Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
1,248 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 Those Dale Girls, Those Brewster Children and Thistle and Rose: A Story for Girls. 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.
- 1,248
- books
Level C1AdventureTo Herat and Cabul: A Story of the First Afghan WarA young clerk embarks on a perilous mission to counter Persian and Russian ambitions in Afghanistan during the tense buildup to the First Afghan War.
Level C1AdventureTimothy's Quest: A Story for Anybody, Young or Old, Who Cares to Read ItIn the bleak confines of Minerva Court, a harsh world of poverty and despair, a young boy named Timothy embarks on a quest for love and belonging amid the shadows of hardship and l…
Level C1MysteryTimothy Crump's Ward: A Story of American LifeIn the harsh winter of 1836, Timothy Crump, a struggling cooper, faces the crushing weight of poverty and family tensions in a humble New York tenement, where hope is scarce and ev…
Level C1HistoricalThrough unknown waysIn 1684, a young waiting-gentlewoman moves into the long-closed mansion of Lady Corbet’s late husband, uncovering mysterious hidden compartments and secrets that hint at forgotten…
Level C1FantasyThrough the Looking-GlassAlice slips through the looking-glass into a whimsical world where chess pieces come to life, curious creatures abound, and playful mischief turns every step into a fantastical adv…
Level C1HistoricalThrough the Fray: A Tale of the Luddite RiotsIn 1807 Yorkshire, amid the harsh discipline of school and the turmoil of the Luddite Riots, a young boy faces the brutal reality of industrial change and personal struggle.
Level C1AdventureThrough Three Campaigns: A Story of Chitral, Tirah and AshantiAmid harsh mountain terrain and relentless tribal foes, a young soldier prepares for the brutal realities of frontier warfare, where courage and endurance are tested in fierce camp…
Level C1Children'sThree PeopleIn a world where two babies mark their first birthdays under vastly different circumstances, one born into luxury and the other into humble love, their parallel lives hint at the j…
Level C1FantasyThree Good Giants: Whose Ancient Deeds are recorded in the Ancient ChroniclesJourney through the legendary exploits of three towering giants—Grandgousier, Gargantua, and Pantagruel—whose adventures blend humor, humanity, and ancient lore in a world where co…
Level C1RomanceThis Side of ParadiseAmory Blaine, a charming and delicate boy raised amid wealth and cultured idleness, navigates the complexities of privilege, identity, and the restless search for meaning in a worl…
Level C1PoetryThink Before You Speak; Or, The Three WishesDiscover the timeless tale of three wishes that teaches the importance of thinking carefully before speaking, brought to life in a charming poetic form that delights young readers…
Level C1HistoricalThe young pioneers of the North-westA spirited young girl defies caution to ride alone across the vast, wild prairie surrounding a frontier fort, forging a unique bond with her cherished pony while navigating the dan…
Level C1Children'sThe wondrous sickle, and other storiesIn a village divided by faith, a Christian patwari faces isolation and inner turmoil as he strives to live justly and maintain his spiritual strength amid loneliness and cultural p…
Level C1AdventureThe wanderer in AfricaStranded in the harsh African wilderness, a young English servant battles thirst, betrayal, and wild dangers while reflecting on the choices that led him to this desperate journey.
Level C1HistoricalThe triumph over MidianA fragile heiress returns home, transformed by health and hope, to rediscover joy in familiar places and the promise of new bonds with her cousin.
Level C1RomanceThe time spirit: A romantic taleIn foggy 1890 London, Harriet returns to her sister after a mysterious illness, stepping into a new role managing a noble estate.
Level C1Children'sThe story of Mary Jones and her BibleA determined young girl in 19th-century Wales saves for six years to buy her own Bible, walking miles barefoot to claim this treasured book.
Level C1FantasyThe snow-image: a childish miracleTwo children, Violet and Peony, set out to craft a magical snow-image sister to play with throughout the winter, blending the innocence of childhood with a touch of wonder in a chi…
Level C1Children'sThe sleeping beauty and other fairy tales from the old FrenchEnter a world of enchantment where timeless fairy tales like Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast come alive, revealing the charm and elegance of old French storyt…
Level C1Children'sThe sign of the crossAs a village prepares for a long-awaited Confirmation service, young Edah Champlin faces the challenge of living faithfully by the promises made at baptism, confronting daily strug…
Level C1Children'sThe schoolmaster's trunk, containing papers on home-life in TweenitIn a quaint country village, a schoolmaster uncovers the daily struggles and joys of home life, where the relentless baking of pies shapes family routines and tests the strength of…
Level C1Children'sThe rocky island, and other similitudesOn a bleak island threatened by a fiery mountain, children play obliviously until a gentle man warns them of peril and offers small boats emblazoned with a red cross to carry them…
Level C1Children'sThe other Miller girlIn a quaint New England village, Anna Miller navigates life in the shadow of her celebrated sister, known only as "the other Miller girl.
