Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
659 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 B1Children'sRosyA spirited little girl named Rosy wrestles with feelings of jealousy and frustration, finding comfort and companionship in her younger brother Fix, even as family dynamics and chil…
Level B1PoetryRose of AffectionPlayful verses capture the innocent joys and everyday wonders of childhood, from choosing toys to learning lessons.
Level B1Children'sRollo in the WoodsA curious boy named Rollo learns patience and responsibility when he must finish his reading before joining Jonas to clear land in the woods.
Level B1AdventureRollo in ScotlandA spirited boy named Waldron and his new friend Rollo embark on a Scottish adventure aboard a steamer, exploring bustling shipyards and the wonders of steamship construction along…
Level B1AdventureRobinson Crusoe, Told to the Children by John LangA young man defies his father’s wishes to seek adventure at sea, only to be shipwrecked on a mysterious tropical island.
Level B1AdventureRobinson Crusoe, Jr.An inventive boy fascinated by the tale of a castaway dreams of living like Robinson Crusoe—alone on a deserted island, building, exploring, and surviving with only animals and a l…
Level B1AdventureRobinson Crusoe — in Words of One SyllableA young man’s dream of life at sea leads to shipwreck, capture, and survival in a harsh new world.
Level B1PoetryRiley Child-RhymesWhimsical rhymes and charming tales bring to life children’s adventures, mischievous goblins, and the lovable Raggedy Man, inviting readers into a world of heartfelt humor and time…
Level B1MysteryReuben Stone's discoveryLeft in charge of his father's struggling mill, a determined young miller faces mounting debts, suspicious rumors, and perilous challenges as he fights to save his family’s legacy…
Level B1AdventureRed, White, Blue Socks, Part First: Being the First BookOn a rainy afternoon, restless siblings George and Helen grapple with boredom and mischief, while their mother encourages them to embrace kindness, patience, and faith through hear…
Level B1AdventureRandy of the River; Or, The Adventures of a Young DeckhandA determined young deckhand embraces hard work and honesty aboard a Hudson River steamboat, navigating the challenges of youth and responsibility.
Level B1Children'sRailroad building, and other storiesBoys transform their play into a grand railroad-building adventure, learning teamwork and engineering with boundless enthusiasm.
Level B1PoetryPunky Dunk and the Spotted PupA curious cat named Punky Dunk meets a lively spotted pup who arrives to join the family, sparking playful rivalry and unexpected friendship in this charming, rhymed tale of pets a…
Level B1AdventurePud Pringle, pirateFifteen-year-old Pud Pringle navigates small-town life with mischief and charm, from tricky grocery errands to sparring with local sourpuss Egbert.
Level B1Children'sProud and Lazy: A Story for Little FolksA proud and lazy boy, accustomed to commanding others, faces the challenge of obedience and learning when sent to village school.
Level B1HistoricalProfessor JohnnyA young boy nicknamed Professor Johnny finds himself facing an unexpected crisis when a sudden fire threatens his home, forcing him to act quickly and courageously while caring for…
Level B1Children'sPrincess Polly's PlaymatesAt Sherwood Hall, Princess Polly and her friends receive a heartfelt letter from lonely Rose, who longs for playful companionship in her grand but quiet new home.
Level B1Children'sPretty Tales for the NurseryA young girl cherishes her birthday gift—a book that opens a world of stories and lessons, inspiring her to learn and grow.
Level B1Children'sPoppy's PresentsIn a crowded, shadowed city, young Poppy discovers an unexpected gift that promises to change her life—two tiny babies arriving on her doorstep.
Level B1MysteryPoppy Ott's pedigreed picklesA clever boy convinces his skeptical friend to start a unique Pickle Parlor, betting that offering better pickles will win customers despite the odds.
Level B1MysteryPoppy Ott and the stuttering parrotWhen Jerry Todd and his friend Red encounter Poppy Ott, a scruffy boy living in a rickety wagon with a gruff old man claiming to be a detective, their summer adventure in the small…
Level B1MysteryPoppy Ott and the galloping snailTwo adventurous boys set out on a carefree hitchhiking trip through sun-baked highways and quiet countryside, only to find themselves mysteriously stranded on a deserted road with…
Level B1Children'sPitcher PollockA determined boy named Tom Pollock seeks work in a small town hardware store to support himself while attending high school, facing skepticism but eager to prove his worth through…
Level B1HistoricalPictures and Stories from Uncle Tom's CabinA desperate mother flees with her young son to escape the cruel sale that tore them apart, braving icy rivers and relentless pursuers in a heart-wrenching tale of courage and hope.
Level B1Children'sPercy's holidaysA young girl named Percy balances schoolwork, family duties, and personal growth during a summer holiday filled with lessons in responsibility and kindness.
Level B1FantasyPeggy's GiantOn her lonely birthday, Peggy discovers a sparkling green ring that brings to life a gentle giant right in her nursery.
Level B1AdventurePeck's Bad Boy in an airshipA mischievous boy is sent to an orphanage while his father embarks on a globe-trotting mission to spy on airship technology for the government.
Level B1RomancePatty—BrideCaught between a loyal engagement and a persistent admirer unwilling to surrender, Patty navigates the turbulent waters of love, friendship, and promise in a delicate struggle wher…
Level B1AdventurePals: Young Australians in Sport and AdventureAdventure beckons as a group of young Australians plans a daring bushranger game, complete with horseback chases, mock gunfights, and gold-escort raids along a fertile northern riv…
Level B1Children'sOur Little Turkish CousinIn the heart of Constantinople, a young boy named Osman grows up surrounded by tradition and mystery under the watchful rule of the Sultan.
Level B1AdventureOur Little Swiss CousinIn the heart of the Swiss Alps, young Carl eagerly awaits a school festival celebrating his country's freedom, while his family prepares for a summer in the mountains filled with t…
Level B1Children'sOur Little Russian CousinMeet Petrovna, a lively Russian girl from a grand home in St.
Level B1HistoricalOur Little Jewish CousinIn Jerusalem under foreign rule, young Esther and her family cling to their Jewish faith and traditions, gathering weekly at the Wailing Wall to mourn their lost homeland and dream…
Level B1Children'sOur Little Japanese CousinDiscover the gentle daily life of Lotus Blossom, a cheerful Japanese girl whose world is filled with unique customs, beautiful clothing, and a cozy home made of delicate paper scre…
Level B1AdventureOnly a farm boy; or, Dan Hardy's rise in lifeA determined farm boy toils under a harsh employer, dreaming of a better life after his mother's death leaves him penniless.
Level B1AdventureOn Adventure IslandSoaring high above the countryside, daring pilot Terry Mapes embarks on a secret mission to South America, facing rival airmen, sabotage, and perilous skies to protect her family's…
Level B1Children'sNursery Comedies: Twelve Tiny Plays for ChildrenA piece of the sky falls on Henny Penny’s head, sparking a whimsical journey with her animal friends to warn the Queen.
Level B1Children'sNorthcliffe boysA determined boy named George Horbrook sets out to prove himself as a mason’s apprentice despite doubts from others, balancing work, school, and the challenges of growing up in a s…
Level B1PoetryNonsense for old and youngDive into a whimsical world where playful poems and quirky illustrations bring to life mischievous antics, witty social satire, and delightfully absurd tales that charm both young…
Level B1Children'sNoel's Christmas treeTwo siblings eagerly await the arrival of their mysterious new brother from India, sparking curiosity and cautious first encounters in a bustling London home filled with secrets, f…
Level B1Children'sNibble Rabbit Makes More FriendsWhen Nibble Rabbit meets Tommy Peele, the little boy with red mittens, the curious bunny discovers the strange and risky world of humans.
Level B1AdventureNero, the Circus Lion: His Many AdventuresIn the heart of the African jungle, young Nero the lion cub embarks on thrilling adventures with his family and friends, learning the secrets of survival and the joys of play benea…
Level B1Children'sNeesby CourtFour siblings in a charming old town watch with curiosity as mysterious new tenants move into the long-empty Neesby Court, stirring tales of its haunted past and sparking a summer…
Level B1AdventureNed, Bob and Jerry at Boxwood Hall; Or, The Motor Boys as FreshmenThree adventurous young men face college life head-on when their parents send them to Boxwood Hall to grow up and settle down, only to find surprises, challenges, and unexpected fr…
Level B1AdventureNed Wilding's Disappearance; or, The Darewell Chums in the CityWhen Bart accidentally wounds his hand with a new gun, his sister Alice steps in with first aid and determination, setting the stage for a gripping adventure as the Darewell chums…
Level B1Children'sNaughty Miss Bunny: A Story for Little ChildrenA spirited six-year-old girl, free from her usual lessons and supervision, embarks on a seaside holiday where her mischievous nature challenges a new governess determined to guide…
Level B1Children'sNatalie: A Garden ScoutFifteen-year-old Natalie faces the harsh reality of leaving her city life and beloved school behind when her family’s fortune vanishes, forcing her to move to a remote farm.
Level B1Children'sNanny Merry: or, What Made the Difference?In a quaint town by a narrow river, young Nannie Merry brings comfort and joy to her dear Grannie through heartfelt Bible readings and tender moments, revealing the simple yet prof…