Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
1,260 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 Winter Fun, Winter Adventures of Three Boys in the Great Lone Land and Winter. 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.
- 1,260
- books
Level C1PoetryNothing to EatIn a city where famine is unknown, wealthy Mrs.
Level C1Children'sNorth and SouthAs Edith prepares for marriage and a new life in Corfu, her cousin Margaret contemplates the impending changes and bittersweet farewells within their close-knit family circle.
Level C1PoetryNonsense Drolleries: The Owl & The Pussy-Cat—The Duck & The Kangaroo.Embark on whimsical journeys with an owl and a pussy-cat, a duck and a kangaroo, as playful verses and charming illustrations invite you into a world of delightful nonsense and ima…
Level C1PoetryNonsense BooksDive into a whimsical world where playful verses and quirky characters bring nonsense to life with perfect rhythm and delightful charm, inviting readers of all ages to enjoy the in…
Level C1AdventureNo Surrender! A Tale of the Rising in La VendeeAmid the tranquil English coast, the Stansfield family navigates the tides of life with fearless spirit and close kinship.
Level C1Children'sNine Little GoslingsA young girl recovering from illness faces a difficult transformation, feeling out of place and longing for adventure beyond her quiet home.
Level C1Children'sNew Chronicles of RebeccaIn a charming garden alive with flowers and buzzing bees, young Rebecca Randall weaves poetry from her everyday world, balancing her creative spirit with the demands of a strict au…
Level C1PoetryNestlings: A Collection of PoemsTender poems celebrate childhood’s innocence, exploring themes of love, growth, and faith through delicate imagery and heartfelt reflections on life’s earliest steps and the protec…
Level C1AdventureNeal, the Miller: A Son of LibertyIn pre-Revolutionary New Hampshire, young Neal Neal fights to build a grist-mill amid rising tensions and colonial unrest, joining the Sons of Liberty and racing to warn Boston of…
Level C1PoetryNaughty PuppiesDelight in a charming collection of playful poems and colorful illustrations that capture the mischievous adventures of naughty puppies, perfect for young children’s imaginations a…
Level C1HistoricalNature Myths and Stories for Little ChildrenDive into enchanting tales where nature’s wonders come alive through myths and stories for young minds, blending observation and imagination to reveal the beauty and secrets of the…
Level C1PoetryNational Rhymes of the NurseryDelve into a charming collection of nursery rhymes that blend history, folklore, and playful jingles, revealing how simple verses transform over time into timeless melodies and tal…
Level C1PoetryNarrative and Lyric Poems (first series) for use in the Lower SchoolStep into a world where history and heartfelt emotion intertwine through carefully selected narrative and lyric poems, exploring tales of friendship, love, and legendary heroism se…
Level C1PoetryNarrative and Lyric Poems (Second Series) for Use in the Lower SchoolIn a rugged coastal village, three childhood friends—Enoch, Annie, and Philip—navigate the tides of love and rivalry, as Enoch strives to build a home and secure a future amid the…
Level C1Children'sMy bird and my dog: A tale for youthA young goldfinch recounts his journey from a cozy nest to captivity in a gilded cage, exploring themes of freedom, compassion, and the innocence of youth through the eyes of a ten…
Level C1Children'sMy Little BoyA curious little boy explores the world with wide-eyed wonder and fierce honesty, questioning tales and testing truths with innocent defiance.
Level C1AdventureMy Doggie and IWhen a scruffy, spirited doggie named Dumps narrowly escapes cruel treatment, a compassionate stranger steps in, uncovering a tale of loyalty and hardship.
Level C1Children'sMurad the Unlucky, and Other TalesUnder the moonlit streets of Constantinople, a disguised sultan and his grand vizier debate whether success is shaped by fortune or prudence, setting the stage for tales of luck, w…
Level C1PoetryMrs. Turner's Cautionary StoriesDiscover a collection of spirited, rhymed tales that teach lessons through the misadventures of children—where kindness, politeness, and caution guide the way amid mischievous pran…
Level C1Children'sMr. Wu: Based on the Play "Mr. Wu" by H. M. Vernon and Harold OwenIn a richly adorned Chinese estate, young Wu faces a poignant farewell as his revered grandfather prepares him for a journey steeped in tradition, duty, and deep family loyalty ami…
Level C1Children'sMr. Punch with the ChildrenDelight in the mischievous and heartfelt antics of children through a collection of humorous stories and illustrations that capture their unique personalities and innocent troubles…
Level C1Children'sMr. Kris Kringle: A Christmas TaleOn a snowy Christmas Eve, a mother and her children face quiet sadness amid fading memories and old letters, hoping for a magical Kris Kringle to bring comfort and take away their…
Level C1Children'sMr. Bamboo and the Honorable Little God: A Christmas StoryIn a Japanese mission school, a young teacher shares the story of Christmas with Tãke Nishimura, a lively boy who imagines the Christ child as a "new God" and prepares a festive ce…
Level C1Children'sMountain Moggy: The Stoning of the WitchA young midshipman climbs the rugged Welsh mountains, captivated by the wild beauty and a mysterious, mournful song rising from a desolate hut.
