Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
486 children's books at CEFR A2 to C2 — learn English by reading the stories worth reading. Select any word for an instant translation, listen to the narration read the page aloud, and save the vocabulary you meet. Pick your level and start with a free sample.
What are the best children's classics to read in English as a learner?
The best children's classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with The Mercer Boys on a Treasure Hunt, The Mercer Boys in the Ghost Patrol and The Mercer Boys at Woodcrest. Each one is labelled with a CEFR level, any word you do not know is one selection away from a translation, and the narration reads the page aloud while it highlights the words.
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Level B1MysteryThe Mercer Boys at WoodcrestAt Woodcrest Military Academy, three friends find their curiosity piqued by the mysterious disappearance of their unseen headmaster and the secrets of an old, empty hall.
Level B1Children'sThe Mean-WellsIn a lively household, siblings argue over the fairness of rewards for losing teeth, sparking a charming tale of childhood adventures, sibling rivalry, and the small but meaningful…
Level B1AdventureThe Meadow-Brook Girls on the Tennis Courts; Or, Winning Out in the Big TournamentA group of spirited girls camp in a charred hillside, seeking excitement amid the smoky ruins and mysterious surroundings.
Level B1MysteryThe Meadow-Brook Girls by the Sea; Or, The Loss of The Lonesome BarA spirited group of young girls sets off on a mysterious summer adventure, guided only by their guardian and a cryptic route, as rain and unexpected twists accompany their journey…
Level B1Children'sThe Lost KittyWhen Fred finds a lost Maltese kitty and cares for her, he faces the challenge of returning her through muddy roads—only to be met with cold thanks.
Level B1HistoricalThe Lost ArmyTwo boys from Iowa, barely sixteen, answer the call to enlist as the Civil War erupts, joining the Northern fight to preserve the Union.
Level B1Children'sThe Little Nightcap LettersAunt Fanny welcomes a sweet little girl named Kitty, whose joyful hugs and loving words bring warmth and laughter, as they share stories and kindness with a lively group of childre…
Level B1FantasyThe Little Match ManIn rainy Takoshima, a lonely man crafts a tiny matchstick figure that suddenly springs to life, revealing himself as a mystical Haji—a forest spirit trapped in a match, longing for…
Level B1Children'sThe Little Indian WeaverIn a Navajo village, young Bah dreams of crafting a doll from a corn ear while learning the art of weaving from her mother.
Level B1AdventureThe Little Gingerbread ManA mischievous gingerbread man springs to life and dashes away from the kitchen, sparking a chaotic chase through the garden involving a sleepy cat, a startled dog, and a determined…
Level B1AdventureThe Lakewood boys on the Lazy STwo adventurous brothers race against a fierce storm on their electric boat, facing sudden danger on the lake.
Level B1AdventureThe Lakewood boys in the frozen NorthStranded after their shipwreck in the icy North, the Lakewood boys face fierce blizzards, wild timber wolves, and unexpected allies as they struggle to survive and make their way b…
Level B1AdventureThe Lakewood boys in the South Sea islandsTwo adventurous boys are unexpectedly invited by their uncle to join a daring voyage to the mysterious South Sea Islands, promising thrilling encounters and the unknown.
Level B1Children'sThe King's Daughter and Other Stories for GirlsA young girl dreams of being a princess, but her mother reveals the harsh realities faced by royalty through the true story of Marie Antoinette’s daughter, imprisoned during the Fr…
Level B1Children'sThe Japanese TwinsIn a sunny garden on the Happy Islands of Japan, five-year-old twins Taro and Take share joyful days filled with family warmth and playful adventures.
Level B1AdventureThe Iron Boys on the Ore Boats; or, Roughing It on the Great LakesTwo young men leave their mining boss roles to work as seamen on the Great Lakes, tasked with uncovering ways to improve ore shipment efficiency aboard the sturdy but old ship, the…
Level B1FantasyThe House With Sixty Closets: A Christmas Story for Young Folks and Old ChildrenIn a grand house built with sixty closets to store countless gifts, a generous judge and his wife prepare to host a Christmas filled with unexpected wonders.
Level B1PoetryThe House That Jack Built: One of R. Caldecott's Picture BooksDive into a rhythmic chain of characters and events, each linked to the house that Jack built, weaving a playful and memorable tale through repetitive, charming verse.
Level B1PoetryThe House That Jack Built, a Game of Forfeits: To Which is Added, the Entertaining Fable of "The Magpie"Follow the whimsical chain of events in a cumulative rhyme where each character builds upon the last, culminating in the quirky tale of a crafty magpie teaching—and outsmarting—oth…
Level B1AdventureThe Hollow Tree and Deep Woods BookJourney into the Big Deep Woods where a clever 'Coon, a curious 'Possum, and a wise old Crow share tales of friendship and adventure inside a hollow tree.
Level B1AdventureThe Hilltop Boys on Lost IslandThree adventurous boys from Hilltop Academy set sail on a grand steam yacht to explore the islands of the Spanish Main, facing seasickness, friendship, and the promise of discovery…
Level B1AdventureThe Heart of Pinocchio: New Adventures of the Celebrated Little PuppetA lively puppet discovers a mysterious ticking within himself, sparking a journey from mischief to heart and heroism.