Level C1Children'sThe oriental story bookIn a timeless kingdom where Queen Phantasie spreads joy among mortals, her daughter Märchen faces a chilling change: once welcomed, now shunned by those she loves.
Level C1Children'sThe old man's homeOn a serene Isle of Wight cliff, a weary old man reflects on a lifelong journey toward a distant home, finding solace in nature’s quiet beauty as he nears the end of his solitary p…
Level C1Children'sThe old house in the cityIn a forgotten London mansion turned crowded tenement, a small, ragged child hides in the shadows, surrounded by hardship and despair.
Level C1Children'sThe oak and the brionyA proud ancient oak rules the forest, its power challenged by a humble briony vine sprouting at its roots.
Level C1Children'sThe mysterious locketIn a rugged coastal village where storms rage and the sea holds secrets, a mysterious locket sets the stage for a tale of danger, hope, and discovery amidst the wild beauty of Port…
Level C1Children'sThe motherless bairns, and who sheltered themOn a bitter winter night, two motherless children find warmth and hope in the glow of a kind family’s hearth, setting the stage for a heartfelt tale of compassion and shelter amid…
Level C1AdventureThe monkey that would not killAn unruly monkey named Tricky escapes every confinement, causing chaos and laughter alike, as no one can tame or abandon him.
Level C1Children'sThe mirror and the braceletA young boy named Bandhu is left alone and dying during a harsh pilgrimage in India, only to face a lurking tiger and an approaching mysterious king.
Level C1AdventureThe man among the monkeys; or, Ninety days in apeland: To which are added: The philosopher and his monkeys, The professor and the crocodile, and other strange stories of men and animalsA skilled taxidermist and hunter inherits his father's vast menagerie of exotic animals, but dangerous adventures—including ruthless pirates and wild jungles—threaten his life as h…
Level C1AdventureThe making of a manTwo brothers from the rugged Orkney Islands face limited prospects and dream of a new life in Canada’s untamed West.
Level C1Children'sThe look of the thing and other storiesIn a quiet neighborhood, gossip and appearances clash as Rebecca’s sharp tongue meets Widow White’s quiet wisdom, revealing the true meaning behind kindness, faith, and the "look o…
Level C1AdventureThe lively adventures of Gavin HamiltonAmid the frozen desolation of war-torn Silesia, a dashing French captain and a lone resilient soldier face starvation and relentless enemies.
Level C1HistoricalThe little capAmid the 1552 siege of Metz, a disciplined and honorable soldier wrestles with poverty and the harsh realities of war, striving to protect his family and uphold his integrity in a…
Level C1AdventureThe life of a celebrated buccaneerA daring buccaneer rules a rugged island fortress, turning treacherous coves into bustling ports teeming with ships, plunder, and peril.
Level C1PoetryThe juvenile forget-me-notIn a society where work defines worth, a country lady’s fervent quest for gentility clashes with the realities of labor and social rank, revealing the fickle nature of fashion, sta…
Level C1PoetryThe infant moralistExplore a vivid journey through human virtues and vices, where themes like courage, folly, and revenge unfold in striking poetic form, inviting readers to reflect on the moral fabr…
Level C1HistoricalThe history of a tame robinA young robin narrates his early life, revealing a world where birds cautiously observe their human benefactors and experience unexpected kindness.
Level C1Children'sThe history of Tabby, a favourite catA devoted mother cat named Tabby reflects on her playful youth and prepares to share the story of how she came to be cherished by her family, imparting wisdom and love to her curio…
Level C1Children'sThe hermit of the forestIn the wild forest of Englewood, a solitary hermit named Honestus, broken by loss and exile, discovers two abandoned infants and must protect and nurture them amidst the wilderness…
Level C1Children'sThe happy villagers: Embellished with an engravingA retired tradesman discovers a peaceful valley where cottages thrive in harmony, and an elderly villager finds joy in family and simple rural life despite age and toil.
Level C1Children'sThe golden spears, and other fairy talesTwo children living near a mountain called the "Golden Spear" cherish their home and its wild birds, playing in meadows and climbing heather-clad slopes while awaiting the return o…
Level C1Children'sThe fatal three, vol. IIIIn a garden of shattered minds and faded glory, a former prima donna clings to her past amidst the quiet of an asylum.
Level C1Children'sThe fatal three, vol. IIIn the glittering London social scene, the enigmatic César Castellani captivates women with charm and mystery, sparking endless speculation about his origins.
Level C1Children'sThe fatal three, vol. IA wealthy couple’s quiet life is disrupted when the husband insists on adopting a mysterious orphan girl, challenging the delicate balance of their home and the innocence of their…
Level C1AdventureThe family Robinson CrusoeShipwrecked on a deserted island, a resourceful father guides his wife and four sons through survival, blending adventure with practical lessons in natural history and mechanics.