Merlin

‘Be careful with Morfran,’ Princess Adhan tells her young son, Merlin. Morfran, the son of the Enchantress Ceridwen, is a bully. Then one day, Merlin drinks one of Ceridwen’s magic potions. After this, he can become different animals, see through walls, change the weather, and look into the future. But Morfran is angry with Merlin when Ceridwen dies. Years later, Morfran – now King Vortigern’s magician – plans to kill Merlin, the boy with no father. How can Merlin’s magic powers help him to fight his old enemy?
Merlin: The Boy with Magic Powers
Introduction
Merlin is a young boy with special powers. He can change into animals, see the future, and control the weather. But his life is not easy. He has an enemy named Morfran. Morfran is jealous and angry. He wants to hurt Merlin. This is the story of how Merlin uses his magic to fight his enemy.
Who is Merlin?
Merlin is a special boy. He does not have a father. His mother is Princess Adhan. She tells him to be careful of Morfran. Morfran is the son of the Enchantress Ceridwen. He is not kind. He likes to bully other people.
One day, Merlin drinks a magic potion made by Ceridwen. This potion gives him special powers. Now, he can do amazing things. But Morfran is not happy. He is jealous of Merlin.
Merlin’s Magic Powers
After drinking the potion, Merlin gets many powers:
- He can become different animals.
- He can see through walls.
- He can change the weather.
- He can look into the future.
These powers make Merlin very special. But they also make him different. Morfran and others do not like this.
Morfran’s Revenge
Ceridwen, Morfran’s mother, dies. Morfran is very sad and angry. He thinks it is Merlin’s fault. He wants revenge.
Many years later, Morfran becomes the magician of King Vortigern. He tells the king that Merlin is dangerous. He wants to kill Merlin. Now, Merlin must use his powers to protect himself.
How Does Merlin Fight?
Merlin is very clever. He knows that Morfran wants to hurt him. So, he uses his magic to fight back. He changes into different animals to escape. He also tells King Vortigern the truth about Morfran. The king starts to trust Merlin. He does not listen to Morfran anymore.
In the end, Merlin wins. He becomes the most powerful magician. Morfran cannot hurt him anymore.
Conclusion
This story is about magic, power, and courage. Merlin is a young boy, but he is very brave. He does not let his enemy win. He uses his magic to protect himself. This book is great for people who love adventure and fantasy stories.
If you like stories about magic and heroes, you will enjoy Merlin Retold by Janet Hardy-Gould. Read the book and discover the magic of Merlin!

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.
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