Level B1AdventureThe Great Red FrogA magical mishap transforms a young king into a red frog, while a cunning imposter seizes the throne.
Level B1Children'sThe Great Big Treasury of Beatrix PotterFour mischievous rabbits explore the world beyond their cozy home, but curious Peter Rabbit’s daring adventure into Mr.
Level B1Children'sThe Grasshopper StoriesA young boy named Billy learns valuable lessons about honesty and kindness with the help of a wise, talking grasshopper who guides him through everyday challenges and the importanc…
Level B1FantasyThe Good WolfA poor but cheerful boy named Barty befriends a talking Good Wolf in the deep forest, who promises loyalty to well-behaved children but warns of fierce consequences for the naughty…
Level B1MysteryThe Golden Boys at the Haunted CampWhen a mysterious visitor offers a strange proposition, two brothers find themselves drawn into the eerie mystery of a lakeside camp haunted by ghostly rumors that have frightened…
Level B1MysteryThe Golden Boys Along the River AllagashTwo resourceful boys face mechanical troubles on their motorboat along the River Allagash, calling on the clever Jack Golden to solve the mystery of the stubborn engine—and uncover…
Level B1AdventureThe Go Ahead Boys in the Island CampFour adventurous boys set up camp on a remote Adirondack island, facing the challenges of nature, unexpected mishaps, and thrilling water sports.
Level B1MysteryThe Girls of Central High on Lake Luna; Or, The Crew That WonTwin sisters Dora and Dorothy paddle through Lake Luna’s mysterious Cavern Island, drawn into a thrilling chase involving a masked stranger, a daring robbery, and secrets tied to t…
Level B1Children'sThe Girl's Cabinet of Instructive and Moral StoriesJoin obedient girls and their beloved dolls at a charming party, then meet Kate, whose vanity teaches a sharp lesson, and follow gentle Lizzie and brave Eva as they navigate kindne…
Level B1Children'sThe Girl Scouts at Home; or, Rosanna's Beautiful DayIn a grand Louisville home, young Rosanna lives a lonely life sheltered by her proud grandmother, forbidden from friendship and play beyond the garden walls.
Level B1MysteryThe Girl Next DoorTwo girls reunite in the city, where one reveals a secret born from loneliness and the stark contrast between country life and anonymous apartment living.
Level B1MysteryThe Girl Aviators and the Phantom AirshipA daring sister and brother team chase a thrilling prize for innovative aviators, building a remarkable yellow monoplane in hopes of conquering the skies—and outsmarting mysterious…
Level B1Children'sThe Gingerbread Boy and Joyful Jingle Play StoriesWhen Polly bakes gingerbread cookies, a magical boy-shaped cookie comes to life, leading to playful adventures filled with jingles, friendship, and a cozy kitchen picnic.
Level B1Children'sThe Gap in the FenceIn a sunny English garden, a family learns that a mysterious foreign gentleman is moving into the long-empty Haver Grange, threatening their secret hideaway through the gap in the…
Level B1RomanceThe Fox Jumps Over the Parson's GateA lively hunt unfolds with a mischievous fox leaping over the parson’s gate, while the heart of the story beats for Nancy, weaving humor and romance through spirited songs and char…
Level B1MysteryThe Forest of MysteryAfter rescuing a mysterious man from a dramatic car crash, two friends are drawn into an unexpected invitation that promises secrets lurking in San Francisco’s shadowy corners.
Level B1Children'sThe FairchildsA determined young man faces the harsh reality of giving up his college dreams to support his family, learning that sometimes doing what you can is the bravest choice of all.
Level B1AdventureThe Eskimo TwinsIn a remote Arctic village where the sun disappears for months, five-year-old twins Menie and Monnie live adventurous days with their twin dogs, Nip and Tup.
Level B1FantasyThe Emerald City of OzIn a magical land, the furious Nome King plots revenge after losing his powerful Magic Belt to a brave girl named Dorothy.
Level B1FantasyThe Elves of Mount FernMischievous elves find a cozy home in a stone wall of the Giant World and celebrate their new life with music, friendship, and nightly adventures.
Level B1AdventureThe Eagle's NestThree curious children face an unexpected challenge when a queen wasp invades their schoolroom, threatening their summer fruit harvest and testing their patience during a history l…
Level B1PoetryThe Death and Burial of Cock RobinA whimsical assembly of birds takes part in the funeral of Cock Robin, each stepping forward to claim a role in his burial.
Level B1Children'sThe Conceited PigWhen Wilful the little pig hears strange noises in the night, he’s convinced a fire or mysterious blue butchers threaten the farm.
Level B1AdventureThe Circus Boys in Dixie Land; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the Sunny SouthTwo young circus performers return to their hometown, eager to prove their skills and chase dreams of their own show.
Level B1Children'sThe Christmas giftDuring a festive Christmas week, cousins reunite at Mr.
Level B1Children'sThe Christmas earningsAs Christmas approaches, cousins Ethel and Abby navigate family struggles and the challenge of earning money for gifts, all while facing the temper of the wealthy and difficult Mrs…