Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

Introduction

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is a famous story from Arabian Nights. It is about a poor man, Ali Baba, who finds a secret cave full of treasure. But danger follows him when the forty thieves learn about him. This book is a retelling by Janet Hardy-Gould, written for English learners at the CEFR A1 level. Let’s explore the story!

The Story of Ali Baba

Ali Baba is a poor woodcutter. One day, while working in the forest, he sees forty thieves. They stand in front of a big rock. The leader of the thieves says “Open, Sesame!”, and the rock opens. The thieves go inside. After they leave, Ali Baba also says the magic words and enters the cave. He finds gold, silver, and jewels inside. He takes some treasure home.

Kasim’s Mistake

Ali Baba has a brother named Kasim. Kasim is rich but greedy. When Ali Baba tells him about the cave, he goes there alone. He says “Open, Sesame!” and enters. But when he fills his bags with treasure, he forgets the magic words! The thieves return and find him inside. They kill him and cut his body into four pieces.

Ali Baba’s Plan

Ali Baba is sad when Kasim does not return. He goes to the cave and finds his brother’s body. He wants to bury him quietly. He asks Morgiana, a smart servant, for help. She finds a way to bring Kasim’s body home without anyone knowing.

The Thieves’ Revenge

The thieves want to find the person who entered their cave. They put a mark on Ali Baba’s door. But Morgiana sees it and marks all the houses in the street. The thieves cannot find Ali Baba.

Then, their leader hides inside a big oil jar at Ali Baba’s house. He plans to kill Ali Baba at night. But Morgiana discovers him. She pours hot oil into the jar and kills him. Ali Baba is safe!

The Ending

Ali Baba and Morgiana keep the secret of the treasure. Morgiana marries Ali Baba’s son, and they all live happily.

Why Read This Book?

• It is a famous and exciting story.
• The language is easy to understand.
• It helps English learners improve their skills.
• It has beautiful illustrations.

Conclusion

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is a story about luck, intelligence, and danger. It is full of adventure and surprises. If you enjoy mystery and action, this book is perfect for you!

Would you like to read this book? Find it in the Oxford Dominoes series and enjoy the adventure!

Janet Hardy-Gould author, teacher and teacher trainer 

Janet Hardy-Gould: A Master of Graded Readers in ELT

Bringing Stories to Life for English Learners

Janet Hardy-Gould is a renowned author in the world of English Language Teaching (ELT), specializing in graded readers. With a career dedicated to making literature accessible to learners of all levels, she has written numerous books that have captivated students and teachers alike. Her works, published primarily by Oxford University Press, are celebrated for their engaging storytelling, historical depth, and pedagogical effectiveness.

Award-Winning Works and Global Recognition

Janet Hardy-Gould’s contribution to ELT literature has been widely recognized, with several of her books receiving prestigious awards. Some of her most acclaimed titles include:

• Ellis Island: Rosalia’s Story (Oxford Dominoes) – Winner of the Extensive Reading Foundation (ERF) Award in 2020
• Merlin (Oxford Dominoes) – Winner of the ERF Award in 2015
• Amelia Earhart (Oxford Bookworms Library) – Finalist for the ERF Award in 2015

These accolades highlight her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with learners while reinforcing their English skills.

A Diverse and Engaging Bibliography

Janet’s books span a wide range of genres, making English learning an enjoyable experience for readers of different interests. Among her best-selling titles are:

• Henry VIII and His Six Wives (Oxford Bookworms Library) – A gripping historical account of one of England’s most infamous kings
• Sherlock Holmes: The Emerald Crown (Oxford Dominoes) – A thrilling mystery featuring the world’s most famous detective
• Sinbad, Mulan, and Ali Baba (Oxford Dominoes Starters) – Classic tales reimagined for beginner-level readers
• The Great Fire of London (Oxford Dominoes Starters) – A vivid retelling of one of the most dramatic events in British history

Janet has also authored fact-based readers that help students learn about real-world topics in an engaging way. Titles such as Hollywood, San Francisco, Deserts, and Chocolate (Oxford Bookworms Library Factfiles) provide learners with both knowledge and language skills, making reading an interactive and educational journey.

The Power of Graded Readers in Learning

Janet Hardy-Gould firmly believes that graded readers are one of the most effective tools for language acquisition. By offering books at different proficiency levels, learners can gradually build their vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence. According to Janet, self-selection plays a crucial role in motivation—when students choose a book that interests them, they are more likely to enjoy reading and improve their skills naturally.

Her books are designed to cater to various interests, ensuring that students remain engaged while enhancing their English proficiency. Whether it’s history, mystery, adventure, or factual topics, Janet’s works provide a diverse reading experience that keeps learners motivated.

A Lasting Impact on ELT Publishing

Through her extensive catalog of books, Janet Hardy-Gould has made a lasting impact on ELT publishing. Her ability to blend storytelling with language learning ensures that students not only improve their English but also develop a love for reading. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, as her books continue to inspire and educate learners around the world.

For those interested in discovering more about her works, Janet Hardy-Gould actively shares updates and insights on her **Facebook page and official website. Her dedication to ELT literature ensures that new generations of students will continue to benefit from her engaging and educational storytelling.