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 B2AdventurePo-No-Kah: An Indian Tale of Long AgoIn a frontier settlement surrounded by wilderness and danger, young Bessie Hedden and her siblings find joy and adventure under the watchful protection of their brave dog, Bouncer.
Level B2AdventurePluck on the Long Trail; Or, Boy Scouts in the RockiesSix Boy Scouts of the Elk Patrol embark on a daring 100-mile journey through the Rocky Mountains, carrying a secret message and relying on their scout skills to navigate wild terra…
Level B2PoetryPlish and PlumTwo mischievous dogs, Plish and Plum, turn a quiet summer day upside down with playful chaos, from daring rescues to garden raids, testing the patience of the Fittig family and the…
Level B2Children'sPlaymate PollyJessie’s daily walk to school is filled with adventure and friendship, from crossing railroad tracks under Ezra’s watchful eye to sharing tales of speeding trains.
Level B2Children'sPlaying Santa Claus, and Other Christmas TalesTwo sisters awaken on Christmas Eve with a heartfelt plan to bring joy to less fortunate children, learning that true happiness comes from kindness and giving.
Level B2RomancePlay the Game!A spirited girl raised among boys faces the challenge of attending an all-girls school, where she must navigate unfamiliar friendships and the expectations of her family.
Level B2Children'sPlane and Plank; or, The Mishaps of a MechanicA determined young mechanic sets out to master carpentry along the bustling Missouri River, navigating challenges both in his trade and in life.
Level B2Children'sPlain tales, chiefly intended for the use of charity schoolsTwo diligent charity schoolgirls find small ways to help their struggling families, learning lessons of kindness, resourcefulness, and the value of hard work amidst humble rural li…
Level B2Children'sPlain Jane and pretty BettyA sensitive girl nicknamed "Plain Jane" leaves her harsh mining town behind, seeking a fresh start in Greenville with the Powells who took her in.
Level B2PoetryPlain JaneA studious and well-mannered girl hopes to reform her mischievous cousin during a visit filled with playful clashes and gentle lessons in good behavior.
Level B2AdventurePixy's Holiday JourneyThree inseparable boys form a secret alliance inspired by the heroes of the Iliad, creating their own armory and adopting legendary names.
Level B2AdventurePioneer boys of the gold fieldsThree determined boys from different backgrounds join the 1849 California Gold Rush, facing wild beasts, treacherous terrain, and ruthless thieves in their quest for fortune and ad…
Level B2Children'sPinocchio: The Tale of a PuppetA mysterious piece of wood laughs, cries, and even talks, puzzling the carpenter who tries to shape it.
Level B2HistoricalPine NeedlesAs the Franklin family reunites at Mosswood, young Maggie and Meredith plan a joyous outdoor dinner in the woods, hoping to bring their beloved Uncle Eden along for an unforgettabl…
Level B2Children'sPictures and StoriesGentle tales and lessons unfold through charming stories of children learning kindness, honesty, and good manners—whether setting a bird free, playing games, or walking in the gard…
Level B2Children'sPickett's GapOn a sprawling family farm, Abner Pickett grapples with pride, loss, and unexpected devotion as he strives to protect his legacy and care for his loved ones amidst changing times a…
Level B2AdventurePicked up Adrift: IllustratedStranded on a mysterious, waterlogged ship with dwindling supplies, a group of castaways faces starvation, strange encounters, and desperate decisions as they navigate isolation an…
Level B2FantasyPiccolissimaA tiny girl no taller than an inch lives a delicate life in a world crafted from nature’s smallest wonders, from cocoanut cradles to poppy-leaf bonnets.
Level B2Children'sPiccino, and other child storiesIn a charming Italian village, tiny Piccino captivates the curious tourists with his extraordinary beauty, as playful children watch the festive excursions unfold.
Level B2Children'sPhœbeA young girl is abruptly sent from her bustling city life to live with distant, unfamiliar relatives, sparking mystery and curiosity about her family's hidden tensions and her own…
Level B2Children'sPhilip: The Story of a Boy ViolinistA boy raised in the dark, lonely depths of a coal mine finds magic and music in the shadows, imagining coal-fairies and friendly echoes as companions.
Level B2AdventurePhil Bradley's Snow-shoe Trail; Or, The Mountain Boys in the Canada WildsFour adventurous boys, known as the Mountain Boys, embark on a daring winter expedition through the wild Canadian landscape, braving icy trails and untamed wilderness while testing…
Level B2AdventurePhil Bradley's Mountain BoysFour adventurous boys trek deep into the uncharted Adirondacks, braving rugged terrain and wild solitude as they head toward the mysterious Lake Surprise, each bringing unique skil…
Level B2PoetryPhebe, the Blackberry GirlA poor girl sells blackberries to buy clothes and dreams of going to church, but hardship and kindness intertwine when a stranger’s generosity offers hope.
Level B2AdventurePhaeton Rogers: A Novel of Boy LifeThree adventurous boys set out on a thrilling morning ride through the countryside, facing wild dogs and learning the ropes of horseback riding.
