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 B1MysteryBillie Bradley on Lighthouse Island; Or, The Mystery of the WreckLost and caught in an unexpected rainstorm, three schoolgirls navigate eerie woods while fearing the escape of a notorious criminal known as the Codfish.
Level B1AdventureBillie Bradley at Three Towers Hall; Or, Leading a Needed RebellionBillie Bradley discovers a trunk filled with valuable stamps and coins, unlocking a surprising inheritance that promises adventure and challenges.
Level B1MysteryBillie Bradley and the School Mystery; Or, The Girl From OklahomaAt the picturesque Three Towers Hall, Billie Bradley returns for a new term with her friends, ready to face school challenges and unravel the mystery lurking among the new girls.
Level B1AdventureBillie Bradley and Her Inheritance; Or, The Queer Homestead at Cherry CornersThree spirited schoolgirls stumble upon mystery and mischief in their charming town of North Bend, where friendship, family, and unexpected adventures at the old schoolhouse lead t…
Level B1FantasyBikey the Skicycle and Other Tales of JimmieboyA neglected bicycle with magical pneumatic tires reveals it can do more than just roll—it might actually fly.
Level B1Children'sBible StoriesJourney through the wondrous early life of the Savior, from the Garden of Eden to the humble manger in Bethlehem, as angels, wise men, and miracles herald the arrival of a promised…
Level B1Children'sBetty Lee, SophomoreTwo high school friends navigate jealousy, friendship, and identity as they prepare for a new school year filled with surprises and social challenges.
Level B1AdventureBetty Gordon in the Land of Oil; Or, The Farm That Was Worth a FortuneA spirited young traveler sets out for Oklahoma, eager to explore the heartland and plant hardy flower seeds to brighten the barren prairie.
Level B1AdventureBetty Gordon in Washington; Or, Strange Adventures in a Great CityBetty Gordon’s peaceful country life is disrupted by a fierce dispute over a gored cow, leading her to unexpected adventures as she navigates conflicts and mysteries in a bustling…
Level B1MysteryBetty Gordon at Mountain Camp; Or, The Mystery of Ida BellethorneAt a quaint mountain camp, Betty Gordon stumbles upon a mysterious shop and an enigmatic girl deeply absorbed in knitting exquisite blouses.
Level B1AdventureBetty Gordon at Boarding School; Or, The Treasure of Indian ChasmBetty Gordon prepares for an exciting new chapter as she heads off to boarding school alongside her friends, promising fun, friendship, and unexpected adventures.
Level B1Children'sBeth's wonder-winterEleven-year-old Beth turns a simple apple tree climb into a whimsical game of watchman and traveler, but her playful spirit clashes with Aunt Rebecca’s stern rules—especially when…
Level B1Children'sBessie and the squirrelsYoung Bessie and her brother Jamie explore the joys and challenges of farm life at Corwin's Nest, where playful moments with dolls, curious animals, and lively squirrels bring less…
Level B1Children'sBertie's Home; or, the Way to be HappyA family sets out to build their dream home in a peaceful village where nature’s beauty and simple joys promise a path to true happiness.
Level B1Children'sBertha, Our Little German CousinStep into a charming German village where Bertha and her family prepare for Christmas with homemade cakes, heartfelt songs, and timeless traditions that reveal the warmth and spiri…
Level B1AdventureBarty Crusoe and His Man SaturdayWhen Barty discovers an old copy of Robinson Crusoe, his imagination sparks a thrilling adventure with his loyal companion, the Good Wolf.
Level B1Children'sBaby Pitcher's Trials: Little Pitcher StoriesTrapped indoors by endless rain, little Flora dreams of adventure beyond the gloomy skies.
Level B1Children'sAway to school: 'Ólta'góóA Navajo boy describes his experiences attending a distant boarding school, navigating new routines, language, and culture while learning English and adapting to a different world…
Level B1Children'sAunt Fanny's Story-Book for Little Boys and GirlsSeven grandchildren gather at Grandma’s Christmas party, where laughter, surprises, and warm family moments fill the festive air.
Level B1Children'sAudreyA lively little girl, Audrey navigates the challenges of growing up in a dusty old house under the watchful eye of her stern yet caring Aunt Cordelia.
Level B1Children'sAt the Back of the North WindA young boy named Diamond discovers a mysterious window into the North Wind behind his bed, leading to a magical friendship where the wind promises to bring unexpected adventures b…
Level B1Children'sArthur's inheritanceFifteen-year-old Arthur Murray faces a family transformed by loss and financial strain, determined to support them by leaving school to work as a cashier in a bustling London empor…
Level B1AdventureArmy Boys on German Soil: Our Doughboys Quelling the MobsAmerican soldiers patrol a tense German city where hostility simmers beneath the surface, and threats escalate from uneasy glances to deadly gunfire.
