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Meet the Classics
Cover of Meet the Classics: Great Expectations, retold by Sean Lee, with young Pip in a blue coat looking up hopefully, Estella in a green dress and the convict Magwitch beside him, and ruined stone walls on a hill in the distance

Meet the Classics

Great Expectations

Based on the 1861 novel by Charles Dickens, retold by Sean Lee for ages 6–9

Ages 6–9, 72 pages

An orphan boy on the misty marshes helps a hungry stranger, meets a strange lady in a wedding dress, and dreams of becoming a gentleman.

Pip lives with his big, gentle friend Joe the blacksmith beside the misty marshes. One cold Christmas Eve, a frightening stranger in the churchyard asks him for food, and Pip finds the courage to help. Soon he is invited to Satis House, where Miss Havisham sits in her old wedding dress among stopped clocks, and proud Estella makes him wish he were a fine gentleman.

Then a London lawyer brings astonishing news: a secret helper wants Pip to have a fortune. Off he goes to the big city and a new best friend, Herbert. But who is the mystery giver, and what will Pip learn about the people who love him most? A complete retelling of Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations for ages 6–9, with an illustration on every page.

Peek inside the bookGreat Expectations for Kids: A Parent’s GuideGreat Expectations summary for kids

Peek Inside

A rough convict in a leg iron leans over young Pip, who sits on a flat tombstone in the churchyard, nodding in fright
Abel Magwitch tipped me upside down to empty my pockets, but only a dry bread crust tumbled out. He set me back on top of a flat tombstone. Then he leaned close, his rough jaw trembling. “You bring me a file to cut this iron,” he growled, “and bring me something to eat! Early tomorrow morning, or you’ll be sorry!” I nodded as hard as I could, scared to my very toes. “I will bring them, sir,” I promised, hoping he would let me run home.
Young Pip tiptoes through the dark pantry before dawn, hiding a pork pie under his coat
Long before dawn on Christmas Day, I crept downstairs on tiptoe. My heart thudded like a little hammer. I shook with guilt as I stole into the pantry. A savory pork pie sat on the shelf. I quickly hid it under my coat. Next, I slipped into Joe’s quiet forge. The coals still glowed faint red. I picked up a heavy iron file. Every creaking floorboard sounded like a loud voice shouting that I was a thief!

Meet the Characters

Character guide
  • Illustrated portrait of Pip from Meet the Classics: Great Expectations

    Pip

    An orphan boy • Eager and dreaming

  • Illustrated portrait of Estella from Meet the Classics: Great Expectations

    Estella

    A proud young lady • Guarded and graceful

  • Illustrated portrait of Biddy from Meet the Classics: Great Expectations

    Biddy

    A village friend • Clever and kind

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