Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
6,041 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.
- 6,041
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Level B2Children'sTiger and Tom and Other Stories for BoysDuring a summer vacation, young Tom and his dog Tiger encounter a fierce quarrel that leads to a dangerous accident, forcing Tom to confront his temper and take responsibility in a…
Level B2AdventureTi-Ti-Pu: A Boy of Red RiverA courageous Scottish family braves a perilous voyage to settle in the untamed wilderness of Hudson’s Bay, where young Hector and his loyal sheepdogs face fierce rivals and the cha…
Level C1HistoricalThrough unknown waysIn 1684, a young waiting-gentlewoman moves into the long-closed mansion of Lady Corbet’s late husband, uncovering mysterious hidden compartments and secrets that hint at forgotten…
Level B2AdventureThrough the Sikh War: A Tale of the Conquest of the PunjaubA young English boy, orphaned and raised far from home, receives news that could change his fate: a distant uncle serving as a European officer in the Sikh army invites him into a…
Level C1FantasyThrough the Looking-GlassAlice slips through the looking-glass into a whimsical world where chess pieces come to life, curious creatures abound, and playful mischief turns every step into a fantastical adv…
Level C1HistoricalThrough the Fray: A Tale of the Luddite RiotsIn 1807 Yorkshire, amid the harsh discipline of school and the turmoil of the Luddite Riots, a young boy faces the brutal reality of industrial change and personal struggle.
Level B2AdventureThrough the DesertIn the tense borderlands of Egypt and Sudan, young Stasch warns his friend Nell of the deadly Mahdi uprising, while political intrigue traps families and threatens to engulf Port S…
Level B2Science FictionThrough the Air to the North Pole: Or, The Wonderful Cruise of the Electric MonarchTwo orphaned boys, shunned and driven from their town, set out together with nothing but hope and hunger—ready to face unknown adventures that might just take them beyond the famil…
Level B2AdventureThrough by daylightA young engineer embarks on thrilling adventures along the Lake Shore Railroad, navigating challenges with skill and a pure heart.
Level C1AdventureThrough Three Campaigns: A Story of Chitral, Tirah and AshantiAmid harsh mountain terrain and relentless tribal foes, a young soldier prepares for the brutal realities of frontier warfare, where courage and endurance are tested in fierce camp…
Level B1Science FictionThrough Space to Mars; Or, the Longest Journey on RecordTwo adventurous students at a chemical college experiment with a mysterious new gas lighter and more powerful than hydrogen, risking explosive results in their quest for discovery.
Level B2AdventureThrough Russian Snows: A Story of Napoleon's Retreat from MoscowBrothers Julian and Frank Wyatt face loss and hardship after their father's death, navigating a turbulent household and the looming shadow of Napoleon’s catastrophic Russian campai…
Level B2AdventureThrough Forest and Stream: The Quest of the QuetzalA determined naturalist and his nephew embark on a perilous expedition along fever-ridden coasts and wild rivers, facing hostile natives and treacherous waters in pursuit of rare b…
Level B2AdventureThrough Forest and Fire: Wild-Woods Series No. 1A spirited young boy with a mischievous streak and a strong Dutch heritage learns life's hard lessons on self-reliance and faith in a rugged Pennsylvania frontier.
Level B2AdventureThrilling Stories Of The Ocean: From Authentic Accounts Of Modern Voyagers And Travellers; Designed: For The Entertainment And Instruction Of Young PeopleVenture into the perilous world of the ocean, where brave young Volney Beckner faces fearsome sharks and deadly dangers to save lives.
Level B2Children'sThree-Base BensonA mysterious, lanky newcomer with pale blue eyes and an old-fashioned valise arrives at North Bank School, sparking curiosity and quiet rivalry.
Level B2Children'sThree pretty maidsThree sisters return home from school, each with distinct personalities: the practical Persis, dignified Lisa, and delicate Mellicent.
Level B2RomanceThree millions!A self-made millionaire reflects on a lifetime of sacrifice and relentless ambition, amassing a vast fortune yet living in isolation and simplicity.
Level A2Children'sThree little kittens who lost their mittensThree little kittens lose their mittens while skating and find unexpected adventures as mischievous foxes take their gloves.
Level B2Children'sThree girls and especially oneA gifted twelve-year-old girl dreams of astounding the world with her talents in art, music, or poetry, yet struggles with self-centeredness and family distractions as she navigate…
Level B2MysteryThree girl chums at Laurel HallThree inseparable friends eagerly anticipate their start at Laurel Hall boarding school until Jo’s family faces sudden financial ruin, threatening their plans and friendship.
