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'sChild's Book of Water BirdsDiscover the fascinating habits and habitats of water birds, from graceful swans and shy dabchicks to speedy teals and industrious oyster catchers, brought to life with vivid descr…
Level B2HistoricalChild of the RegimentAmidst the chaos of Napoleon’s wars, a little girl orphaned in battle is taken in by a fierce French regiment, growing up with soldiers as her family and facing hardships on a peri…
Level B2Children'sChild Stories from the Masters: Being a Few Modest Interpretations of Some Phases of the: Master Works Done in a Child WayIn a village where mill wheels sing and children help weave silk, young Pippa’s joyous song on her one free day inspires all who hear it, transforming ordinary work into a celebrat…
Level B2Children'sChild Life in Town and Country: 1909A young girl named Fanchon visits her beloved grandmother in a quaint village, sharing stories, simple meals, and moments of wonder in a garden filled with colorful singing birds.
Level B2AdventureChico, the story of a homing pigeonIn the enchanting streets of Venice before the Great War, young Andrea and Maria find joy in the magic of St.
Level B2Children'sChicken Little Jane on the Big JohnAt thirteen, Chicken Little Jane defies her mother's wishes for a ladylike life, preferring adventures across the ranch and losing herself in romantic novels.
Level B2Children'sChicken Little JaneIn a small town, curious and spirited Chicken Little Jane unravels the mysterious past of Alice, a servant girl with a surprising connection to her own home, sparking a heartfelt t…
Level B2AdventureChester Rand; or, The New Path to FortuneIn a small Pennsylvania village, hardworking Chester Rand struggles to support his widowed mother on a meager salary, facing the harsh realities of poverty and a stingy employer.
Level B2HistoricalChatterbox Stories of Natural HistoryExplore the fascinating lives of animals from the majestic Golden Eagle to the playful American black bear, capturing their instincts, habitats, and tender bonds in vivid, engaging…
Level B2AdventureChasing the SunA daring young manager with a restless spirit sets off on a thrilling three-month voyage to Norway, chasing the sun aboard his trusty schooner, accompanied by his loyal old seaman.
Level B2AdventureChasing an Iron Horse; Or, A Boy's Adventures in the Civil WarAmid the stormy backdrop of the Civil War, a daring band of Union soldiers plot a secret mission to capture a Confederate train in enemy territory.
Level B2Children'sCharlie Scott: or, There's Time EnoughA young boy named Charlie Scott navigates the challenges of a changing life at sea after his mother's death, joining his father and uncle on a voyage that promises new adventures a…
Level B2AdventureCharlie Codman's Cruise: A Story for BoysFourteen-year-old Charlie Codman struggles to help his family while dreaming of education, but a chance encounter with an eccentric miser sets him on an unexpected and challenging…
Level B2HistoricalCharley's Museum: A Story for Young PeopleA curious twelve-year-old boy receives a special attic museum filled with exotic shells and natural wonders from his uncle, inspiring him to explore the fascinating creatures behin…
Level B2Children'sCharley's Log: A Story of Schoolboy LifeTwo schoolboys, Charley and Tom, navigate the challenges of boarding school life while dreaming of the sea and adventure.
Level B2Children'sCharity's birthday textOn her tenth birthday, kind-hearted Charity enjoys simple gifts and warm family moments, unaware that her peaceful life may soon face unexpected trials.
Level B2Children'sChange Signals: A Story of the New FootballAt Yardley Hall School, football season kicks off with spirited rallies, determined players, and lessons in school loyalty.
Level B2AdventureCattle-Ranch to College: The True Tales of a Boy's Adventures in the Far WestA cattleman races to warn a frontier town of an impending Indian attack, sparking tense preparations in the wild and lawless West.
Level B2HistoricalCatharine's perilAs Napoleon's army sets Moscow ablaze during its 1812 invasion of Russia, young Catharine Somoff becomes lost and alone amid the chaos.
Level B2HistoricalCathalina at GreycliffIn a summer home filled with family ties and tender moments, Cathalina Van Buskirk navigates the joys and trials of youth, longing for change amid the familiar rhythms of school, m…
Level B2Children'sCatcher CraigSeventeen-year-old Sam Craig, captain of his high school baseball team, faces a tough choice between saving money or buying a new catcher's mitt, setting the stage for a summer of…
Level B2Children'sCat and Dog; Or, Memoirs of Puss and the CaptainA well-bred setter reflects on a life filled with kindness, loyalty, and discerning friendships in an old manor.
Level B2Children'sCastle Blair: A Story of Youthful DaysAt Castle Blair in rainy Ireland, three spirited children anxiously await the arrival of their French cousin Adrienne, a graceful stranger destined to bring new warmth and friendsh…
Level B2HistoricalCast Upon the BreakersA wealthy young ward discovers his guardian has squandered his inheritance, leaving him penniless and forced to face a harsh reality.
Level B2AdventureCast Away in the Cold: An Old Man's Story of a Young Man's Adventures, as Related by Captain John Hardy, MarinerAn ancient mariner known as Captain Hardy returns to a small village, sparking curiosity and adventure among three eager children.