Level B2Children'sPeterkinWhen young Peterkin is sent home alone but fails to arrive, his family’s worry grows as they search for him, revealing the tender bonds and fears of childhood in a household full o…
Level B2HistoricalPeter of New Amsterdam: A Story of Old New YorkAn English boy orphaned and struggling in Dutch New Amsterdam navigates a harsh world shaped by religious exile and colonial ambition, offering a child’s eye view of early American…
Level B2Children'sPeter makes good, and stories of other dogsA fuzzy pup named Peter leaves his loving dog family to start a new life with two playful children, learning lessons about bravery, manners, and growing up in a wide new world full…
Level B2FantasyPeter and WendyWhen Wendy learns that growing up is inevitable, Peter Pan arrives to whisk her and her brothers away to the magical Neverland, where adventure, pirates, and never-ending childhood…
Level B2AdventurePeter Parley's Visit to London, During the Coronation of Queen VictoriaAn eager traveler crosses the Atlantic to witness Queen Victoria’s coronation, exploring London’s bustling streets and marveling at the dazzling new crown and royal treasures amid…
Level B2AdventurePeter Parley's Tales About America and AustraliaEmbark on a thrilling voyage with Columbus as he overcomes skepticism and treachery to set sail for the unknown Western World, unveiling the mysteries of America’s discovery and it…
Level B2FantasyPeter Pan in Kensington GardensA baby who escaped the human world at just seven days old discovers he can fly and explores the magical Kensington Gardens, where fairies and wonders await—but he struggles to reme…
Level B2AdventurePeter Cotterell's TreasureIn the coastal town of Barmouth, sixteen-year-old Tom Hallett is offered an unexpected chance for adventure when a mysterious stranger seeks a skilled seaman for a secretive voyage…
Level B2AdventurePeter Biddulph: The Story of an Australian SettlerAn orphaned boy rises from poverty on the banks of the Thames, navigating hardship and hope as he searches for a lost diamond ring that could change his fate.
Level B2AdventurePep: The Story of a Brave DogFollow the journey from fierce wolf ancestors to loyal companions in this thrilling tale of bravery and bond between man and dog, where courage and friendship shine through the wil…
Level B2Children'sPenelope and the Others: Story of Five Country ChildrenA thoughtful thirteen-year-old devises a heartfelt plan to replace her godmother’s cherished broken china figure, rallying her siblings to make the impossible possible.
Level B2Science FictionPemrose Lorry, Camp Fire GirlA spirited Camp Fire Girl stands at the brink of a groundbreaking space adventure, ready to launch the Thunder Bird rocket and send humanity’s first message beyond Earth’s atmosphe…
Level B2Children'sPeggy-AloneA lonely girl named Alene, nicknamed Peggy-Alone, longs for friendship while visiting a grand house, where she meets a lively group of local girls and discovers simple joys like sh…
Level B2AdventurePeggy in ToylandAn eight-year-old girl with a kind heart discovers a mysterious island across the sea and befriends two weathered wooden figures that once led ships on daring adventures, unlocking…
Level B2Children'sPeggy in Her Blue FrockAmid the bittersweet move from their childhood home, lively Peggy and her younger sister Alice face change with curiosity and hope, discovering new friendships, a garden to tend, a…
Level B2Children'sPeggy Stewart, Navy Girl, at HomeA spirited girl with eyes as mysterious as the sea finds solace in her wild colt and loyal wolfhound amid the awakening Maryland spring.
Level B2Children'sPeggy Parsons, a Hampton FreshmanTwo inseparable friends, Peggy and Katherine, embark on their college journey together at Hampton, facing new adventures, friendships, and challenges while navigating the excitemen…
Level B2MysteryPeggy Parsons at Prep SchoolAt a strict finishing school, Peggy Parsons navigates new rules and unexpected adventures when a midnight serenade leads to a delightful mishap involving a rose tree and the school…
Level B2Children'sPeck's Sunshine: Being a Collection of Articles Written for Peck's Sun,: Milwaukee, Wis. - 1882Delight in a collection of humorous, lighthearted tales and witty observations that explore everyday life, quirky characters, and social quirks with a cheerful spirit aimed to brig…
Level B2Children'sPeck's Compendium of Fun: Comprising the Choicest Gems of Wit, Humor, Sarcasm and Pathos of America's Favorite HumoristDiscover the hilarious chaos that ensues when a family gets their first coal stove, turning their home into a blazing hot mess.
Level B2AdventurePeck's Bad Boy with the CowboysA determined father sets out west to become the next Buffalo Bill, hiring cowboys, hunters, and an Indian interpreter to create the ultimate wild west show—if he can survive encoun…
Level B2Children'sPeck's Bad Boy with the CircusA mischievous boy joins his father, the new circus manager, for a whirlwind adventure behind the scenes, where daring stunts, wild animals, and hilarious mishaps create nonstop cha…
Level B2Children'sPeck's Bad Boy and His Pa: 1883Mischievous and full of spirit, a boy known for his clever pranks and boundless energy navigates the challenges of childhood alongside his stern but loving father.