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'sFeatherland: How the Birds lived at GreenlawnIn a vibrant garden untouched by harm, the birds of Greenlawn awaken to spring’s arrival, singing and feasting in a world where nests are safe and nature thrives.
Level B2Children'sFawn in the woodA princess cursed to transform if she sees daylight before fifteen is confined in a windowless palace—until a jealous lady-in-waiting’s betrayal forces her to flee as a mysterious…
Level B2Children'sFavourite Fables in Prose and VerseCunning animals teach timeless lessons through their clever schemes and misadventures—from a fox trapped in a well to a greedy man’s downfall—each fable revealing wisdom on trust,…
Level B2Children'sFavorite Fairy Tales: The Childhood Choice of Representative Men and WomenStep into a world where timeless fairy tales chosen by celebrated thinkers come alive, weaving magic, wisdom, and imagination into beloved stories like Cinderella, Jack the Giant-K…
Level B2Children'sFather Brighthopes; Or, An Old Clergyman's VacationIn a quaint countryside setting, a stern uncle's household conceals tender struggles and heartfelt hopes as children navigate life's trials and find unexpected joys.
Level B2AdventureFast in the Ice: Adventures in the Polar RegionsA brave crew embarks on a perilous voyage into the uncharted Polar Seas, where icy dangers and unknown wonders await.
Level B2AdventureFast Nine; or, A Challenge from FairfieldFive adventurous boys trek home after a long day fishing along the Sunflower River, sharing camaraderie, challenges, and local legends in their lively journey back to Hickory Ridge…
Level B2Children'sFarmer Bluff's dog BlazerA determined boy defies his father’s orders to explore beyond the common and encounters the lively world of the Lord of the Manor’s estate.
Level B2Children'sFanny, the Flower-Girl; or, Honesty Rewarded. To Which are Added Other TalesA young flower-girl sells her blossoms in the bustling market, only to discover a wealthy gentleman has mistakenly given her a valuable gold coin.
Level B2Children'sFanciful talesIn a village where Old Pipes once charmed cattle home with his music, his fading breath silences the hills—until a mysterious dryad steps forth, promising to restore the magic and…
Level B2RomanceFan's silken stringA spirited young wanderer offers his strength and wit to a bustling haymaking farm, promising hard work and unexpected charm amid the rhythms of rural life and the threat of loomin…
Level B2Children'sFamous Tales of Fact and Fancy: Myths and Legends of the Nations of the World Retold for Boys and GirlsAncient myths come alive as Prometheus defies the gods to gift fire to humanity, sparking a new age of progress and joy, while the gods plot to challenge mankind’s newfound power w…
Level B2AdventureFamous Islands and Memorable VoyagesIn 1431, a Venetian trading ship embarks on a perilous voyage from the bustling port of Venice to the treacherous northern seas.
Level B2HistoricalFame and Fortune; or, The Progress of Richard HunterTwo determined boys escape their harsh street lives by securing a modest boarding-room and honest work, striving to rise above poverty through hard study, courage, and unexpected k…
Level B2AdventureFalling in with Fortune; Or, The Experiences of a Young SecretaryA determined young man, recently dismissed from his job, becomes the private secretary to a wealthy lady and faces challenges from her unscrupulous nephew.
Level B2Children'sFairy tales from far and nearA baby girl is taken by eagles and raised in a magical iron house high in a tree, but when her caretakers leave on a quest, she faces hunger and danger alone—venturing into forbidd…
Level B2Children'sFairy tales from South AfricaStep into the enchanting world of South African tribes, where fireside storytellers bring to life ancient fairy tales filled with kings, warriors, magical creatures, and timeless c…
Level B2FantasyFairy dreamsA prince embarks on a quest to find a mysterious flower from his dreams, armed with a magical veil and spear to test its truth and break enchantments.
Level B2Children'sFairy Tales of the Slav Peasants and HerdsmenIn a land where kindness and cruelty shape fate, a poor man discovers a magical fire atop a crystal mountain that transforms embers into gold—while his greedy brother’s envy leads…
Level B2FantasyFairy Tales from the German ForestsIn a humble village near the great forest, young Hansi Herzchen, the seventh child, longs for the magic of a Christmas tree despite her family's strict thriftiness.![Cover of Fairy Tales from the Arabian Nights by E. [Editor] Dixon](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daghg3rsskss73ch9bb0.webp)
Level B2AdventureFairy Tales from the Arabian NightsA king of Persia marries a mysterious, silent slave whose beauty captivates him, yet she refuses to speak for an entire year.
Level B2Children'sFairy Tales from SpainIn a vibrant tale set in ancient China, a clever young Spaniard named Pinchauvas finds himself caught in palace intrigues after being mistaken for a criminal for climbing through a…
Level B2Children'sFairy Tales from Many LandsA king’s golden apple tree yields mystery as its fruit vanishes nightly despite guards.
