A Thief, A Painting, and A Big Mistake: Discover Newspaper Chase

Introduction: A Fun and Easy Story for Beginners

Newspaper Chase is a short story by John Escott. It is part of the Penguin Readers series at Level Easystarts. This book is good for people who are learning English. If your level is CEFR A1, this book is perfect for you!

The story is not real. It is a fictional story about a thief, a painting, and a big problem. The story is short, interesting, and easy to read. It helps students learn new English words and practice reading.

Let’s learn more about this fun book!

Who is the Author?

The writer of Newspaper Chase is John Escott. He writes many books for English learners. His stories are simple, but exciting. He likes writing about crime, mystery, and everyday life. Many students around the world read his books. He is a popular writer for English learners.

What is the Story About?

This story is about a man named Harry. He is a thief. A thief is a person who steals things. Harry wants to steal a painting. The painting is very expensive. He goes to an art gallery and takes the painting from the wall.

But Harry makes a big mistake!

The Big Mistake

When Harry takes the painting, he knocks over a table. A beautiful vase falls and breaks. It is also very expensive. But Harry just laughs and leaves with the painting.

He goes back to his rooming house. He rents a room there. He hides the painting under his bed. He wants to sell the painting later.

Who is Janey?

Janey is the daughter of the rooming house owner. She is a kind and smart girl. Janey likes to recycle. She puts old newspapers, bottles, and other things in a recycling box.

Every Friday, she collects newspapers from the house. She finds a newspaper under Harry’s bed. She takes it and puts it in the recycling box. But Harry’s painting is inside that newspaper!

Harry is in Trouble!

Harry is not at home. He is trying to sell the painting. But when he comes back, he sees Janey with the recycling box. She is putting it into the recycling van.

Harry is very worried. He jumps into the van. He wants to find the newspaper with the painting. Janey sees something strange. She sees broken glass in Harry’s shoe.

Janey Calls the Police

Janey remembers the news on television. She saw the broken vase in the news. She understands that Harry is the thief. She calls the police.

The police come and take Harry away. The story ends with Janey helping to catch the thief.

Why is this Story Good for You?

Newspaper Chase is a great book for new English learners. Here are some reasons why:

• ✅ The story is short and easy.
• ✅ The words are simple and good for A1 level.
• ✅ The story is fun and interesting.
• ✅ You can learn new words about crime, recycling, and daily life.
• ✅ It helps you read better in English.

This book is also good for teachers. Teachers can use this story to talk about:

• 🧹 Recycling
• 👮‍♂️ Crime and police
• 🧠 Problem-solving
• 👧 Janey: a smart young girl

New Words from the Story

Here are some new and useful words from the book:

Word	Meaning
Thief	A person who steals things
Painting	A picture made with paint
Vase	A glass or ceramic container for flowers
Recycle	To use again (like paper or bottles)
Rooming House	A house where people rent rooms
Knock over	To hit something and make it fall
Van	A small truck or car for work
Glass	A clear material that breaks easily
Shoe	Something you wear on your foot

Tips to Read this Book

If you want to enjoy Newspaper Chase, try these tips:

1. 📖 Read slowly – don’t hurry!
2. 📚 Use a dictionary for new words.
3. ✏️ Write new words in your notebook.
4. 🎧 Listen to the audio version if you can.
5. 🗣️ Talk about the story with a friend or teacher.

What Can You Learn from the Story?

This story is not just fun. It also teaches us:

• Crime is not good.
• Smart people like Janey can help stop bad people.
• Recycling is important.
• Sometimes thieves make mistakes.

Janey is a good example for everyone. She is careful, smart, and brave!

Conclusion: A Fun Way to Learn English

Newspaper Chase is a short but exciting story. It is perfect for beginners in English. You can read it in a short time, but you will enjoy it a lot. You will also learn many useful English words.

If you like stories about mystery, crime, or smart young girls like Janey, you will love this book. So, get your copy of Newspaper Chase and start reading today!

John Escott member of the British Crime Writers Association. 

A Master of Crime, Mystery, and Adaptation

A Journey from Children's Books to Global Recognition

John Escott is a distinguished author known for his compelling storytelling and expertise in crime and mystery fiction. He began his career by writing children's books and comic scripts, gradually expanding his repertoire to include works for students of all ages. Over the years, he has established himself as a leading voice in the literary world, particularly in the realm of crime and thriller fiction. His contributions to English Language Teaching (ELT) literature have been instrumental in engaging readers across different proficiency levels.

The Art of Crime and Mystery Writing

One of the defining characteristics of John Escott's work is his passion for crime and mystery thrillers. As a member of the British Crime Writers Association, he has honed his craft in the genre, creating stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. His ability to weave suspenseful narratives with rich character development makes his books particularly appealing to students and general readers alike.

His crime stories are known for their engaging plots, unexpected twists, and carefully crafted suspense. Whether through his original works or adaptations, Escott consistently delivers narratives that capture the imagination of his audience, proving his mastery in the genre.

A Prolific Contributor to Oxford University Press

John Escott has made significant contributions to Oxford University Press, authoring and adapting books for various series. His works are widely used in ELT classrooms worldwide, helping students improve their English language skills while enjoying captivating stories. Some of his notable contributions include:

• Oxford Bookworms Factfile Series: London
• Oxford Bookworms Library Series: Agatha Christie, Woman of Mystery, Star Reporter, Girl on a Motorbike, The Fly and Other Horror Stories, The Scarlet Letter
• Hotshot Puzzles Series: The Magician, Time for a Robbery, Star for a Day, Tomorrow's Girl, The Man with Three Names
• Dominoes Series: A Pretty Face

His ability to simplify and adapt classic and original stories for learners of English has made his books popular in classrooms around the world. Escott’s writing style is accessible yet engaging, making learning a language an enjoyable experience for students.

Bringing Classics to New Audiences

In addition to writing original works, John Escott has also adapted literary classics, making them accessible to a wider audience. His adaptation of The Scarlet Letter, for example, brings Nathaniel Hawthorne’s timeless novel to new generations of readers. Similarly, Agatha Christie, Woman of Mystery introduces students to the legendary crime writer in an engaging and simplified manner.

By carefully selecting and adapting texts, Escott ensures that classic literature remains relevant and enjoyable for modern learners. His adaptations maintain the essence of the original stories while making them more approachable for readers at various English proficiency levels.

An Influential Figure in ELT Literature

John Escott’s contributions extend beyond storytelling—he plays a crucial role in English language education. His books provide learners with accessible yet thought-provoking material, helping them develop their reading comprehension and language skills. His unique ability to blend linguistic accessibility with engaging storytelling makes him one of the most influential authors in ELT literature.

Teachers and students alike appreciate his ability to craft narratives that are both educational and entertaining. His works encourage readers to engage with literature in a meaningful way, making learning a second language an immersive and enjoyable experience.

A Lasting Legacy in Literature

With a career spanning several decades, John Escott has cemented his place as a celebrated author and educator. His books continue to be widely read in classrooms and homes around the world, leaving a lasting impact on generations of learners and literary enthusiasts.

As he continues to write and inspire, his contributions to both crime fiction and ELT literature will remain invaluable. John Escott's ability to create gripping stories while supporting English language learners ensures that his legacy will endure for years to come.

Connect with John Escott

For readers interested in exploring more of John Escott’s work, his books can be found through Oxford University Press and various online bookstores. His passion for storytelling and commitment to education make him a true literary figure whose works will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.