Graded Italian stories for A1–A2 learners
Written by a native Italian teacher
Real Italian culture in every story
Read + listen with free audiobook
Vocabulary, grammar & exercises included
Graded Italian stories for A2–B2 learners
Written by a native Italian teacher
Real Italian culture in every story
Read + listen with free audiobook
Vocabulary, idioms, grammar & exercises included
Meet Serena Capilli. Italian Teacher, Author & Storyteller
I didn’t plan to build an Italian learning platform. I just wanted to make Italian feel less scary.
In 2016 I started italianpills.com — a space for English-speaking learners who wanted clear, practical Italian without the overwhelm. Today I’m a certified Italian teacher (University of Venice), linguist, and the author of Italian short stories and graded readers with over 25,000 copies sold on Amazon.
I create simple Italian stories for beginners and intermediate learners — so you can absorb vocabulary, grammar, and real Italian culture through reading, not stiff textbooks or scattered apps.
I’ve learned more than six languages myself. I know what works for adults — and what just wastes your time.
Piazzetta Italiana — Italian Language E-Magazine
Bridge the gap between textbook Italian and real Italian life.
A quarterly, 40-page Italian e-magazine for intermediate learners (A2–B1) who are ready to move beyond grammar drills. Each issue immerses you in simple, natural Italian through cultural articles, travel stories, expat interviews, and real Italian lifestyle — helping you understand the language and discover modern Italy on a deeper level.
For A2–B2 intermediate learners
Hidden gems, expats interviews, culture, art, food and much more.
Read & listen with built-in audio
Practice with interactive exercises
Buy single issues — no subscription
Learn Italian with Serena’s Method
The fastest way to learn Italian as an adult? Read graded short stories — then talk about them. Use my Italian short stories to structure your practice: read, listen, discuss, repeat. No textbooks, no drills, just real Italian
How to Use My Italian Graded Readers
Read for pleasure the first time — just enjoy the story
Read again to study vocabulary, grammar and expressions
Read for pleasure the first time — just enjoy the story
Listen and read at the same time with the audiobook
Discuss a chapter during your Italian conversation practice with your tutor
Repeat — and watch your Italian grow naturally
Sweet words from happy students
Amazing book!! It’s the first foreign language book where I have found all the skills together to learn Italian: reading, writing, listening (audiobook available), vocabulary, grammar, and of course Italian expressions (including slang). Plus, culture and exercises to put into practice. Well done, Serena.
Maria, B1-B2 ItalianLearner, Surrey, the UK
Studying for CILS B1 Cittadinanza under Serena’s guidance has been a unique and rewarding experience. Serena is a warm, talented and thoughtful teacher, patient, optimistic, direct and funny. Studying together is a pleasure. In short, she is the best, I highly recommend her!
Jane, Managing Director from London
You definitely got me to a new level, grazie millie! I’m more energized than ever to continue to study.
Matthew, Aerospace Engineer from the US