Level B1AdventureArmy Boys marching into GermanyAmidst relentless German assaults, a small band of American soldiers fiercely holds their ground, preparing for a desperate bayonet charge that will decide their fate in a brutal,…
Level B1PoetryAnimal Children: The Friends of the Forest and the PlainDiscover a charming world where playful animal children of the forest and plain come to life with wit and whimsy, inviting young readers to meet their furry, feathered, and finned…
Level B1Children'sAngel's Christmas, and, Little DotIn a bleak, cramped room, seven-year-old Angel tirelessly turns the mangle to help her struggling family, then sets off through muddy streets to deliver laundry to a grand house wh…
Level B1AdventureAn American Robinson Crusoe for American Boys and GirlsA restless boy in New York dreams of distant lands as he watches mighty ships along the Hudson River, longing for adventure beyond his everyday life.
Level B1AdventureAn American Robinson CrusoeA restless boy in New York dreams of faraway lands as he watches mighty ships on the Hudson River, longing to escape his dull apprenticeship and embark on a grand adventure beyond…
Level B1MysteryAn Amateur FiremanA determined boy dreams of joining the fire department, learning the ropes by tending fires and proving his worth despite skepticism and hardship.
Level B1HistoricalAmong the Meadow PeopleA newly emerged butterfly explores the meadow, discovering the unique lives and homes of flowers and creatures, learning that every being thrives best in its own special place.
Level B1FantasyAdventures in Toyland; What the Marionette Told MollyIn a magical toyshop where toys come to life after hours, a curious girl discovers a talking marionette who promises to share enchanting tales from the secret world of toys, reveal…
Level B1Children'sA thoughtless sevenSeven lively siblings left to their own devices during a rainy Sunday afternoon navigate mischief, friendship, and lessons of patience and perseverance under the watchful eyes of a…
Level B1Children'sA tale of three weeksLeft behind while their parents escape to the seaside with baby and nurse, three sisters face a lonely, school-filled fortnight under the watchful eye of their kind governess, disc…
Level B1AdventureA sailor boy with DeweyA sixteen-year-old merchant’s son embarks on a perilous journey to the Philippines, navigating treacherous storms and a drunken captain as he explores America’s new Pacific territo…
Level B1Children'sA gypsy against her willA determined young girl struggles against harsh household service and family hardships, dreaming of a freer life while battling the challenges of temperamental mistresses and econo…
Level B1Children'sA dangerous friendFourteen-year-old Tom leaves his village blacksmith life behind to seek opportunity in London, but as he navigates the city’s challenges, family tensions and unexpected dangers tes…
Level B1HistoricalA Walk and a Drive.A curious little girl named Rosy explores a sunlit French villa and its surroundings, discovering fresh milk, grapevines, and the mystery of missing birds.
Level B1Children'sA Troublesome Flock: A Mother Goose Play for ChildrenStep into a lively Mother Goose play where familiar nursery rhyme characters come to life in a playful, costume-filled adventure perfect for children and school performances.
Level B1Children'sA Topsy-Turvy ChristmasStep into a whimsical Christmas where everything is delightfully reversed—costumes worn backward, songs that charm and surprise, and a playful cast of characters turning tradition…
Level B1Children'sA Sweet Little MaidTwo young girls, Dimple and Bubbles, embark on imaginative adventures, playing "Indian" with feathers and hatchets, but their innocent game takes a dramatic turn when an accident t…
Level B1PoetryA Present for Infants; or, Pictures for the NurseryGentle verses paired with charming illustrations introduce young minds to everyday scenes and simple lessons—from farm animals and gardening to acts of kindness—inviting children t…
Level B1Children'sA Missionary TwigA young girl’s unusual habit of saving a tenth of every coin leads to unexpected lessons in generosity and responsibility, as she balances childhood play with her commitment to a m…
Level B1Children'sA Little Question in Ladies' RightsWhen Margery overeats bananas and faces Effie's stern warnings, a debate erupts about respect and roles within the household, challenging childhood assumptions about servants and f…![Cover of A Jolly Jingle-Book by Laura [Compiler] Chandler](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daeoveoe1ofc73dh7kpg.webp)
Level B1PoetryA Jolly Jingle-BookDelight in whimsical poems that capture the playful imagination and bedtime adventures of childhood, where dolls quarrel, dreams dance, and simple joys like a rubber ball spark end…
Level B1Children'sA Hive of Busy BeesTwo children, Don and Joyce, face a summer without their usual farm visit as their parents plan a fishing trip.
Level B1PoetryA Defective Santa ClausWhen Pa must leave on Christmas Eve, Uncle Sidney steps in with stories, popcorn, and warm hearthside magic, promising a visit from Santa Claus himself—sparking hope and wonder in…
Level B1Children'sA Dear Little Girl's Thanksgiving HolidaysA young girl eagerly prepares for a cherished old-fashioned Thanksgiving at her grandparents' village home, where family gatherings, country life, and childhood adventures promise…
Level B1AdventureA Dear Little Girl's Summer HolidaysTwo friends receive an exciting invitation to spend summer holidays with Jennie, sparking dreams of adventure and fun despite the summer heat.