Level B1AdventureThree Young Ranchmen; or, Daring Adventures in the Great WestThree brothers struggle to maintain their Idaho ranch amid threats from horse thieves and a scheming prospector, all while their missing uncle’s fate casts a shadow over their unce…
Level B2AdventureThree Young KnightsThree spirited boys earn their holiday pay and gather in their secret treehouse to plan a celebration unlike any other—adventure, friendship, and freedom await as they seek the per…
Level B2MysteryThree Sides of Paradise GreenIn a quiet town where nothing seems to happen, two teenage girls begin keeping journals at the urging of their inspiring teacher, uncovering secrets and mysteries lurking beneath t…
Level B2AdventureThree Sailor Boys; or, Adrift in the PacificThree boys find themselves stranded in a small boat far from their ship, facing a brewing storm and the vast, unforgiving Pacific.
Level C1Children'sThree PeopleIn a world where two babies mark their first birthdays under vastly different circumstances, one born into luxury and the other into humble love, their parallel lives hint at the j…
Level B2PoetryThree Minute StoriesDelight in charming tales and rhymes where playful kittens host moonlit parties and a boy named Tommy meets the New Year, who offers him a chance to change his ways with magical le…
Level B2HistoricalThree Little Women: A Story for GirlsAmidst a gloomy, rain-soaked afternoon in Riveredge, spirited Jean Carruth longs to escape the confines of home and explore, determined to brave the weather for fresh air and a vis…
Level B2HistoricalThree Little Women's Success: A Story for GirlsIn the charming town of Riveredge, spirited Jean Carruth and her determined family navigate the challenges of youth, ambition, and independence, set against the vibrant backdrop of…
Level B1Children'sThree Little KittensThree playful kittens navigate lessons in cleanliness, friendship, and adventure while exploring their neighborhood and meeting new feline friends.
Level B2Children'sThree Little CousinsAs rain clears, Molly eagerly awaits the arrival of her adventurous cousin Polly from a distant ranch, along with their jovial Uncle Dick.
Level C1FantasyThree Good Giants: Whose Ancient Deeds are recorded in the Ancient ChroniclesJourney through the legendary exploits of three towering giants—Grandgousier, Gargantua, and Pantagruel—whose adventures blend humor, humanity, and ancient lore in a world where co…
Level B2Children'sThree Girls from SchoolThree schoolgirls—Priscilla, Mabel, and Annie—face unexpected challenges as letters bring news that could change their futures, testing their friendship and dreams amid the shelter…
Level B2Children'sThree Bright Girls: A Story of Chance and MischanceThree spirited siblings navigate lively mishaps and heartfelt moments, from fiery chestnut contests to family dinners, all while growing closer through chance and mischance in a wa…
Level B2AdventureThree Boys; Or, The Chiefs of the Clan MackhaiAt the ancient Dunroe Castle, young Kenneth Mackhai navigates clan rivalries and family expectations amid the rugged Scottish landscape.
Level B2AdventureThree Boys in the Wild North LandThree boys from different lands embark on a thrilling adventure to the remote northern wilderness, guided by the experienced Mr.
Level B2RomanceThose Dale GirlsTwo lively sisters navigate the challenges of college life, society expectations, and family worries as they settle into a new town and try to bring joy to their preoccupied father…
Level B2RomanceThose Brewster ChildrenAmid the cozy chaos of a winter afternoon, a mother’s gentle authority is tested by the spirited antics of her three lively children.
Level B2Children'sThistle and Rose: A Story for GirlsA young girl leaves her quiet London life and strict governess behind to embrace the unknown countryside, new relatives, and the promise of friendship and freedom at Waverley.
Level C1RomanceThis Side of ParadiseAmory Blaine, a charming and delicate boy raised amid wealth and cultured idleness, navigates the complexities of privilege, identity, and the restless search for meaning in a worl…
Level C1PoetryThink Before You Speak; Or, The Three WishesDiscover the timeless tale of three wishes that teaches the importance of thinking carefully before speaking, brought to life in a charming poetic form that delights young readers…
Level B2HistoricalTheobald, the Iron-Hearted; Or, Love to EnemiesIn the midst of a brutal 15th-century battle, a young boy and his grandfather discover a wounded chevalier left for dead.
Level B2HistoricalThen Marched the BraveIn the turmoil of 1776 Manhattan, a crippled boy yearns to prove his bravery as his mother mourns lost sons and battles fierce loyalty to freedom.
Level B2Children'sThe yule logA curious boy dreams of visiting a radiant star and is gifted with silver wings by an angel, granting him magical flights to a wondrous celestial realm.
Level B2Children'sThe youngest princessThree sisters huddle by the fire on a snowy evening, sharing tales of princesses and love for their father, while the youngest, Margerie, contemplates the cleverness and surprises…
Level B2AdventureThe young volcano explorersFive adventurous American boys and their professor set sail from Venezuela to explore the volcanic islands of the West Indies, encountering political upheaval, natural disasters, a…
Level B2Children'sThe young ship builderA young girl grows up amidst family secrets and shifting loyalties on Groundnut Hill, navigating the clash between faith, art, and identity as her mother remarries and life takes u…
Level B2Children'sThe young reporterAn eager young printer faces a tough choice between steady work at the sawmill and pursuing his dream as a reporter.