Level B2Children'sFairy BookA young girl, tormented by relentless mosquito bites, finds comfort in a collection of whimsical fairy stories shared by her family.
Level B2FantasyFairies AfieldTwo young sisters, orphaned and struggling to survive, tend their beloved garden on the edge of a mysterious forest.
Level B2AdventureFacing the German FoeTwo Boy Scouts, Harry and Dick, discuss the growing threat of war with Germany and how their training prepares them for more than just adventure.
Level B2Children'sEyebright: A StoryAt Miss Fitch’s school, young Isabella—nicknamed Eyebright—navigates the lively joys and small rebellions of childhood, from secret tree perches to the strict rules that shape her…
Level B2Children'sEye Service and Love ServiceTwo sisters prove the difference between mere "eye service" and true love by responsibly caring for their home and baby brother, resisting temptation and disobedience.
Level B2Children'sExcursion to the Orkney IslandsA family receives an unexpected letter inviting them to England, sparking excitement for a summer journey across the Atlantic.
Level B2FantasyEverychildA young boy named Everychild faces the giant Fear and embarks on a mysterious journey through enchanted realms, encountering legendary figures like Cinderella and the Sleeping Beau…
Level B2Children'sEverybody's businessIn the storm-battered village of Old Maxham, young Jessie senses trouble brewing beyond the crashing waves and restless wind.
Level B2PhilosophyEvery-day heroismA young boy battles a day filled with setbacks and frustration, learning from his mother that true heroism lies in conquering inner struggles and mastering self-control amidst life…
Level B2Children'sEvery Girl's Library, Volume 8 of 10: A Collection of Appropriate and Instructive Reading for Girls of All Ages from the Best Authors of All TimeTwo children, Paul and Virginia, share an inseparable bond in a simple island life untouched by the outside world.
Level B2Children'sEvening TalesIn a whimsical world where hobgoblins and fairies roam, Brother Rabbit faces the cunning and boastful Brother Goat, whose tricks spark a clever plan to turn rivalry into friendship…
Level B2FantasyEva's Adventures in Shadow-LandA curious girl’s quiet afternoon by a pond turns magical when a talking toad beckons her into a mysterious shadow-land beneath the water’s surface, where enchanted moons and strang…
Level B2Children'sEunice and CricketTwo young girls embark on a charming adventure with their new Kodak camera, learning the art of photography through playful attempts to capture their lively friends and a mischievo…
Level B2Children'sEthel Morton's EnterpriseIn a snowy January, Ethel "Blue" Morton and her cousins explore the wonders of nature through a magnifying glass, dreaming of discovering hidden worlds beneath the snowflakes.
Level B2Children'sEthel Morton at Sweetbrier LodgeThree cousins bond over caring for newly hatched chicks and watch eagerly as a new house takes shape nearby, blending the wonders of nature and construction in a charming rural adv…
Level B2Children'sEthel Morton at Rose HouseIn a small New Jersey town, a spirited group of young club members plans to bring city children suffering from poverty to the countryside for a healing summer of fresh air, care, a…
Level B2Children'sEthel Morton at ChautauquaA family embarks on a summer journey to Chautauqua, guided by history and curiosity, as they explore the land once traveled by Native Americans carrying their canoes across obstacl…
Level B2Children'sEthel Morton and the Christmas ShipWhen a long-lost aunt and her daughter suddenly reconnect with the Morton family, a quiet town buzzes with new friendships, family secrets, and the promise of a heartwarming Christ…
Level B2Children'sEthel Hollister's Second Summer as a Campfire GirlSixteen-year-old Ethel yearns to escape her mother's social ambitions by joining the Camp Fire Girls, finding adventure and friendship despite family pressures and secrets.
Level B2AdventureEsther's Charge: A Story for GirlsA serious young girl becomes her mother's trusted advisor as they face the sudden arrival of two lively cousins needing care and education during their father's absence abroad.
Level B2Children'sEsther : a book for girlsA thoughtful girl named Esther navigates the challenges of youth, friendship, and self-discovery amidst the lively backdrop of Redmayne House and its surrounding adventures.
Level B2Children'sEster Ried Yet SpeakingIn a rain-soaked city, a young clerk wrestles with how to continue the meaningful work of his late sister, Ester, who was devoted to helping neglected boys.
Level B2Children'sEster RiedAmid the lively chaos of a bustling household, Ester Ried balances the demands of caring for boarders, managing household chores, and tending to her spirited niece, all while navig…
Level B2Children'sErnest Bracebridge: School DaysAt Grafton Hall, a distinguished school led by the respected and kind Doctor Carr, boys navigate the challenges of school life amid games, lessons, and camaraderie in a grand Eliza…
Level B2AdventureEric: or, Under the SeaYoung adventurer Eric embarks on a thrilling journey through Europe, exploring ancient castles and diving beneath the sea in armor, where he discovers sunken treasures and faces ch…