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'sEclectic School Readings: Stories from LifeYoung readers meet Henry Clay, a barefoot mill boy with a lofty dream to become a great orator despite poverty and hardship.
Level B2Children'sEast o' the Sun and West o' the MoonA poor woodcutter’s youngest daughter is whisked away by a mysterious White Bear to a magical castle, where a hidden prince’s secret sparks a daring quest beyond the known world to…
Level C1Children'sEast LynneA once ambitious barrister suddenly inherits a vast fortune and title, only to find himself trapped in a spiral of reckless spending and mounting debts.
Level B2Children'sEarly candlelight storiesChildren gather for a cozy housewarming in Grandma’s transformed guest room, filled with pets, crafts, and warm stories.
Level C1MysteryEagles of the Sky; Or, With Jack Ralston Along the Air LanesTwo daring aviators, Jack Ralston and Gabe Perkiser, are tasked by the Secret Service to dismantle a cunning smuggling ring along Florida’s Gulf Coast, using their wits and a versa…
Level B2Children'sDwell Deep; or, Hilda Thorn's Life StoryA young woman, newly orphaned and seeking spiritual depth, moves from a quiet London life to her guardian’s lively country home, where she must navigate faith, family, and the chal…
Level B2Children'sDutch Fairy Tales for Young FolksIn a secret pool where mermaids reign, a proud young mermaid and her family guard their peaceful home from unruly creatures and sea monsters.
Level B2AdventureDusty Diamonds Cut and Polished: A Tale of City Arab Life and AdventureA spirited Shetland pony’s wild escape upends the lives of a spirited young heiress and a mischievous London street boy, sparking a tale of adventure and unexpected friendship amid…
Level B2Children'sDumps - A Plain GirlAt fifteen and nicknamed "Dumps," Rachel struggles with noisy younger brothers and a distant father, finding solace in quiet moments with friends and the challenge of growing up in…
Level B2Children'sDriven from Home; Or, Carl Crawford's ExperienceA determined sixteen-year-old boy sets out alone to seek his fortune after conflicts with his stepmother force him from home, armed only with a small sum, his education, and his st…
Level B2Children'sDriven Back to EdenIn a cramped city home, restless children roam the streets, craving purpose and play beyond their crowded tenement.
Level C1Children'sDrifted ashore;A young fisherman's son watches over a mysterious, nameless boy washed ashore and lying unconscious in their humble cabin.
Level B2Children'sDreamlandLarry, a dream-filled boy, lies beneath the trees, captivated by fleeting visions of heroic warriors and playful maidens in the sky.
Level B2Children'sDreamikinsTwo curious sisters discover a mysterious locked garden door on their new country estate, leading to a magical world filled with enchanted flowers, rabbits, and unexpected adventur…
Level C1Children'sDream DaysA group of children, each captivated by their own unique passions—from military regiments and wild American fauna to naval history—navigate the joys and quirks of youthful curiosit…
Level B2AdventureDreadnoughts of the Dogger: A Story of the War on the North SeaTensions rise at a coastal camp where Sea Scouts spy on naval cruisers and debate the might of the British and German fleets, just as war looms on the horizon and a mysterious pilo…
Level B2AdventureDraw Swords! In the Horse ArtilleryA young artillery officer navigates favoritism and rivalry as he embarks on a challenging new assignment with the prestigious Sixth Horse Artillery in colonial India, where discipl…
Level C1HistoricalDr. Jolliffe's BoysAt Weston School, a fierce cricket rivalry unfolds between Weston and Hillsborough, igniting personal ambitions and jealousies among the boys.
Level B2Children'sDr. Hardhack's Prescription: A Play for Children in Four ActsWhen the delicate Emily Proudie falls ill, the witty Dr.
Level B2FantasyDown the Snow Stairs; Or, From Good-Night to Good-MorningOn a snowy Christmas Eve, young Kitty struggles with worry over her ill brother Johnnie, who paints secret worlds of good and naughty children.
Level B2MysteryDown the SlopeA young boy takes his first grueling job in a coal breaker, facing harsh labor, tough rivals, and the struggle to support his mother.
Level B2Children'sDown the River; Or, Buck Bradford and His TyrantsA determined boy endures harsh treatment from the tyrannical Fishley family while navigating challenges on a journey down the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers.
Level B2AdventureDown the Rhine; Or, Young America in GermanyA spirited group of academy students embarks on a grand European adventure, navigating strict discipline, secret orders, and youthful rebellion as they explore the scenic wonders a…
Level B2Children'sDown the ChimneyOn Christmas Eve, Jack Frost awakens a sleepy Chimney and summons the Wind Fairies to bring a magical snowstorm.