Level C1Children'sMoufflou, and other storiesIn a vibrant, bustling quarter of Florence, a spirited white poodle named Moufflou shares adventures with his young, kind-hearted master Lolo, a brave crippled boy whose love for l…
Level C1AdventureMotor Matt's Defiance; or, Around the HornA daring young motor enthusiast, known as "Mile-a-minute Matt," embarks on a high-stakes adventure navigating treacherous South American waters, where espionage and shifting allegi…
Level C1PoetryMother Truth's Melodies. Common Sense For Children. A KindergartenDelight in charming rhymes and vivid illustrations that nurture young minds with simple truths and gentle wisdom, guiding children from infancy to growth with melodies that blend i…
Level C1PoetryMother Goose's MelodyDive into a charming collection of timeless nursery rhymes and playful verses, beautifully illustrated to enchant young readers and spark early learning adventures.
Level C1PoetryMore NonsenseDive into a whimsical world of playful rhymes and quirky illustrations where nonsense reigns supreme, delighting children and adults alike with absurd characters and endless mirth.
Level C1Children'sMore Celtic Fairy TalesFive Irish kings vie for supremacy, but when King Lir is passed over, a fragile peace emerges through kinship ties—and a mysterious foster-child from the daughters of Oilell of Ara…
Level C1RomanceMore About PeggyA diverse group of passengers embarks on a long voyage across the Bay of Bengal, where initial coldness and suspicion give way to unexpected friendships and hidden stories.
Level C1Children'sMoral TalesA curious girl’s fascination with a moving picture toy sparks a thoughtful lesson about the value of money, the choices it demands, and the true meaning of happiness in everyday li…
Level C1Children'sMolly and Kitty, or Peasant Life in Ireland; with Other TalesIn a bleak Irish village, two sisters face harsh poverty and hardship, clinging to hope as they await their father's promised gifts.
Level C1PoetryModern Prose And Poetry; For Secondary SchoolsExplore a diverse collection of modern prose and poetry selected for secondary students, designed to engage their interests and develop critical reading and writing skills through…
Level C1Children'sMixed PicklesFamily tensions rise when unexpected news threatens to disrupt the peaceful Kinsolving homestead, as a determined aunt insists there's room for everyone, even amidst the chaotic ar…
Level C1HistoricalMistress MargeryIn 1395 Lovell Tower bustles with springtime preparations, where the delicate yet accomplished Mistress Margery navigates her noble duties and secret scholarly pursuits, revealing…
Level C1Children'sMissyAt ten years old, Melissa begins to experience a profound, new feeling during Sunday school—a mix of awe, music, and sunlight that stirs her soul and blurs the line between reality…
Level C1Children'sMiss Prudence: A Story of Two Girls' Lives.Eleven-year-old Marjorie wrestles with the challenges of school, self-doubt, and the longing to be understood beyond her mistakes and absent-mindedness.
Level C1Children'sMiss Primrose: A NovelIn a quaint Devonshire village, the warm-hearted Letitia Primrose charms children and neighbors alike, weaving gentle tales of friendship and childhood wonder beneath grapevines an…
Level C1RomanceMiss PrimroseIn a bleak coastal town, determined Pauline confronts her indecisive father amid financial struggles and looming decisions, challenging family dynamics and the weight of unspoken r…
Level C1Children'sMiss Minerva and William Green HillA spirited boy from the plantation arrives at his Aunt Minerva’s home, bringing with him lively tales and a colorful family history that challenges her prim ways.
Level C1Children'sMiss Merivale's MistakeIn a cozy Chelsea flat, Miss Merivale and her young companions navigate school life, ambitions, and social intrigues, while discovering unexpected friendships and the charm of simp…
Level C1Children'sMiss ConConstance Conway faces a crossroads as she contemplates becoming a governess, navigating the expectations of family and society while seeking purpose and excitement beyond a monoto…
Level C1Children'sMiss BillyIn a struggling neighborhood, Mrs.
Level C1Children'sMiscellaneaA mysterious and thrilling account unfolds as Dorothy recounts a strange New Year's Day event, blending everyday life with hints of the supernatural.
Level C1HistoricalMinnie's Pet ParrotA young girl named Minnie finds joy and comfort in the company of her many pets, from a tortoise-shell kitten to a silver-gray parrot, as she learns about kindness and the wonders…
Level C1Children'sMingo, and Other Sketches in Black and WhiteIn post-Civil War Georgia, Mingo, once a lively slave known for his humor and storytelling, now faces the heavy burdens of freedom and change.
Level C1Children'sMiles LawsonIn a secluded mountain valley, the old Lawson homestead, known as "The Yews," shelters a family bound by faith, tradition, and the enduring strength of nature’s ancient guardians.