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.
- 3,688
- books
Level B2AdventureThe Cricket's Friends: Tales Told by the Cricket, Teapot, and SaucepanIn a cozy hearthside club, a cricket introduces curious new members—a traveled spider, a caterpillar, and a wasp—each bringing their own tales and temperaments to this whimsical ga…
Level B2PoetryThe Courtship, Marriage, and Pic-Nic Dinner of Cock Robin & Jenny Wren: With the Death and Burial of Poor Cock RobinFollow the whimsical journey of Cock Robin and Jenny Wren as they navigate courtship, marriage, a festive picnic, and the unexpected trials that follow, brought to life with charmi…
Level B2AdventureThe Courier of the OzarksAmid the brutal guerrilla warfare of 1862 Missouri, a young courier and his loyal dog navigate dangerous rebel forces plotting to ignite a fierce uprising.
Level B2FantasyThe Counterpane FairyWhen lonely and sick, Teddy’s world brightens as the mysterious Counterpane Fairy appears, inviting him to explore magical stories hidden within the colorful squares of his quilt.
Level B2AdventureThe Cornet of Horse: A Tale of Marlborough's WarsIn the shadow of Marlborough’s wars, a young nobleman hones his fencing skills and courtly manners, preparing for a life where courage and grace will be tested on both battlefield…
Level B2AdventureThe Coral Island: A Tale of the Pacific OceanThree boys shipwrecked on a remote Pacific island must rely on courage and friendship to survive thrilling adventures in a tropical paradise shaped by nature’s tiny architects—the…
Level B2Children'sThe Copy-Cat, and Other StoriesIn a quaint school, plain little Amelia idolizes the dazzling Lily Jennings, striving to mimic her beauty and grace despite differences in appearance and attire.
Level B2AdventureThe Copper Princess: A Story of Lake Superior MinesA daring rescue aboard a speeding train sparks an unlikely friendship between a struggling gentleman and a humble mine worker in the rugged Lake Superior mining region, where both…
Level B2AdventureThe Congo Rovers: A Story of the Slave SquadronA young midshipman eagerly accepts a posting to the sloop Daphne, destined for the perilous West African coast, despite his father's grave concerns.
Level B2AdventureThe Coming of the White Men: Stories of How Our Country Was DiscoveredTwo curious twins befriend Uncle Sam, a wise storyteller who brings to life the daring adventures and early struggles of those who discovered America, weaving tales of bravery, fre…
Level B2AdventureThe Coming Wave; Or, The Hidden Treasure of High RockCaught in a fierce tempest off Penobscot Bay, two honest working boys navigate dense fog and raging storms while uncovering secrets that tie the sea to hidden treasures on land.
Level B2Children'sThe Cockatoo's StoryA white cockatoo wrestles with feelings of guilt and misunderstanding as he recounts his remarkable story to a sharp-tongued gray parrot, while a kind boy named Herbert patiently t…
Level B2Children'sThe CochinealA father and son explore the hidden beauty of a tiny insect under a microscope, discovering a powerful lesson about God's care and wisdom in even the smallest creatures.
Level B2Children'sThe Club at Crow's CornerIn a cozy woodland corner, a curious club of animals gathers to share tales and adventures, led by the cunning Mr.
Level B2Children'sThe ClimbersIn a mountain town, a determined stable-boy with a hunger for knowledge defies expectations, dreaming of a better life beyond his humble beginnings.
Level B2AdventureThe Circus Boys on the Mississippi; Or, Afloat with the Big Show on the Big RiverTensions rise under the big top as Teddy Tucker clashes with a fiery new clown, threatening the harmony of their circus troupe.
Level B2AdventureThe Circus Boys on the Flying Rings; Or, Making the Start in the Sawdust LifeTwo orphaned boys dream of the circus life, longing to escape hardship and soar through the air under the big top.
Level B2AdventureThe Circus Boys Across the Continent; Or, Winning New Laurels on the TanbarkTwo young circus performers eagerly prepare to join the Great Sparling Combined Shows for a thrilling summer tour across America, from the East Coast all the way to San Francisco,…
Level B2Children'sThe Chums of Scranton High: Or, Hugh Morgan's Uphill FightAt Scranton High, a spirited group of boys rallies around their beloved campus fence, gearing up for a fierce baseball season in the Three-Town League.
Level B2Children'sThe Chums of Scranton High out for the Pennant: or, In the Three Town LeagueHigh school friends face tough rivals and rainy setbacks as they strive for baseball glory in the competitive Three Town League, honing their skills and camaraderie both on and off…
Level B2AdventureThe Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path: Or, The Mystery of the Haunted QuarryFive adventurous high school friends set out on a nut-gathering expedition in the vibrant autumn woods near Scranton, only to uncover mysterious happenings around a haunted quarry…
Level B2Children'sThe Chums of Scranton High at Ice HockeyAs winter's first cold wave freezes Scranton’s baseball field, two inseparable friends prepare for a thrilling ice hockey showdown against rival teams, navigating school rivalries,…
Level B2Children'sThe Chronicles of RhodaA spirited young girl named Rhoda navigates family life, imagination, and the gentle discipline of her grandmother.
