Smart Cat: Chinese Graded Readers, Preschool Level 1 (8-Book Set): YCT 1 Vocabulary Through Rhymes & Stories

About This Series

Smart Cat: Chinese Graded Readers (Preschool Edition) is a large-format picture book series designed for young children learning Chinese as a foreign language. Level 1 is built around YCT Level 1 vocabulary and is suitable for preschool learners. Each story focuses on one language point, using repetition and key-word variation to match how young children naturally acquire language. The series is published by Beijing Language and Culture University Press, and the author, Xiao Ningyao, has taught Chinese at Xiamen University‘s Overseas Education College for over a decade.

The Eight Books

• Hello! — Learning the basic greeting in different situations.

• Goodbye, Kitty! — Saying goodbye with warmth and repetition.

• Thank You! — Practicing gratitude in everyday moments.

• Cars Dididi — The sounds and sights of cars, with rhythmic language.

• Sorry, Little Fish! — Learning to apologize.

• This Is My Home — Naming parts of the home.

• These Are My Parents — Introducing family members.

• What Is This? — Asking and answering “what is this?” through repetition.

What Makes This Set Special

• Rhyme-based learning: the series is built on original rhythmic children’s songs, so language is absorbed through sound and repetition, not memorization.

• YCT 1 aligned: vocabulary and sentence patterns are calibrated to the Youth Chinese Test Level 1.

• One language point per book: each slim volume has a clear focus, with repetition and variation to reinforce learning.

• Rich variety of genres: beyond rhymes, the series includes contemporary stories, traditional tales, short poems, tongue twisters, and dialogues.

• Designed for classroom or home: each book works for 1–2 class sessions, or for parent-child shared reading.

• Illustrations throughout: picture-book format keeps young learners engaged.