Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
3,650 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.
- 3,650
- books
Level B2Children'sStories from the Iliad; Or, the siege of TroyAmidst gods’ rivalries and mortal passions, a golden apple sparks a legendary conflict as Paris’s choice ignites the decade-long siege of Troy, where heroes rise and kingdoms clash…
Level B2Children'sStories from SwitzerlandYoung readers discover the joy and wisdom found in the Bible through heartfelt stories of children learning to read and share its teachings in the Swiss countryside, inspiring kind…
Level B2Children'sStories from Hans AndersenA wicked demon creates a mirror that distorts beauty and goodness, shattering into shards that twist the world’s view and freeze hearts like ice.
Level B2AdventureStories for BoysA young reporter, hardened by three years covering disasters, crime, and political upheaval, longs for a break from the relentless chaos of New York newsrooms to write his novel—un…
Level B2AdventureStories about —Enter a cozy evening filled with lively tales of mischievous monkeys, drawn from personal encounters rather than books.
Level B2Children'sStories Worth RereadingA young boy receives a mysterious series of secret instructions from his father, setting him on a suspenseful journey of obedience and discovery that will test his character and co…
Level B2Children'sStories About IndiansExplore the lives, customs, and heroic tales of Native American tribes through vivid stories of bravery, gratitude, and cleverness, revealing their rich culture, traditions, and en…
Level B2HistoricalStories About IndiansExplore vivid tales of Native American life, from the construction of wigwams and warrior bravery to acts of gratitude and clever stratagems, revealing the rich culture and history…
Level B2Children'sStick to the raftAmid the serene Bavarian Fir Mountains, a devoted wood-cutter and his son prepare to navigate life's hardships and the winding river Saale on a sturdy raft, holding fast to faith a…
Level B2AdventureSteve YoungA determined captain and a resilient sixteen-year-old set out on a perilous Arctic expedition to find a lost schooner trapped in the icy northern seas.
Level B2Children'sStephen Grattan's Faith: A Canadian StoryStruggling against a haunting past of addiction, John Morely and his devoted wife face the harsh realities of poverty and temptation in a new land.
Level B2HistoricalStep by Step; Or, Tidy's Way to FreedomA powerful narrative unfolds the brutal reality of slavery, revealing its crushing impact on body, mind, and soul while exploring the hope for freedom and true liberty amid a natio…
Level B2AdventureStem to Stern; or, building the boatOn the shores of Lake Champlain, a determined young boat-builder navigates challenges both on the water and in life, blending adventure with hands-on lessons in shipbuilding and sa…
Level B2FantasyStar PeopleUnder a sky sprinkled with stars, a mysterious Princess and her three companions—Prudence, Pat, and the Kitten—explore celestial wonders and the secrets of the Star People, weaving…
Level B2AdventureStand By: The Story of a Boy's Achievement in RadioIn a forgotten village clinging to the past, Lee Renaud discovers a mysterious glass wheel—an old device that once sparked dreams of harnessing electricity.
Level B2AdventureStand By The UnionA young lieutenant on the eve of deployment faces mysterious nighttime visitors amid the tense backdrop of the Civil War.
Level B2AdventureStan Lynn: A Boy's Adventures in ChinaA boy recently returned to his family’s vast warehouse in China must quickly learn to wield a sword and pistol when river pirates attempt a daring nighttime break-in, thrusting him…
Level B2Children'sSt. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 5, March, 1878In a remote Norwegian village, lively twins Olaf and Erik, their little sister Olga, and their loyal dog Krikel embrace the joys of winter and the warmth of family stories by the h…
Level B2PoetrySt. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 4, February 1878A young chorister struggles under the exacting tutelage of a stern choir-master whose high expectations spark jealousy and hardship, but also inspire growth, hope, and unexpected b…
Level B2PoetrySt. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 2, December, 1877A determined boy battles a fierce tide in his little skiff, striving to prove his manhood and keep control against overwhelming odds, while unexpected encounters on the water hint…
Level B2AdventureSt. Nicholas, Vol. 13, No. 10, August 1886Isolated in a solitary cabin deep within Wyoming's Rocky Mountains, a lone hermit embraces the wild with only his horse and dog for company, sharing the rugged beauty and challenge…
Level B2AdventureSt. George for EnglandIn a stormy night of medieval England, a weary woman seeks refuge in a humble village, setting the stage for a tale of courage and chivalry as England’s martial spirit rises to leg…
Level B2FantasySquib and His FriendsA solitary boy nicknamed "the odd one" finds himself misunderstood by his family and nurse, yet quietly harbors a passionate mind and imagination that set him apart.