Level B2Children'sThe Christmas Dream of Little CharlesOn Christmas Eve, young Charles dreams of a whimsical St.
Level B2Children'sThe Christmas DinnerIn a cozy farmhouse kitchen on Christmas Eve, a family prepares for their festive dinner, capturing the warmth, traditions, and joyful spirit of the holiday through simple, heartfe…
Level B2Children'sThe Christmas AngelOn a cold Christmas Eve, Miss Terry confronts the forgotten joy and memories hidden in an old box of children's toys, challenging her bitter view of the holiday as her servant Nora…
Level B2Children'sThe Choir School of St. Bede'sAt St.
Level B2Children'sThe Chinese KittenTwo sisters eagerly anticipate a surprise beach trip with their family, complete with sleeping in a tent and caring for their beloved cat.
Level B2Children'sThe Chinese Fairy BookVenture into a world where magical birds soar and mystical islands shimmer with gold and silver.
Level B2AdventureThe Children's PortionIn a humble kingdom where belief in a mystical Golden Age shapes every heart, the wise king’s children—Yestergold, Goldenday, Goldmorrow, and Faith—grow up guided by hope and lesso…
Level B2Children'sThe Children's PilgrimageIn a quiet London courtyard, two devoted siblings and their loyal dog wait anxiously for their stepmother’s recovery, unaware that her illness may change their lives forever.
Level B2PoetryThe Children's Own LongfellowJourney through stirring tales and vivid scenes where heroic sailors brave fierce storms, steadfast blacksmiths forge their destinies, and timeless legends unfold, all brought to l…
Level B2Children'sThe Children's Hour, v 5. Stories From Seven Old FavoritesStep into the enchanting Children's Hour with stories from seven timeless tales, where brave pilgrims, castaway sailors, and quirky knights embark on unforgettable adventures that…
Level B2AdventureThe Children's Hour, Volume 3 (of 10): Stories from the ClassicsDive into epic tales of gods, heroes, and adventure where giants roam, battles rage, and legendary voyages unfold across strange lands.
Level B2Children'sThe Children on the Top FloorIn a bustling apartment house, young Betty Randall faces challenges caring for her crippled brother, Jack, while forging a new friendship with Winifred, who hopes to bring kindness…
Level B2Children'sThe Children of the ValleyWhen little Ally mysteriously disappears from the valley, her family embarks on a frantic search filled with whispers of fairies and secret hill children.
Level B2HistoricalThe Children of the New ForestAmidst the turmoil of the English Civil War, four young orphans find refuge and guidance in the wild New Forest, guarded by a loyal forester who teaches them survival and courage a…
Level B2FantasyThe Children of the CastleTwin sisters Ruby and Mavis live in a grand, ancient castle by the sea, where the fierce cliffs contrast with sunny lawns.
Level B2Children'sThe Children of Wilton ChaseAt Wilton Chase, spirited Ermengarde defies her governess’s rules while her sensible sister Marjorie navigates family tensions and sibling loyalty.
Level B2HistoricalThe Children of CupaA family plans a healing summer camping trip to Warner's Hot Springs, nestled in an Indian village soon to be taken from its native inhabitants.
Level B2HistoricalThe Childhood of RomeIn a village beneath the Mountain of Fire, young Marcia weaves baskets amid a community rooted in ancient customs and the legacy of their ancestor Mars.
Level B2AdventureThe Child of the Moat: A Story for Girls. 1557 A.D.In 1557 England, a troubled parish priest confronts eerie churchyard hauntings and bitter village feuds after a dying woman’s curse leaves her child vulnerable.
Level B2Children'sThe Child and the Dream: A Christmas StoryA bright young Child, eager to find the perfect Christmas gift, embarks on a heartfelt journey of storytelling and dreams, where unexpected voices and charming characters reveal th…
Level B2AdventureThe Century World's Fair Book for Boys and Girls: Being the Adventures of Harry and Philip with Their Tutor, Mr. Douglass, at the World's Columbian ExpositionTwo boys and their tutor embark on an unexpected adventure to the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, guided by a mysterious cable from one boy’s father.
Level B2AdventureThe Cave of Gold: A Tale of California in '49Two young men ride into the wild, untamed valleys of 1848 California, drawn by terrifying screams and the promise of gold.
Level B2AdventureThe Cave in the Mountain: A Sequel to In the Pecos CountryTwo boys camped in the wilderness face a mysterious wolf whose strange behavior leads them on a daring chase toward a secret cave hidden deep in the mountains, promising adventure…![Cover of The Cat and the Mouse: A Book of Persian Fairy Tales by Hartwell [Editor] James](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabjug09638s73a2of6g.webp)
Level B2Children'sThe Cat and the Mouse: A Book of Persian Fairy TalesIn a Persian city, a mighty cat prowls the wine cellar where a drunken mouse boasts bravely—sparking a fierce encounter that reveals themes of pride, repentance, and unexpected mer…
Level B2Children'sThe Cat and Fiddle Book: Eight Dramatised Nursery Rhymes for Nursery PerformersStep into a whimsical boarding house where a cow, dog, and a vain cat with her lumpy fiddle engage in playful banter about music, jumping over moons, and dinner fusses, bringing nu…