Level B2Children'sCarry's Rose; or, the Magic of Kindness. A Tale for the YoungA warm-hearted girl eagerly welcomes her wayward brother home, hoping kindness can soften his temper during rainy days filled with simple pleasures like soap bubbles and shared sto…
Level B2AdventureCarry On! A Story of the Fight for BagdadIn the ancient, desolate plains of Mesopotamia, two men land an aeroplane on a forgotten tell, awakening echoes of a long-lost civilization as they navigate a modern battle for Bag…
Level B2Children'sCarlo: or Kindness RewardedWhen kind-hearted Ida saves a little dog from cruel boys, she never imagines that her compassion will be repaid in a life-saving moment years later.
Level B2AdventureCarl the TrailerIn the tense frontier near Sitting Bull’s agency, Lieutenant Parker is tasked with leading a small cavalry group into dangerous mountains to hunt fresh meat amid rising Native Amer…
Level B2AdventureCaptured by the ArabsA daring expedition ventures into the vast Sahara Desert, where two young explorers face mysterious followers and whispers of hidden treasure guarded by fierce Tuareg tribes.
Level B2Children'sCaptain of the CrewAt Hillton Academy, a lively group of boys return from Christmas break, ready to embrace the challenges and camaraderie of school life where athletics and honesty shape their chara…
Level B2AdventureCaptain Ted: A Boy's Adventures Among Hiding Slackers in the Great Georgia SwampTwo boys setting out to find the perfect Christmas tree in snowy Georgia woods tumble into an abandoned gold-mining pit, sparking a tense adventure as they struggle to escape and p…
Level B2AdventureCaptain KodakWhen a runaway circus elephant causes chaos in Hazenfield, young Allan Hartel’s fascination with photography is sparked by a missed chance to capture the moment.
Level B2AdventureCaptain JuneA spirited boy embarks on an unforgettable summer in Japan, where bustling streets and enchanting sights awaken his imagination and bring fairy tales to life.
Level B2AdventureCaptain John's Adventures; or, The Story of a Fatherless BoyA young boy loses his fisherman father to a fierce storm and, with his grieving mother and siblings, moves to a nearby town to start anew.
Level B2Children'sCaptain JanuaryA devoted lighthouse keeper raises a bright, spirited girl on a rocky Maine island, teaching her only from the Bible and Shakespeare.
Level B2AdventureCaptain ChubIn a thrilling final baseball game tied at three, the Crimson captain and pitcher face intense pressure as the Blue team threatens to take the lead.
Level B2AdventureCaptain Chap; or, The Rolling StonesThree adventurous boys seize the chance of a lifetime: a daring two-day tugboat journey to rescue a stranded steamer on a bustling river.
Level B2Children'sCaps and Capers: A Story of Boarding-School LifeA devoted father, mourning his wife’s loss, faces the heartbreaking decision to send his young daughter to a boarding school while he travels abroad.
Level B2AdventureCanoemates: A Story of the Florida Reef and EvergladesA determined young sailor trapped by poverty in a tropical paradise dreams of adventure beyond the Florida reefs and Everglades.
Level B2AdventureCanoe Mates in Canada; Or, Three Boys Afloat on the SaskatchewanThree boys navigate the wild Saskatchewan River in a frail bullboat, facing fierce storms and treacherous rapids in a vast, untamed Canadian wilderness where danger and adventure l…
Level B2AdventureCanoe Boys and Campfires; Or, Adventures on Winding WatersThree adventurous boys reunite at a boathouse by the Susquehanna River, ready to embark on thrilling canoe escapades and unravel mysteries along winding waters.
Level B2AdventureCampmates: A Story of the PlainsA weary journey on a slow, rain-soaked train sets the stage for a rugged adventure across the treacherous plains, where natural dangers and the struggles of early rail travel test…
Level B2AdventureCamping on the St. Lawrence; Or, On the Trail of the Early DiscoverersFollow a group of young adventurers as they prepare to camp along the majestic St.
Level B2Children'sCampfire Girls' Outing; Or, Ethel Hollister's Second Summer in CampEthel Hollister navigates her second summer at camp, balancing her mother’s high society ambitions with the rugged charm of Camp Fire life.
Level B2AdventureCampfire Girls' Lake Camp; or, Searching for New AdventuresA lively group of Camp Fire Girls gathers at their lakeside camp, blending friendship, mystery, and the promise of new adventures amid the beauty of Fern Hollow and Butter Creek.
Level B2AdventureCampfire Girls at Twin Lakes; Or, The Quest of a Summer VacationA spirited group of Camp Fire Girls gathers for a summer adventure at Twin Lakes, where friendship, mysteries, and unexpected challenges await amidst the beauty of Fern Hollow.
Level B2AdventureCamp-fire and WigwamIn a rugged Missouri settlement, young Jack Carleton encounters tales of danger, friendship, and survival as he learns of Deerfoot, a mysterious Indian who once saved his father’s…