Level B2AdventureDown South; or, Yacht Adventure in FloridaEmbark on a thrilling yacht voyage through Florida’s wild waterways, where a skilled captain and his diverse crew navigate rivers, hunt alligators, and explore sunlit southern land…
Level B2Children'sDotty Dimple's FlyawayA bright, whimsical child nicknamed Flyaway takes on the weight of her family's care while navigating the curious adventures of growing up, from mischievous coffee grinding to wate…
Level B1Children'sDotty Dimple at SchoolA spirited six-year-old girl faces the excitement and challenges of her first day at school, eager to grow up and learn about the world beyond her home.
Level B2Children'sDotty Dimple at PlayA lively child embarks on a thrilling journey to Indianapolis, where curiosity leads her to discover a school for blind children and the surprising ways they learn and play.
Level B2Children'sDotty Dimple at Her Grandmother'sAmid blooming fields and church steps, young Dotty Dimple navigates childhood's joys and trials, from envies over dresses to lessons in kindness and cheerful giving, discovering ho…
Level B1AdventureDotty Dimple Out WestA spirited young girl embarks on a thrilling journey West with her father, filled with new sights, surprises, and the boundless excitement of adventure.
Level B1Children'sDotty Dimple At HomeA spirited little girl swings between fierce tantrums and tender moments, challenging her family’s patience and love.
Level B2AdventureDot and the KangarooLost and frightened in the Australian bush, little Dot encounters a gentle kangaroo who offers unexpected friendship and guidance through the wild, mysterious landscape teeming wit…
Level B2FantasyDot and Tot of MerrylandA delicate city girl named Dot escapes to the sunny, sprawling estate of Roselawn for a summer of fresh air and freedom, where playful adventures and magical discoveries await in t…
Level B2AdventureDorymates: A Tale of the Fishing BanksA weary fishing schooner, plagued by misfortune and low spirits, stumbles upon a mysterious wreck—and the unexpected discovery of a baby drifting alone at sea sparks hope and a new…
Level B2Children'sDorothy's TriumphA spirited young girl returns from a Canadian school to her ancestral Maryland home, navigating newfound family ties and the adventures of growing up with the support of Aunt Betty…
Level B2AdventureDorothy's TravelsA young foundling named Dorothy embarks on a summer journey down the Hudson River toward New York and beyond, accompanied by friends and a mysterious mountain girl with a secretive…
Level B2Children'sDorothy's TourAn artistic young girl receives thrilling news that will send her on an exciting journey through the United States and Canada, where music, friendship, and new adventures await.
Level B2Children'sDorothy's House PartyAfter a mysterious night, Dorothy awakens in a charming new home, discovering a surprising inheritance and a warm great-aunt ready to welcome her.
Level B2AdventureDorothy on a RanchA young girl embarks on a thrilling summer adventure to a mountain ranch, leaving behind the comforts of private railcar travel and priceless souvenirs.
Level B2AdventureDorothy on a House BoatAn unexpected gift of a house-boat sets Dorothy and her great-aunt on a new adventure, promising freedom and fun on the river.
Level B2AdventureDorothy at SkyrieNew to country life, Dorothy encounters the lively Babcock sisters who lead her on a wild strawberry hunt and reveal secrets about her mysterious past, sparking an adventurous jour…
Level B2MysteryDorothy at Oak KnoweA young American girl arrives alone at a remote Canadian school, only to find no one there to meet her—until a kindly old teamster offers to guide her through the unfamiliar town a…
Level B1FantasyDorothy and the Wizard in OzAfter a restless journey marked by trembling earth, a young girl arrives at a lonely station to begin a new adventure in the magical Land of Oz.
Level B2Children'sDorothy Dale: A Girl of To-DayFourteen-year-old Dorothy, known as the Little Captain, prepares to lead her town’s school children in a grand Decoration Day parade, balancing family responsibilities, friendships…
Level B1Children'sDorothy Dale's School RivalsAs Dorothy Dale returns to school, she faces uneasy feelings and a new rival, Jean Faval, whose flashy style stirs up tension.
Level B1Children'sDorothy Dale's Queer HolidaysHoliday at the charming country estate turns restless as Dorothy Dale and her cousins await the arrival of her unpredictable friend Tavia, whose late entrances and mischievous natu…
Level B1AdventureDorothy Dale's PromiseReturning to Glenwood School after thrilling adventures in New York, Dorothy Dale and her friends navigate friendship, school life, and spirited pranks while uncovering surprises a…
Level B2MysteryDorothy Dale's Great SecretAt Glenwood School, Dorothy Dale and her mischievous friend Tavia await an exciting automobile ride, while Dorothy harbors a mysterious secret that tests the strength of their frie…