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'sBetty Lee, SeniorBetty Lee and her best friends embrace the carefree joys of summer before their senior year, planning beach parties, seaside adventures, and secret surprises that promise a memorab…![Cover of Bertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 3 [of 3] by Mrs. Marcet](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8nundnmvfc73bif6c0.webp)
Level C1HistoricalBertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 3 [of 3]A curious journey unfolds as Bertha explores the natural wonders of England and delves into profound discussions on biblical history and geology with her learned uncle, blending pe…![Cover of Bertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 1 [of 3] by Mrs. Marcet](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8nuhtnmvfc73bif690.webp)
Level C1HistoricalBertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 1 [of 3]A young girl, sent from Brazil to visit her English uncle after her father’s death, keeps a vivid journal of her voyage and new surroundings, blending natural wonders and personal…
Level C1PoetryBertha's Christmas Vision: An Autumn SheafIn a weather-beaten house lives Martin Kendrick, a miser whose bitterness and solitude grow after tragic losses and his daughter's estrangement.
Level C1Children'sBert Lloyd's Boyhood: A Story from Nova ScotiaA spirited boy growing up in bustling Halifax navigates the joys and challenges of childhood with boundless energy and a thoughtful nature.
Level C1AdventureBeric the Briton : a Story of the Roman InvasionAmid the Roman conquest of Britain, Beric, a young Briton raised among Romans, must reconcile admiration for their civilization with fierce loyalty to his native land as he navigat…
Level C1PoetryBennie and the TigerA young English boy in colonial India faces a perilous encounter when a tiger snatches him from his home, testing his innocence and trust amid looming danger.
Level C1HistoricalBeneath an Umbrella (From "Twice Told Tales")On a bleak winter night, a solitary figure braves rain and mud in a quiet New England town, seeking to escape the shadows of his own imagination and confront the stark, uneasy real…
Level C1Children'sBeautiful Stories from ShakespeareDiscover the timeless wisdom and vivid stories of Shakespeare’s plays, retold in simple language for young readers to enjoy and understand, complete with helpful guides to names an…
Level C1Children'sBeautiful Joe: An AutobiographyRescued from a cruel master, a brave dog named Beautiful Joe shares his heartfelt story of survival, kindness, and the true meaning of beauty.
Level C1FantasyBaron Trump's Marvellous Underground JourneyA curious young baron and his loyal dog set off on a fantastical journey inspired by a mysterious ancient manuscript that claims a hidden world exists beneath the earth’s surface,…
Level C1HistoricalBarbara LaddAs dawn breaks over the misty hills, a spirited girl named Barbara slips away from her old home, carrying a mysterious bundle and a basket filled with warm, living creatures.
Level C1AdventureBannertail: The Story of a GraysquirrelAn orphaned gray squirrel raised by a farm cat must navigate the challenges of the wild alone after his home burns down, relying on instinct and inherited wisdom to survive and thr…
Level C1PoetryBallads, Founded on Anecdotes Relating to AnimalsLoyal to a fault, Fido the dog embodies true friendship and bravery, risking all to protect his beloved master from hidden dangers.
Level C1Children'sBack at School with the Tucker TwinsA year after starting boarding school, a girl reunites with her friends at the train station, where lively adventures and heartfelt moments await the spirited Tucker twins and thei…
Level C1Children'sAustralian fairy talesA strong miner named Samson awakens in a mysterious gold mine to meet Grapple, a giant stranger who leads him through secret tunnels to the enchanting land of Golden Cloud.
Level C1Children'sAunt Kitty's TalesJoin Aunt Kitty and her young friends as they navigate childhood’s joys and challenges, learning kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude through heartfelt stories and gentle lessons i…
Level C1Children'sAunt Judy's TalesGather around the fire as Aunt Judy weaves charming tales filled with humor, wisdom, and gentle lessons, captivating a lively group of children on a cold, rainy day when boredom an…
Level C1Children'sAunt Jo's scrap bag, Volume 2Three determined sisters embark on a daring European voyage seeking health and adventure, facing seasickness, unexpected setbacks, and the challenge of traveling as lone women in t…
Level C1AdventureAt the Point of the Bayonet: A Tale of the Mahratta WarAmidst the turbulent Mahratta War, Major Lindsay struggles to maintain order in a wild Indian district while British forces face mismanagement and fierce resistance.
Level C1AdventureAt AgincourtAmidst the bitter feud ravaging France, a noble English household prepares to join the fray, bringing skilled archers and knights to a land torn by civil war.
