Best Books to Practice Mandarin – Recommended by M for Mandarin
Reading is one of the most effective ways to build your Mandarin vocabulary and improve comprehension naturally. Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced learner, the right book can help reinforce grammar, expand your vocabulary, and make learning more enjoyable.
At M for Mandarin, we encourage our students to incorporate reading into their learning routine. Below, we’ve compiled a list of books suitable for different proficiency levels—each chosen for its accessibility, engaging content, and language-learning value.
Beginner-Friendly Books (HSK 1-2)
A well-loved children’s story with repetitive sentence structures, simple vocabulary, and adorable illustrations. It’s ideal for reinforcing basic Mandarin reading skills.
《好饿的毛毛虫》 (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) – Eric Carle
A bilingual version of the classic book, with colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand sentences. This is a fantastic choice for absolute beginners.
《动物渡河比赛》 (The Great Race: Story of the Chinese Zodiac)
This beautifully illustrated book tells the famous story of the Chinese Zodiac animals and their race across the river. It uses simple vocabulary and repetitive sentence structures, making it an excellent choice for beginner learners of Mandarin. It also features both Traditional Chinese and Pinyin, so it's accessible to learners at all stages.
Intermediate Books (HSK 3-4)
《秘密花园》 (The Secret Garden) – Mandarin Companion
A beautifully adapted version of the classic novel, rewritten with a limited vocabulary to help learners transition to more complex texts.
《三只小猪》 (The Three Little Pigs)
A simple yet engaging retelling of the well-known fable. The familiar storyline makes it easier to follow along while focusing on sentence patterns.
《西游记》 (Journey to the West – Adapted Version)
One of China’s most famous classical stories, rewritten for intermediate learners with simplified vocabulary and sentence structures.
Advanced Books (HSK 5+)
《窗边的小豆豆》 (Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window) – Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
A heartwarming, insightful book that introduces more sophisticated grammar and longer sentences, making it a great step up for advanced learners.
《围城》 (Fortress Besieged) – Qian Zhongshu
This witty, satirical novel offers a deeper look into Chinese society and is ideal for learners who enjoy literary fiction.
《活着》 (To Live) – Yu Hua
A modern classic, beautifully written and deeply moving. The storytelling is engaging yet straightforward enough for advanced learners to follow.
How to Make the Most of Your Reading Practice
📌 Start with graded readers that match your current level before progressing to native-level books.
📌 Read aloud to improve pronunciation and fluency.
📌 Use pinyin support if needed, but challenge yourself to recognize characters without relying on it too much.
📌 Keep a vocabulary journal to write down new words and phrases you encounter.
📌 Listen to audiobooks while reading to reinforce comprehension and pronunciation.
At M for Mandarin, we believe that incorporating reading into your study routine will help accelerate your learning journey. If you're not sure where to start, reach out to us—we'd be happy to recommend the best resources for your level.