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 B2Children'sLittle Alice's Palace; or, The Sunny HeartIn a humble cottage by the roadside, Little Alice finds joy and friendship in nature and faith, turning to imagined companions and a hopeful heart despite her lonely, poor life.
Level B2Children'sLittle AlfredA young boy’s joyful summer days by the river are filled with flowers, laughter, and family love, while at home he learns about the harsh realities faced by less fortunate children…
Level B2MysteryLinda Carlton, Air PilotA determined young woman seizes her chance for a thrilling first flight despite warnings, soaring into the skies with a daring pilot and encountering unexpected dangers that test h…
Level B2MysteryLinda Carlton's Perilous SummerA daring young aviator and her spirited friend take to the skies in their trusty autogiro, only to witness a shocking hit-and-run accident that pulls them into a perilous mystery.
Level B2MysteryLinda Carlton's Ocean FlightA daring young aviatrix faces a desperate race against time through dense fog to save a baby whose life hangs by a thread.
Level B2MysteryLinda Carlton's Island AdventureA daring young aviator, celebrated for her solo transatlantic flight, defies societal expectations to pursue a thrilling career in the skies.
Level B2MysteryLinda Carlton's Hollywood FlightWhen famed aviatrix Linda Carlton returns from a mysterious week-long flight, friends and family eagerly await news of her latest adventure.
Level B2Children'sLily Norris' EnemyLily Norris struggles with a habit of procrastination that tests the patience of her friends and family as they prepare for a much-anticipated party.
Level B2Children'sLill's Travels in Santa Claus Land, and Other StoriesA curious girl discovers a magical gate to Santa Claus Land, where candy fountains flow and toys grow in gardens, leading to an unforgettable encounter with Santa himself in a whim…
Level B2AdventureLightning ExpressAmid the bustling world of the Lake Shore Railroad, young Tommy Toppleton wields power as president, but his spoiled arrogance sparks rivalry and moral challenges within the studen…
Level B2Children'sLight for Little OnesYoung Frankie, eager to explore beyond his yard in new pants, joins his friends for a barefoot adventure to the creek, where childhood joys mix with lessons of patience, temper, an…
Level B2PoetryLife on the Farm; in Amusing RhymeDiscover the charm and humor of rural life brought to life through playful and entertaining verse, capturing the everyday joys and quirks of the farm in amusing rhyme.
Level B2AdventureLife in the Red Brigade: London Fire BrigadeBrave firemen of London’s Red Brigade live and fight amidst smoke and flame, balancing perilous duty with the warmth of home.
Level B2Children'sLetters from a Son to His Self-Made Father: Being the Replies to Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His SonA young Harvard freshman navigates the clash between his father's business-driven wisdom and the realities of university life, from noisy dorms to costly experiments, all while con…
Level B2Children'sLetters from a Cat: Published by Her Mistress for the Benefit of All Cats and the Amusement of Little ChildrenA mischievous cat who plays hide-and-seek and follows her young mistress everywhere surprises everyone by writing letters during a long journey.
Level B2Children'sLeslie Ross; or, Fond of a LarkLeslie Ross, a spirited boy with a penchant for mischief, faces the challenge of taming his playful nature as his loving parents decide to send him to school, hoping friendship and…
Level B2AdventureLeo the Circus Boy; or, Life under the great white canvasYoung Leo Dunbar, bound to a harsh farmer after his parents' death, faces cruelty and injustice—until a runaway circus lion turns his world upside down, offering a thrilling chance…
Level B2RomanceLena GrahamSeparated from her parents and raised by a devoted aunt, young Lena Graham eagerly awaits the arrival of her sisters and the reunion with her family, stepping into a new life fille…
Level B2Children'sLegend-ledThree spirited children defend their cherished beach from rival visitors during a hot July afternoon, dreaming up daring plans to protect their territory.
Level B2Children'sLefty o' the training campIn a world where professional baseball is riddled with corruption and deceit, a determined player grapples with the crooked games and schemes that taint the sport he loves.
Level B2Children'sLefty o' the bushIn a rough-and-tumble northern league town, rival baseball managers clash as the ambitious Kingsbridge team challenges the reigning champions from Bancroft.
Level B2Children'sLefty o' the Blue StockingsIn a tense baseball showdown, the Blue Stockings face relentless rivals and unexpected challenges as star pitcher Grist struggles to maintain his form under pressure.
Level B2Children'sLefty o' the Big LeagueA determined young pitcher battles skepticism and fierce competition to prove his worth to a tough big-league baseball team manager, facing rejection and rivalry in the cutthroat w…
Level B2Children'sLefty Locke, pitcher-managerWhen the loyal pitcher Lefty Locke learns his trusted manager faces betrayal and a crooked replacement, he must navigate team loyalties and power struggles to defend the heart of t…
Level B2Children'sLeft with a trustNine children face challenges and changes as the Grainger family struggles with debt and separation, with the father leaving for Australia to secure their future.