Level C1AdventureArthur Brown, The Young CaptainA young man, rescued from death by the sea captain who once owed a debt to his late father, embarks on a journey of adventure and self-discovery amid the turbulent rise of American…
Level C1AdventureArctic AdventuresEmbark on a daring voyage aboard the Hardy Norseman to the Arctic's icy frontiers, where a young adventurer seeks his lost brother amid treacherous seas, fierce wildlife, and gripp…
Level C1AdventureAntony Waymouth; Or, The Gentlemen AdventurersIn an age of exploration under Queen Elizabeth’s reign, two young gentlemen reunite in Plymouth, sparking tales of daring sea voyages and the thrilling promise of treasure and adve…
Level C1RomanceAnnie o' the Banks o' DeeIn the serene setting of Bilberry Hall by the Dee River, young Annie Lane navigates the tender complexities of youth and love, caught between the ardent affections of two suitors a…
Level C1PoetryAnimal Analogues: Verses and IllustrationsWhimsical verses playfully compare animals and plants through clever wordplay and charming illustrations, inviting readers to explore nature’s quirky connections with humor and ima…
Level C1Children'sAngel Unawares: A Story of Christmas EveA curious child sent to the sunny south of France for safety wanders into a magical garden on Christmas Eve, where mystery and enchantment blur the lines between fairy tale and rea…
Level C1Children'sAnecdotes of the Habits and Instinct of AnimalsDiscover charming and authentic stories revealing the surprising habits and instincts of mammals, from mischievous monkeys to other fascinating creatures, bridging the gap between…
Level C1Children'sAnd Thus He Came: A Christmas FantasyIn a grand hall alive with music and dance, a mysterious child in radiant white appears, sparking a woman's awakening conscience amid shadows of deceit and ambition.
Level C1Children'sAn elder brotherIn a dusty Bloomsbury bookshop, a reserved bookseller’s solitary life is unexpectedly brightened by the arrival of a mysterious little girl, whose presence stirs memories and chall…
Level C1AdventureAn Undivided UnionFollow Major Deck Lyon and the Riverlawn Cavalry through daring Civil War battles around Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, and Chattanooga, as they navigate perilous campaigns and fierce…
Level C1PoetryAn Alphabet of CelebritiesDiscover a whimsical journey through an alphabet of notable figures, each letter bringing to life a playful portrait and verse that celebrate the charm and quirks of celebrities in…
Level C1AdventureAmong the Esquimaux; or, Adventures under the Arctic CircleTwo young men embark on a daring voyage aboard the "Nautilus" to York Factory, a remote Hudson Bay trading post surrounded by icy wilderness and fur-bearing animals.
Level C1AdventureAmong the BrigandsTrapped in a land of mystery and danger, young David and his companions face ruthless brigands, treacherous guides, and haunting legends as they journey through sunlit Italy's anci…
Level C1Children'sAmabel ChanniceIn a somber, convent-like estate, Lady Channice navigates loneliness and memories while awaiting her son’s return, surrounded by faded portraits and pale roses that hint at a quiet…
Level C1AdventureAlong the Mohawk Trail; Or, Boy Scouts on Lake ChamplainA determined Boy Scout races against time to catch his troop’s train, embodying the spirit of adventure and the challenge of balancing duty and good deeds along the Mohawk Trail.
Level C1AdventureAlone on an IslandStranded aboard the troubled letter-of-marque Wolf, young midshipman Humphry Gurton confronts mutiny, harsh officers, and the perils of the sea as he embarks on a perilous adventur…
Level C1AdventureAll the World Over: Interesting Stories of Travel, Thrilling Adventure and Home LifeJourney through vibrant Spanish cities alive with colorful characters—from muscular beggars with secret codes to dancers and musicians who bring the streets to life.
Level C1AdventureAll Aboard; or, Life on the Lake: A Sequel to "The Boat Club"At Wood Lake, a new season of adventure unfolds as Charles Hardy joins a spirited boat club where friendship, courage, and moral lessons steer the boys through exciting races, secr…
Level C1HistoricalAlida; or, Miscellaneous Sketches of Incidents During the Late American War.: Founded on FactAmid the turmoil of the late American War, personal tragedies and enduring friendships unfold as Alida navigates loss, education, and unexpected encounters that intertwine with the…
Level C1HistoricalAlfgar the Dane or the Second Chronicle of Aescendune: A Tale of the Days of Edmund IronsideAmid the brutal clash between English and Danish invaders, a dark age unfolds where loyalty is tested, treachery lurks, and the seeds of a united Christian nation are sown.
Level C1PoetryAladdin or The Wonderful LampStep into a world of colorful wonder and magic where a mysterious lamp holds secrets beyond imagination, enchanting children with tales as vivid as the finest illustrated alphabets…
Level C1AdventureAladdin O'BrienA daring boy with a knack for mischief takes a cautious girl on a forbidden river adventure, where innocence and rebellion collide amid looming consequences and a world both enchan…
Level C1AdventureAfloat in the Forest; Or, A Voyage among the Tree-TopsTwo brothers, stripped of their ancestral estate by a cunning lawyer, vow to rebuild their fortunes from scratch.
Level C1AdventureAfloat at Last: A Sailor Boy's Log of His Life at SeaA young man faces the choice of profession amidst his father’s thoughtful counsel, ultimately drawn not to law, medicine, or clergy, but to the call of the sea.
Level C1Children'sAesop's Fables; a new translationDiscover timeless tales where animals embody human traits, teaching simple yet profound truths through cunning foxes, clever wolves, and noble lions.
Level C1AdventureAdventures of Buffalo Bill from boyhood to manhoodA young Buffalo Bill braves the wild frontier, facing outlaws and untamed dangers with unmatched courage and skill.
Level C1AdventureAdventures in the Far WestA group of hunters ventures into the untamed American West, braving wild beasts, scarce resources, and mysterious cries in the night as they navigate a perilous wilderness teeming…