Classic Retellings from Barrington Stoke are produced with their specialist design features and offer an accessible entry point to students who may struggle with the length or language of the original text. Retold by award-winning authors, their retellings incorporate key themes and scenes in a more concise format, functioning as an ideal stepping stone to help readers move on to the full text with understanding and enthusiasm. Free classroom discussion guides are available for all of Barrington Stoke’s classics.

“The re-telling series provides a fantastic entry-point for learners who may initially struggle to access complex set texts. They are truly engaging and accessible, but most of all they are carefully crafted to include all the essential elements of plot, structure and characterisation required for further study. A retelling can therefore provide a vital stepping stone to understanding and enjoyment of a literary text in its original form” – Dr Maria Cairney, A-Level English teacher & senior examiner

Titles included in the Classic Retellings range:

All with an Interest Age of 11+ years with a Reading Age of 9 years.

Great Expectations "This skilful, engaging re-telling will see Dickens’ masterpiece enjoyed by new generations of readers."

Little Women "This accessible re-retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age classic brims with the energy and spirit of the original"

Frankenstein "Mary Shelley’s ground-breaking classic retold in concise, compelling, accessible style" 

Wuthering Heights "Riveting, readable re-telling of Emily Brontë’s tragi-romantic classic"

Jane Eyre "Brontë revisited: Tanya Landman breathes new life into a classic"

Pride and Prejudice "With the author’s characteristic verve woven through the thoroughly readable text as it conjures the thought-provoking, nuanced essence of Austen’s original novel. Some feat!"

Dracula "Carnegie Medal winner Tanya Landman delivers a terrifyingly enthralling and truly accessible retelling of Bram Stoker's legendary Gothic horror novel."

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde "This Gothic masterpiece continues to fascinate readers 140 years after its first publication and it is now made accessible to an even wider audience in this compelling retelling "

A Christmas Carol "A refreshing and truly accessible retelling of Charles Dickens' beloved Victorian Christmas classic."

Animal Farm "Such is Landman’s storytelling prowess, the impact of Orwell’s timeless tale of oppression, rebellion, and the corrupting influence of power shines through this eminently accessible re-telling."

Teaching Resources

Visit our Kids Zone to discover engaging teaching resources created to accompany the Classic Retellings

Also from Barrington Stoke:

Dyslexia-Friendly Unabridged Classics and plays: Complete and unabridged editions of classic set texts, ideal for struggling groups or as whole-class texts. Beautifully packaged with a dyslexia-friendly design.

“If you’ve ever tried to read Dickens in the tiny, densely-printed text of a Complete Works, this edition will feel like a breath of fresh air” – Roaring Reads on A Christmas Carol

Titles included in the Dyslexia-Friendly Unabridged Classics range: