Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
3,688 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 B2AdventureThe Woodcraft Girls at CampAt a lively girls' camp, spirited Zan navigates friendship tensions and the clash between simple joys and high-society expectations.
Level B2FantasyThe Wood-Pigeons and MaryIn a world where wood-pigeons speak and understand human sorrows, Mr.
Level B2Children'sThe Wonderful Story of Blue Beard, and His Last WifeA mysterious nobleman with a strange blue beard invites two accomplished sisters to his opulent castle, sparking curiosity and caution as whispers swirl about his vanished wives.
Level B2AdventureThe Wonderful Stories of Fuz-Buz the Fly and Mother Grabem the SpiderIn a sunlit apple tree, a family of spiders spins webs and shares tales of courage and wisdom, while a curious fly arrives nearby, hinting at adventures that blur the line between…
Level B2Children'sThe Wonderful Garden; or, The Three CsOn Caroline’s birthday, a collection of colorful gifts brightens the pale, grey house she shares with her siblings, sparking a longing for the vibrant world beyond their walls.
Level B2AdventureThe Wonder Island Boys: Exploring the IslandStranded on a mysterious island with no tools or food, three castaways forge survival by taming wild yaks and exploring dense forests.
Level B2FantasyThe Wonder Clock; or, four & twenty marvellous Tales: being one for each hour of the dayEnter a magical world where every hour unlocks a new marvelous tale from a wondrous clock that brings to life dancing puppets and forgotten stories.![Cover of The Wolf-slayer; [Margaret Kaurner] by Christoph von Schmid](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da92gpdnmvfc73bikftg.webp)
Level B2Children'sThe Wolf-slayer; [Margaret Kaurner]In a cozy winter cabin, a grandfather weaves a tale of bravery and morality, introducing the thrilling legend of the Wolf-slayer—a story that explores courage, family, and the fine…
Level B2AdventureThe Wolf Patrol: A Tale of Baden-Powell's Boy ScoutsBoys from rival quarters prepare for a fierce showdown on the riverbank, where loyalty, courage, and the spirit of the Boy Scouts turn a neighborhood feud into a test of honor and…
Level B2FantasyThe Woggle-Bug BookA highly magnified and thoroughly educated Woggle-Bug finds himself lost in a strange city, where he must navigate human customs and earn money with his four arms to win the heart…
Level B2RomanceThe Wishing MoonAn eleven-year-old girl in a small town carries a mysterious birthmark and a secret burden tied to the powerful Everard family, as she embarks on a magical May night filled with wi…
Level B2Children'sThe Wishing CapWhen a wealthy lady introduces a magical wishing-cap to five children, little Charles hesitates to join, guided by his faith and memories of his late parents.
Level B2AdventureThe Willoughby CaptainsAt Willoughby School, the festive air buzzes with anticipation as boys prepare for the big sports events, while young Cusack proudly parades his naval father.
Level B2Children'sThe William Henry LettersA chance encounter with a kind-hearted vegetable cart driver leads to a journey into the warm, simple life of the countryside, where stories unfold through letters capturing the ch…
Level B2AdventureThe Wild Man of the West: A Tale of the Rocky MountainsIn the rugged Rocky Mountains, sixteen-year-old March Marston lives wildly, risking life and limb with reckless courage and fierce loyalty.
Level B2Children'sThe Wig and the Shoulder of Mutton; or, The Folly of Juvenile FearsFour curious children face their fears when a mysterious white figure appears in their home, revealing how imagination can transform the dark into something frightening.
Level B2Children'sThe Widow O'Callaghan's BoysAfter the death of their father, a determined widow and her seven boys face poverty and a daunting move to town, where survival depends on their courage and unbreakable family bond…
Level B2AdventureThe White Conquerors: A Tale of Toltec and AztecIn the heart of Tenochtitlan, the vibrant Aztec capital, celebrations mask the dark tyranny of human sacrifice demanded by ruthless priests.
Level B2Children'sThe White Christmas and other Merry Christmas PlaysCelebrate the spirit of Christmas with a collection of joyful children's plays that capture kindness, goodwill, and festive fun.
Level B2AdventureThe White Chief of the CaffresBorn in India and raised among its people, a young boy embarks on a perilous sea voyage to England, facing storms at sea and the promise of new adventures that will shape his desti…
Level B2Children'sThe Wee Scotch PiperIn the Scottish village of Aberfoyle, young shepherd Alan Craig and his loyal sheepdog Roy tend a lively flock amidst rolling hills and bluebells, where the echoes of bagpipes and…
Level B2AdventureThe Weathercock: Being the Adventures of a Boy with a BiasA quick-witted boy known as Vane navigates school rivalries and countryside adventures amid the golden hues of autumn in the Southwolds.
Level B2Children'sThe Wavy Tailed WarriorIn a lively woodland, Stripes Skunk and Tad Coon clash over honey, leading to a buzzing battle with a fierce hive of bees.
Level B2FantasyThe Water-BabiesA chimney-sweep named Tom endures a harsh life in a grim northern town, dreaming of better days while facing cruel masters and rough streets.
Level B2AdventureThe War-Trail Fort: Further Adventures of Thomas Fox and PitamakanAs the mighty American Fur Company collapses, a young trader and his loyal friend face a new frontier of independence and adventure, venturing beyond trading posts into the wild pl…
Level B2AdventureThe Wanderers; Or, Adventures in the Wilds of Trinidad and OrinocoA family uprooted by financial ruin seeks refuge in Trinidad, risking faith and fortune under a foreign edict protecting settlers.
Level B2AdventureThe Wagner Story Book: Firelight Tales of the Great Music DramasBy gazing into the fire’s glowing depths, a child and storyteller unlock magical visions of gods, heroes, and enchanted treasures, revealing timeless adventures hidden in flickerin…
Level B2AdventureThe Voyages of the "Ranger" and "Crusader": And what befell their Passengers and Crews.As young midshipmen prepare to set sail from home, they face the thrilling uncertainties of life at sea aboard the troop-ship Ranger, while their families embark on a daring coloni…
Level B2FantasyThe Voyages of Doctor DolittleA young boy in a small riverside town dreams of adventure beyond the horizon, befriending curious locals and animals along the way.
Level B2AdventureThe Voyage of the HoppergrassFour boys set sail on the large cat-boat "Hoppergrass," gathering unexpected passengers for a week-long river cruise filled with adventure, pirates, and the challenges of life at s…
Level B2AdventureThe Voyage of the "Steadfast": The Young Missionaries in the PacificAmid a fierce storm on the Welsh coast, a young girl anxiously watches for signs of a ship in peril, while hoping her father’s sturdy vessel, the Steadfast, sails safely through th…
Level B2Children'sThe Vision of Dante: A story for little children and a talk to their mothersLost in a dark forest, a frightened man named Dante encounters terrifying beasts blocking his path to a shining mountain.
Level B2FantasyThe Village of Hide and SeekA mysterious vagabond arrives at a sunlit country estate, charming a group of children with promises of enchanting tales from his travels.
Level B2AdventureThe Village ChampionA determined young man breaks free from a life of deceit and hardship, uncovering his true identity and a mysterious valise he must not open for a year and a day.
Level B2Children'sThe Vicar's DaughterA vicar’s daughter is asked to continue a beloved family story, chronicling her own life and encounters in London’s poorest parishes.
Level B2Children'sThe Very Small PersonA fastidious woman returns home to find her carefully chosen house next to a lively family with five rambunctious children, led by the charming and mischievous Little Blue Overalls…
Level B2Children'sThe Velveteen RabbitA shy velveteen rabbit longs to become real through the love of a child, discovering that true magic lies in being cherished despite wear and tear.
Level B2AdventureThe Two Supercargoes; Or, Adventures in Savage AfricaAfter a deadly fever claims the captain and most of the crew on an African trading voyage, the surviving supercargoes face suspicion, pirates, and moral dilemmas in a perilous ques…
Level B2Children'sThe Two Story Mittens and the Little Play Mittens: Being the Fourth Book of the SeriesChildren eagerly follow letters from their brother at Camp Ellsworth while their mother reads stories about playful adventures and cherished dolls, weaving warmth, laughter, and im…
Level B2AdventureThe Two ShipmatesA young mate returns to port after a long voyage aboard the trading brig Amity, navigating both the dangers of the sea and the challenges of loyalty and rivalry among sailors.
Level B2Children'sThe Two Elsies: A Sequel to Elsie at NantucketIn a picturesque Hudson River setting, young Evelyn cares for her ailing father while navigating family tensions and social expectations.
Level B2Children'sThe Two Doves, and Other Tales.: Holiday tales, translated from the German.Two devoted siblings, Marian and Henry, learn the deep bond of togetherness through their shared love for a pair of doves whose sorrow when separated mirrors their own.
Level B2Children'sThe Twins, and How They Entertained the New Minister: A FarceTwin siblings Bobby and Betty turn the mundane task of answering the doorbell into a playful competition, all while entertaining the new minister with their charming antics and wit…
Level B2MysteryThe Twin Ventriloquists; or, Nimble Ike and Jack the Juggler: A Tale of Strategy and JuggleryA master ventriloquist encounters a mysterious rival when a centuries-old mummy seemingly speaks in a museum, sparking a thrilling contest of strategy and vocal trickery that blurs…
Level B2Children'sThe Twin CousinsTwo spirited twin cousins plan a grand birthday party, navigating Auntie Prim’s stern rules and the challenges of inviting neighborhood children.
Level B2Children'sThe Turner TwinsTwin brothers embark on a spirited journey to a distant school, navigating challenges and camaraderie with humor and determination.
Level B2Children'sThe Triple Alliance, Its Trials and TriumphsAt a small preparatory school, a new boy named Diggory Trevanock arrives, sparking curiosity and camaraderie among his classmates.
Level B2HistoricalThe Tree of AppomattoxAs the Civil War draws to a close, intertwined lives on both sides of the conflict face battles of loyalty, courage, and survival amid historic clashes and shifting allegiances.