Oxford Reading Tree is the most widely used reading material among primary school students in the UK.

It features over 20 series, truly resembling a large tree that children can climb step by step, gradually improving their reading skills. It is a household name in the UK and a widely recognized native language learning resource.

Globally, it is used as a foreign language learning textbook in 133 countries. Over 80% of primary schools in the UK have adopted Oxford Reading Tree to teach English. In China, selected and adapted versions of it are published as Classic English and are designated by some foreign language schools as the official English curriculum.

Introduction to Oxford Reading Tree Stories

The stories in Oxford Reading Tree revolve around a family, including Mum and Dad, their children (Biff, Chip, and Kipper), a pet dog named Floppy, and a wide cast of classmates, friends, teachers, and other characters. The settings and themes are richly diverse, covering both fiction and non-fiction, with scenes ranging from home and school to everyday life in a small town.

The topics are closely tied to real life—family, school, environmental protection, geography, and history—covering almost every scenario a child may encounter. It’s also an excellent resource for learning about British culture, simple historical events, key figures, and landmarks.

The fiction series includes the much-loved Magic Key adventures. Powered by the magical key, children are transported through enchanted doors to faraway countries or back in time, where they can explore different cultures, historical eras, and have experiences beyond the real world. This makes the stories highly imaginative and engaging.