Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
688 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 Æsop's fables in words of one syllable, Æsop's Fables: A Version for Young Readers and Æsop's Fables, Embellished with One Hundred and Eleven Emblematical Devices.. 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 B1HistoricalFor the School ColoursWhen a rival school closes, its students flood into Silverside, upending traditions and threatening the established order among the boarders.
Level B1Children'sFolk Tales from the RussianIn a mystical Russian kingdom, three princes find their destinies by shooting arrows to choose their brides—yet the youngest, Ivan Tsarevitch, must wed a mysterious frog who hides…
Level B1Children'sFive Little Peppers and their FriendsIn a charming garden, a lonely girl’s longing meets Phronsie’s kindness, sparking a tender friendship between two worlds apart.
Level B1Children'sFive Little Peppers Grown UpAs Amy Loughead’s brother is set to visit, young Polly Pepper faces the challenge of helping Amy master the piano in time, balancing kindness with her own commitments in a bustling…
Level B1MysteryFighting for fortuneA thrilling collection of clean, adventurous tales follows young heroes as they strive for success and fortune, embodying the spirit of fair play and determination in the great out…
Level B1Children'sFifty Famous FablesDiscover timeless lessons through fifty engaging fables where animals teach the values of self-control, kindness, wisdom, and honesty, inviting young readers to find their own mean…
Level B1MysteryFenn Masterson's Discovery; or, The Darewell Chums on a CruiseTwo schoolboys, Fenn and Bart, bond over a shared love of collecting—this time minerals—and a clever scheme to skip a tough algebra exam.
Level B1Children'sFavorite Fairy TalesIn a wintery kingdom, a jealous queen’s envy turns deadly when her stepdaughter Snow-White grows more beautiful than her.
Level B1Children'sFairy Tales of Hans Christian AndersenStep into a world where blooming gardens and cheerful birds contrast with fiery sermons of eternal damnation, as a pastor grapples with faith, mercy, and the mysteries beyond life…
Level B1Children'sFairy Tales Told in the BushIn the Australian bush, a clever boy sets out to make his fortune and encounters a mysterious little man in brown who offers a curious job—one that requires a boy who cannot read o…
Level B1MysteryFairview Boys at Lighthouse Cove; or, Carried out to SeaThree adventurous boys celebrate the last day of school and dream of summer fun, but when one heads to a mysterious lighthouse cove, unexpected challenges and secrets await by the…
Level B1MysteryFairview Boys at Camp Mystery; or, the Old Hermit and His SecretWhen the notorious bully Jed Burr returns to school promising to behave, three friends face the challenge of his reputation while uncovering secrets at their camp—and an old hermit…
Level B1MysteryFairview Boys and Their Rivals; or, Bob Bouncer's SchooldaysThree schoolboys face rivalry, mischief, and unexpected adventure when a runaway automobile threatens to crash near their school.
Level B1Children'sFairies I Have MetA lonely girl dreams of becoming a nightingale to sing sweetly and fly freely, seeking help from a wise magician who demands a costly price for magic.
Level B1AdventureFacing the WorldOrphaned and guarded by a harsh relative, a young boy runs away and finds unexpected friendship with a traveling magician.
Level B1Children'sFables for Children, Stories for Children, Natural Science Stories, Popular Education, Decembrists, Moral TalesTimeless fables weave lessons of kindness, cunning, and consequences through tales of ants, lions, and clever mice.
Level B1Children'sEthel's trialA young girl faces her fears and learns the value of courage, kindness, and responsibility as she encounters a rough but gentle boy and begins her journey toward becoming a devoted…
Level B1Children'sEthel Morton's HolidaysAs Halloween approaches in Rosemont, Roger Morton and his cousins prepare decorations and plan a fun, harmless party with their Service Club friends, determined to prove that misch…
Level B1Children'sEsther's triumphIn a harsh world where schoolyard judgments and family duties weigh heavily, Esther navigates challenges at home and school, confronting her own frustrations and the rough realitie…
Level B1Children'sEditha's Burglar: A Story for ChildrenA thoughtful young girl, left often to her own devices, becomes fascinated by the mysterious world of burglars through newspapers and books, sparking innocent curiosity and sympath…
Level B1Children'sDotty Dimple at SchoolA spirited six-year-old girl faces the excitement and challenges of her first day at school, eager to grow up and learn about the world beyond her home.
Level B1AdventureDotty Dimple Out WestA spirited young girl embarks on a thrilling journey West with her father, filled with new sights, surprises, and the boundless excitement of adventure.
Level B1Children'sDotty Dimple At HomeA spirited little girl swings between fierce tantrums and tender moments, challenging her family’s patience and love.
