Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
1,334 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.
- 1,334
- books
Level C1Children'sCharlotte TempleA young soldier becomes captivated by Charlotte, a graceful girl from a boarding school, sparking a tale of innocence, vulnerability, and the challenges faced by a young woman navi…
Level C1AdventureCharlie to the RescueBorn with a fearless spirit and a passion to help others, young Charlie Brooke’s heroic journey begins with daring rescues that test his courage and quick wit—from extinguishing fl…
Level C1AdventureCharlie Bell, The Waif of Elm IslandAn English orphan, cast adrift and friendless, finds refuge on a rugged Maine island where danger and adventure lurk in the form of ruthless men posing as fishermen.
Level C1Children'sChanticleer: A Thanksgiving Story of the Peabody FamilyOn a serene Thanksgiving morning, the venerable Sylvester Peabody reflects on life, loss, and family as the idyllic countryside glows with the soft light of Indian summer, weaving…
Level C1RomanceChance: A Tale in Two PartsA young seaman reflects on the pride and challenges of maritime life, navigating the uncertainties of career and fate.
Level C1Children'sCeltic Tales, Told to the ChildrenIn a kingdom ruled by King Concobar, a magical prophecy foretells that the birth of a star-eyed girl will bring great sorrow, forcing the king to protect her despite the ominous fa…
Level C1Children'sCeltic Fairy TalesDive into a rich collection of Celtic folk tales where ancient heroes, mythical creatures, and vibrant traditions come alive through stories gathered from Gaelic-speaking peasants…
Level C1AdventureCedric, the ForesterAs war calls the lord of Mountjoy to battle, his family must defend their castle against the looming threat of the Old Wolf of Carleton.
Level C1HistoricalCedar Creek: From the Shanty to the Settlement. A Tale of Canadian LifeA young Irishman, hopeful yet disillusioned, arrives in London chasing a promised Civil Service appointment amid the city's bustling streets and harsh realities.
Level C1HistoricalCaxton's Book of CurtesyeDiscover the medieval guide to proper behavior and manners as a father advises his son on courtly conduct, weaving poetry and wisdom from ancient manuscripts to shape noble charact…
Level C1PoetryCaw! Caw! Or, The Chronicle of Crows, A Tale of the Spring-timeAs spring breathes life into the countryside, a community of crows builds nests, cares for their young, and faces the challenges of survival against farmers determined to protect t…
Level C1AdventureCaptured by Apes; or, How Philip Garland Became King of ApelandA young animal dealer inherits a monkey emporium and devotes himself to training apes with astonishing skills, from somersaults to military drills.
Level C1AdventureCaptain Sam: The Boy Scouts of 1814A determined young captain leads a band of boy soldiers on a daring march in 1814, enforcing discipline amidst threats of mutiny and the harsh wilderness.
Level C1AdventureCaptain Mugford: Our Salt and Fresh Water TutorsA young boy's journey to a wild Cornish cape opens a world of untamed seas, rugged landscapes, and the fierce beauty of nature before civilization tames it.
Level C1AdventureCaptain Carey; or, Fighting the Indians at Pine RidgeLieutenant Kit Carey, a fearless frontier soldier, is tasked with escorting Captain Foshay’s daughter through dangerous Indian territory.
Level C1AdventureCanadian Crusoes: A Tale of the Rice Lake PlainsStranded in the vast, untamed backwoods of Canada, young settlers must rely on nature’s hidden resources to survive the harsh wilderness and find their way home.
Level C1AdventureCampfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains; or, A Christmas Success against OddsAmidst the snowy Allegheny Mountains, a spirited group of Camp Fire Girls blend adventure with courage, mastering military drills and nursing skills as they prepare to face the cha…
Level C1AdventureCamp and Trail: A Story of the Maine WoodsTwo young hunters glide silently over a moonlit pond in northern Maine, using a special lantern to lure deer in a thrilling night adventure that celebrates respect for wildlife and…
Level C1AdventureCab and Caboose: The Story of a Railroad BoyA determined boy races to claim the prestigious Railroad Cup, sparking fierce rivalry and challenges in the bustling railroad town of Euston.
Level C1Children'sBypaths in Dixie: Folk Tales of the SouthDelve into enchanting Southern folk tales told through the eyes of a wise, gentle African nursery caretaker, where cunning animals and whispered superstitions shape childhood lesso…
Level C1AdventureBy England's Aid; or, the Freeing of the Netherlands (1585-1604)As England transitions from cautious supporter to active ally, witness the dramatic shift in a fierce struggle for Dutch independence against Spain’s might, with daring battles at…
Level C1PoetryBuzz a Buzz; Or, The BeesDiscover the bustling world of bees through witty verses and vivid illustrations that reveal the hive’s secret life, from vigilant sentinels to the queen’s grand fete, blending hum…
Level C1Children'sBunyan's Pilgrim's Progress: In Words of One SyllableA man burdened by a heavy load and fearful of his fate embarks on a journey to escape destruction and find eternal peace.
Level C1Children'sBuff: A Collie, and Other Dog-StoriesA unique puppy, a mix of collie and pit-terrier, defies expectations with her size, strength, and spirit as she grows up on a farm where purebreds reign.
