, my favourite is the story player. My child always begged for a bedtime story, and telling them myself was exhausting, while listening on my phone meant worrying they'd end up playing on it. The story player solved all of that. The narration is so good that even I get drawn in.
L
Story player parentBedtime stories
★★★★★
Yesterday I went to an in-person guided reading session with my child, and it was genuinely fun. We raced to guess characters, read aloud in different roles and even folded a paper frog. We learnt Chinese and grew closer as well, so it was more than worth it.
I
In-person session parentReading together
★★★★★
The guided reading sessions are great fun. Some related study trips would make it even better, as my child has never been to China.
S
Guided reading parentHoping for study trips
★★★★★
It was my son's first Mid-Autumn Festival event and he was so excited. He made mooncakes with a Cool Reading teacher and heard the story of how the festival began. At home he kept asking me about other traditional Chinese festivals. I've never seen him so interested in Chinese.
F
Festival event parentAfter the Mid-Autumn event
Start by finding your child's current reading level
Take the reading level test first
The test shows your child's current Chinese foundation and reading performance. Afterwards, you'll get a suggested reading level and programme.
READING LEVEL TEST
Chinese Reading Level Test
Based on your child's answers, you'll see their reading level and recommended next steps.
Start the Level Test →FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The reading system is designed for children aged 5–17 learning Chinese abroad, with reading levels matched to each child's actual Chinese.
We consider your child's current Chinese, reading ability and goals, then choose the right starting stage.
Yes. The levelling system picks suitable content and a starting point based on what your child can do now.
Recommended reading frequency and duration will be added once the programme details are confirmed.
Reading Leaders use stories, questions, games and encouragement to help children understand, express themselves and keep reading.
Yes. Cool Reading offers reading products, teaching resources, Reading Leader support and partnerships for local events.Explore school partnerships →
Want to find the right reading programme for your child?
Leave your details and we'll send you an overview of the reading system and level advice.