Level B1FantasyDorothy and the Wizard in OzAfter a restless journey marked by trembling earth, a young girl arrives at a lonely station to begin a new adventure in the magical Land of Oz.
Level B1Children'sDorothy Dale's School RivalsAs Dorothy Dale returns to school, she faces uneasy feelings and a new rival, Jean Faval, whose flashy style stirs up tension.
Level B1Children'sDorothy Dale's Queer HolidaysHoliday at the charming country estate turns restless as Dorothy Dale and her cousins await the arrival of her unpredictable friend Tavia, whose late entrances and mischievous natu…
Level B1AdventureDorothy Dale's PromiseReturning to Glenwood School after thrilling adventures in New York, Dorothy Dale and her friends navigate friendship, school life, and spirited pranks while uncovering surprises a…
Level B1AdventureDorothy Dale in the WestTwo friends eagerly await a mysterious surprise from Aunt Winnie while navigating summer’s joys and challenges in the West, encountering intriguing strangers and dreaming of advent…
Level B1Children'sDorothy Dale in the CityAs Christmas break approaches at Glenwood Hall boarding school, Dorothy and her friends navigate the chaos of packing, playful mischief, and unexpected adventures—like a toppled fe…
Level B1Children'sDora's mistakeWhen a bout of whooping cough confines a lively family indoors, mischief brews and lessons about idleness, faith, and meaningful work unfold, inspired by the ancient Israelites’ cr…
Level B1Children'sDooryard StoriesIn a charming yard full of tiny neighbors, a determined little kitten braves cold rain and closed doors, seeking warmth and friendship.
Level B1Children'sDomestic animals: a story book for childrenDiscover the fascinating lives of horses, dogs, cats, pigs, and camels, exploring their unique traits, habits, and roles in human society across different cultures and climates.
Level B1HistoricalDocasJourney back to a Pacific Coast Indian village where young Docas and his family live, play, and learn the ways of their ancestors long before modern settlers arrived.
Level B1Children'sDixie KittenA curious kitten with striking black and tawny fur explores the sights and sounds of a bustling barnyard, learning about home, family, and the wide world beyond her cozy nest.
Level B1AdventureDido, the Dancing Bear: His Many AdventuresJoin Dido, the smallest bear cub, as he embarks on playful races and mischief with his brothers in a cozy mountain den, discovering the joys and challenges of growing up in the wil…
Level B1FantasyDick, Marjorie and Fidge: A Search for the Wonderful DodoThree adventurous children discover their home flooded by a high tide, turning their breakfast room into a watery playground where an overturned table becomes a boat for an unexpec…
Level B1Children'sDick's retrieverOn a stormy night, young Dick and his mother rescue a soaked retriever, cruelly abandoned with a heavy stone tied to his neck.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 34, August 23, 1914A young boy experiences the joy of his first store-bought suit and a mischievous kitten that mysteriously lights up the house, while a lonely girl faces the sting of exclusion at a…
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 17, April 26, 1914Twins Toby and Nancy discover a mysterious boat stranded among the rocks at low tide, only to find a frightened kitten hiding inside—sparking a heartfelt adventure of kindness and…
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 16, April 19, 1914Children's wonder blooms as ten fluffy chicks hatch unexpectedly on a warm engine room shelf, sparking delight and inventive care at home.
Level B1Children'sDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 15, April 12, 1914Two young neighbors face small Easterday disappointments with kindness and creativity, discovering the true meaning of friendship and love.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 10, March 8, 1914A young boy longs to bring a new friend to Sunday school, where each newcomer is celebrated like a fish caught in a shining river.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 07, February 15, 1914A young boy discovers the joy of painting and creating homemade valentines, planning thoughtful gifts for friends and family while learning about kindness and creativity.
Level B1Children'sDenslow's Humpty DumptyHumpty Dumpty fears breaking like his father and seeks the Black Hen’s advice to become hard as a rock.
Level B1MysteryDean Dunham; Or, the Waterford MysteryA modest land sale promises unexpected fortune for Adin Dunham, but rumors and wary neighbors hint that the thousand dollars might bring more trouble than relief.
Level B1Children'sDawnAs Keith Burton turns fourteen, he confronts a mysterious new challenge: blurred vision that clouds the world he loves.
Level B1MysteryDave Porter in the Gold Fields; Or, The Search for the Landslide MineThree friends embark on a daring quest to uncover a lost gold mine buried by a massive landslide in Montana, facing old rivals and treacherous terrain in a race to claim the treasu…
Level B1AdventureDave Porter in the Far North; Or, The Pluck of an American SchoolboyAn American schoolboy, facing mystery and adversity, embarks on a daring journey to the Far North in search of his missing family, supported by loyal friends and tested by unexpect…