The Old Willow Tree, and Other Stories

Carl Ewald, Helen Jacobs, G. E. Lee and Alexander Teixeira de Mattos (1856-1908)

Approximate level: A2
Length: 35,490 words
Reading time: 2 h 57 min
Chapters: 47
Language: English
On Project Gutenberg since: 2010

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First published in 1921, this collection brings together stories about trees, flowers, animals, and the natural world, often giving plants and creatures human voices and concerns. The language mixes clear descriptions of nature with older expressions and dialogue, so some words may be unfamiliar. Sentences are generally readable, though descriptive passages can be long and detailed. The stories turn on themes of change, survival, friendship, and life in the countryside, offering a varied but sometimes demanding read.

574 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

Children's stories
Nature -- Juvenile fiction

Questions about this book

What level of English do I need for this book?

The estimate is A2, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.

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How long does it take to read?

About 2 h 57 min at a native pace, spread over 47 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.