Level B2AdventureLeft on the PrairieA young boy grows up on the harsh American prairie, learning to care for his family and their horses while longing for his father’s safe return from long freighting journeys.
Level B2AdventureLeft on the Labrador: A Tale of Adventure Down NorthStranded on a cold, remote mail boat along the bleak Labrador coast, young Charley Norton craves adventure beyond the cramped decks and stale cabins.
Level B2AdventureLeft on Labrador; or, The cruise of the Schooner-yacht "Curlew": As Recorded by "Wash"A daring yacht cruise ventures into the icy, treacherous waters of Hudson Straits, where a crew faces fog, icebergs, polar bears, and encounters with indigenous peoples, all while…
Level B2Children'sLeft at homeA young boy waits anxiously by the fire, forbidden to see his ailing baby sister whose sudden illness casts a shadow over their once-bright home.
Level B2Children'sLeft Tackle ThayerA homesick Virginia boy arrives at a Northern prep school, feeling out of place and lonely as he explores the unfamiliar campus and athletic fields.
Level B2Children'sLeft End EdwardsA young boy prepares for college at Brimfield Academy, balancing his father's strict expectations for serious study with his own curiosity about the school's athletic opportunities…
Level B2AdventureLeft Behind; Or, Ten Days a NewsboyA young boy is accidentally left behind in bustling New York City while his family sails to Europe.
Level B2AdventureLeaves from a middy's logA midshipman aboard a British frigate in the Caribbean faces sudden peril when a mutiny aboard an English merchant ship threatens chaos.
Level B2MysteryLarry Barlow's ambitionA young machinist and volunteer fireman dreams of joining New York’s fire department and inventing a revolutionary extension ladder to fight towering infernos.![Cover of Land of play: Verses, rhymes, stories by Sara Tawney [Compiler] Lefferts](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabnh109638s73a328i0.webp)
Level B2PoetryLand of play: Verses, rhymes, storiesStep into a whimsical world of verses, rhymes, and stories where beloved characters and timeless tales come alive—from a quaint barge home to playful animals and enchanting poems,…
Level B2Children'sLady Mary and Her Nurse; Or, A Peep into the Canadian ForestA curious little girl named Lady Mary explores the wonders of the Canadian forest through her nurse’s stories and a charming pet flying squirrel.
Level B2Children'sLady Daisy, and Other StoriesA cherished doll named Lady Daisy embarks on a seaside adventure with little Flora, but a moment of distraction leads to mishaps that threaten her perfect appearance.
Level B2AdventureLaddie: A True Blue StoryIn a world where enchanted woods hide secrets and magic, a little sister embarks on a daring solo journey to deliver a mysterious letter for her brother Laddie, facing unseen dange…
Level B2Children'sLaddie, and Miss Toosey's missionAn old woman embarks on a bustling train journey, clutching her belongings and sharing tales of Laddie, a remarkable figure known for hard work and kindness.
Level B2Children'sLad: A DogAn eighty-pound collie named Lad embodies courage, wisdom, and unwavering loyalty as he navigates life at The Place alongside his beloved Lady, guarding their home and upholding a…
Level B2Children'sKorean Fairy TalesIn the highlands of Korea, a clever tiger known as Mountain Uncle faces a surprising challenge when he falls into a hunter’s trap and must confront the consequences of his own mann…
Level B2AdventureKobo: A Story of the Russo-Japanese WarAmid the looming Russo-Japanese War, a young British observer aboard a ship witnesses the tense approach to conflict in East Asia, uncovering the courage and strategy behind Japan’…
Level B2Children'sKittyboy's ChristmasA lost little black cat braves the cold and finds unexpected warmth in a stranger’s home on Christmas Eve.
Level B2Children'sKitty's enemyTwo young gardeners, Kitty and Bob, notice a mysterious, red-haired boy spying on them from next door, sparking curiosity and cautious suspicion during a slow Easter holiday.
Level B2Children'sKitty's Class Day and Other StoriesEager to shine at Class Day, spirited Kitty plans a dazzling new gown on a tight budget, navigating sisterly caution and neighborhood gossip in a heartfelt tale of youthful dreams…
Level B2Children'sKitty TrenireOn a scorching afternoon, four children find themselves perched on an old garden wall, unaware that their playful mischief and chance happenings will alter their fates forever.
Level B2Children'sKitty MaynardA spirited young girl is sent to spend the summer with her aunt in the countryside, where she faces new lessons beyond the classroom and discovers the challenges of growing up away…
Level B2AdventureKit of Greenacre FarmOn lookout duty at Greenacre Farm, Kit faces the challenge of protecting a prized huckleberry patch from persistent berry thieves.