Level C1AdventureBruno; or, lessons of fidelity, patience, and self-denial taught by a dogIn the rugged Alps, a brave hunter and his loyal dog Bruno face a fierce wolf threatening their home, embarking on a daring adventure that teaches lessons of fidelity, patience, an…
Level C1AdventureBruceA delicate female collie, deemed a "second" for her rebellious ears and gender, struggles against prejudice and obscurity in a world that prizes male dogs and flawless show specime…
Level C1Children'sBrothers of Pity and Other Tales of Beasts and MenA young child’s imaginative play among a library’s books unfolds into enchanting tales of beasts and men, where fancy and reality intertwine in a world of stories, mysteries, and u…
Level C1HistoricalBrother JonathanIn Revolutionary War-era Connecticut, a spirited Irish mariner arrives in a town buzzing with secret missions and historic figures, where Governor Jonathan Trumbull’s farmhouse ser…
Level C1HistoricalBrother Against Brother; Or, The War on the BorderTensions rise as two neighboring families in a Border State are divided by loyalty and secession, igniting violent clashes and sparking a fight for control over military supplies a…
Level C1Children'sBreaking Away; or, The Fortunes of a StudentA determined boy faces injustice and favoritism at Parkville Liberal Institute, where the principal favors wealthy students and punishes others unfairly.
Level C1AdventureBrave Old Salt; or, Life on the Quarter Deck: A Story of the Great RebellionAmid the turmoil of the Great Rebellion, a young naval officer rises through the ranks, navigating duty, honor, and personal aspirations aboard the quarter deck.
Level C1AdventureBoys of the Light Brigade: A Story of Spain and the Peninsular WarAmid the turmoil of the Peninsular War, a young soldier joins the legendary Light Brigade as they face overwhelming French forces, enduring grueling marches and fierce battles acro…
Level C1Children'sBoys and Girls from ThackerayA lonely twelve-year-old boy named Henry Esmond finds unexpected kindness and friendship upon the arrival of the new lord and lady at Castlewood, setting the stage for a tale of ch…
Level C1Children'sBoys and Girls Bookshelf (Vol 2 of 17): Folk-Lore, Fables, And Fairy TalesStep into a magical realm where fairy tales, fables, and wonder stories bring to life enchanted forests, brave heroes, and timeless lessons of courage and kindness.
Level C1Children'sBoy: A SketchA young boy navigates a troubled childhood marked by his father’s drunken antics and the weight of a noble lineage gone awry.
Level C1AdventureBoth Sides the Border: A Tale of Hotspur and GlendowerAmid fierce border warfare and shifting alliances, a young lad keeps watch over a rugged fortalice as perilous raids threaten his family’s hold.
Level C1AdventureBorn to Wander: A Boy's Book of Nomadic AdventuresIn a lush, untamed garden where nature thrives in harmony, a young girl named Effie discovers the delicate beauty and hidden adventures of the wild flora and fauna around Grayling…
Level C1Children'sBonnie MayA captivating child with a mischievous air quietly claims a theater box, drawing the attention of a curious gentleman.
Level C1Children'sBob, Son of BattleIn a rugged farmhouse shadowed by ancient ruins, a remarkable young sheepdog named Bob displays courage and cleverness, hinting at a legacy that could bring glory back to Kenmuir.
Level C1AdventureBob Strong's Holidays: Adrift in the ChannelA boy’s lively curiosity turns a train journey into a thrilling adventure as he puzzles over the strange, shifting landscape outside the window, discovering the whimsical magic hid…
Level C1Children'sBleak HouseIn a grimy London shrouded in fog and mud, a never-ending legal battle in the Court of Chancery exposes the slow, costly, and tangled machinery of justice.
Level C1Children'sBlanche: A Story for GirlsAfter losing her husband, a young English widow must navigate grief, family duties, and the challenges of raising her children in the sunny vineyards of southern France, discoverin…
Level C1AdventureBimbi: Stories for ChildrenIn a charming Alpine town steeped in medieval history, young August braves bitter winter nights to fulfill a simple but vital task, uncovering warmth and wonder beneath the ancient…
Level C1Children'sBible Stories and Religious ClassicsExplore timeless tales of biblical heroes, saints, and inspiring legends crafted to captivate young minds with rich religious themes and moral lessons, blending scripture and class…
Level C1Children'sBeyond the Black WatersIn a remote corner of the British Empire, convicts endure exile on the mysterious Andaman Islands beyond the Black Waters, where nature thrives but human sorrow looms.
Level C1AdventureBeyond Rope and FenceOn the vast Canadian prairies, wild horses roam free through harsh winters, their spirits unbroken by fences or labor.
Level C1Children'sBetty's Bright Idea; Deacon Pitkin's Farm; and the First Christmas of New EnglandAs Christmas approaches in bustling 1875 New York, a young girl overwhelmed by luxury grapples with the true meaning of giving and searches for a way to help those less fortunate,…
Level C1Children'sBetty Vivian: A Story of Haddo Court SchoolAt Haddo Court, a prestigious girls’ school steeped in tradition and strict discipline, a close-knit group of ambitious friends navigate the challenges of education, friendship, an…