Level B2Children'sSquare and Compasses; Or, Building the HouseAt Beech Hill Industrial School, students face resistance and rebellion when asked to don uniforms, sparking debates about discipline, identity, and the value of practical educatio…
Level B2PoetrySpring BlossomsCelebrate the joys of spring and the innocence of childhood through vibrant poems that teach kindness, virtue, and the beauty of nature, while introducing timeless characters like…
Level B2Children'sSpinning-Wheel StoriesA fierce winter storm traps a lively family in a grand old house, where restless children discover dusty chests filled with antique costumes and forgotten relics.
Level B2Children'sSouthern Stories: Retold from St. NicholasIn the tranquil beauty of the Blue Ridge, a young boy's imagination is stirred by the echoes of war and the heroic figure of General Lee, as he dreams of courage and honor amidst t…
Level B2Children'sSophie Kennedy's experienceWhen Sophie Kennedy's father announces a new marriage, Sophie faces the challenge of accepting a stepmother amid school gossip and her own feelings of loss.
Level B2Children'sSon PhilipA young man returns home determined to choose a path of saving lives rather than risking them in war or adventure.
Level B2Children'sSomebody's Little GirlA little girl named Bessie Bell recalls strange memories that grown-ups insist cannot be true, from magical windows to enchanted objects, as she navigates a world that doubts the w…
Level B2Children'sSome of Æsop's Fables with Modern InstancesCunning animals and clever humans come to life in timeless fables where wit, folly, and wisdom unfold through enchanting tales like a fox outsmarting a crow or a frog's wish for a…
Level B2AdventureSome Little PeopleYoung Lisbeth dreams of London, the only proper place to live, but she lives a hundred miles away in the countryside.
Level B2Children'sSolomon Crow's Christmas Pockets and Other TalesA clever boy named Solomon Crow navigates life with shrewdness and honesty despite his harsh upbringing and his mother’s erratic love.
Level B2HistoricalSoldiers of the QueenChildren’s games of tin soldiers spark dreams of real battlefields as young Valentine longs to join the army, set against a cozy English home where the promise of peace lingers.
Level B2FantasySolario the Tailor: His Tales of the Magic DoubletIn a magical forest kingdom, a tailor named Solario captivates the court with tales of enchantment, lost princes, and mysterious knights freed from a witch’s spell.
Level B2Children'sSoffrona and Her Cat MuffTwo young girls, Soffrona and Sophia, explore enchanting woods filled with treasures and songbirds, where they rescue a tiny kitten from cruel boys and vow to care for it together.
Level B2AdventureSoap-bubble storiesIn a village where fountains flow from every corner, a mischievous River-Troll plots to disrupt a grand wedding by silencing the sacred Church Fountain.
Level B2AdventureSnug Harbor; or, The Champlain MechanicsA daring young sailor navigates the challenges of Lake Champlain, rescuing a terrified man from a sinking sloop.
Level B2AdventureSnowflakes and Sunbeams; Or, The Young Fur-traders: A Tale of the Far NorthAmid the frozen wilderness of the Red River Settlement, young Charley and his sister Kate face harsh Arctic winters and wild adventures as Charley defies his father’s wishes, deter…
Level B2AdventureSnowed Up; or, The Sportman's Club in the MountainsWhen a young frontiersman challenges seasoned guides over the true path to Fort Bolton, tensions rise among a group of emigrants stranded in the mountains.
Level B2Children'sSnowbound for ChristmasSnowbound by a relentless storm, a family faces the heartbreaking prospect of a Christmas without presents or celebration.
Level B2AdventureSnow-shoes and Sledges: A Sequel to "The Fur-Seal's Tooth"Journey through the rugged Alaskan wilderness with Phil Ryder and his steadfast companion Serge as they navigate treacherous rivers and uncertain fates, determined to reach Sitka a…
Level B2Children'sSnow-White; or, The House in the WoodHidden deep within an ancient forest, a mysterious stone house embraced by towering trees and bustling woodland creatures invites discovery.
Level B2AdventureSnow Shoes and Canoes: Or, The Early Days of a Fur-Trader in the Hudson Bay TerritoryBraving harsh wilderness and lurking dangers, a small fur-trading party embarks on a perilous journey across the North-West Territory to deliver vital winter supplies.
Level B2AdventureSnagged and Sunk; Or, The Adventures of a Canvas CanoeThree adventurous boys set up camp deep in the forest, far from the usual fishing spots and guided tours, determined to explore and fish on their own terms.
Level B2AdventureSmugglers' Island and the devil fires of San MorosA spirited group of children seize an unexpected vacation to embark on a daring voyage to Smugglers’ Island, a mysterious and remote place steeped in local legend.
Level B2PoetrySmall Means and Great EndsA young girl’s yearning to be rich turns to compassion as she encounters a struggling family, learning how small acts of kindness can bring great blessings and inspire hope amidst…
Level B2Children'sSlow and Sure: The Story of Paul Hoffman the Young Street-MerchantA determined young street merchant navigates the challenges of New York city life, balancing family duties and his rising business, while a street waif struggles with loyalty and s…