Sleeping Beauty: A Classic Tale for Young Learners

Introduction

Sleeping Beauty is a well-loved story about a princess, a curse, and true love. This story has been retold many times, and now it is part of the Classic Tales series. Written by Sue Arengo, this version is perfect for A2-level English learners. Let’s explore the story and why it is a great book for young readers.

The Story of Sleeping Beauty

A long time ago, a king and queen had a baby girl. They named her Aurora. To celebrate her birth, they invited many guests to the castle. Among the guests were kind fairies who gave Aurora magical gifts. One fairy gave her beauty, another gave her a sweet voice, and many other wonderful qualities.

But one fairy was not invited. She was angry and cursed the baby princess. She said, "On her sixteenth birthday, Aurora will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die."

Luckily, a kind fairy helped. She could not break the curse, but she made it softer. Instead of dying, Aurora would sleep for 100 years. She could only wake up with true love’s kiss.

What Happens Next?

The king ordered all spinning wheels to be destroyed. Aurora grew up safe and happy. But on her sixteenth birthday, she found a spinning wheel in a hidden room. She pricked her finger and fell into a deep sleep. The whole castle also fell asleep with her.

Years passed, and a brave prince heard about the sleeping princess. He fought his way to the castle and found Aurora. He kissed her, and the curse was broken. Everyone in the castle woke up, and Aurora and the prince lived happily ever after.

Why Read This Book?

Sleeping Beauty is a beautiful and magical story. It teaches lessons about bravery, kindness, and love. The language in this book is simple, so A2 learners can understand it easily. The pictures in the book are colorful and help readers imagine the story.

The book also includes fun activities and an audiobook. These extras make learning English more enjoyable.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is for children who are learning English. If you like fairy tales and happy endings, you will love Sleeping Beauty. Teachers and parents can also use this book to help children practice reading and listening.

Conclusion

Sue Arengo’s Sleeping Beauty is a wonderful addition to the Classic Tales series. It is a story full of magic, adventure, and love. With its easy English and extra materials, it is perfect for A2-level readers. Enjoy the tale of the princess who slept for a hundred years!

Sue Arengo British author and editor of children's books 

A Storyteller for Young Learners of English

Sue Arengo is a British author who writes wonderful stories for children learning English. She has worked with Oxford University Press for over 20 years, creating books that are fun and easy to read. Many of her books are part of graded reader series like Classic Tales, Dominoes, and Oxford Bookworms.

Bringing Fairy Tales to Life

One of Sue’s most famous works is the Classic Tales series. This award-winning series retells traditional fairy tales like The Ugly Duckling, The Magic Brocade, and The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. These stories are written in simple English, making them perfect for children learning English as a second language. The series is loved by teachers and students worldwide and is now in its second edition.

Creating Original Stories

Sue Arengo doesn’t just rewrite old stories—she also creates new ones! Books like Baby Robot and Archie’s Sweet Shop show her talent for writing fun, imaginative stories. These books help children enjoy reading and improve their English at the same time.

A Talent for Art

Did you know Sue Arengo is also an artist? Using the name Kisa, she paints colorful and imaginative pictures with oil paints. Her art has been shown in exhibitions, including one at John Wesley’s Methodist Chapel in Bristol. Sue even illustrated her own fairy tale called Lord of the Meadow. This beautiful story, set in an English summer meadow, has many small oil-painted illustrations.

Inspiring Young Readers

Sue Arengo’s work is special because it helps young learners discover the joy of reading. Her books make English easy and fun for children all over the world. With her creativity and talent, Sue continues to inspire young readers to dream big and learn with enthusiasm.

If you are looking for interesting books for English learners, Sue Arengo’s stories are a great place to start. Her work combines learning with imagination, making reading an enjoyable experience for everyone.