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
- books
Level B2Children'sDenslow's Three BearsIn a cozy forest cottage, young Golden Hair befriends a welcoming family of three bears, sharing chores, meals, and joyful adventures that bring warmth and friendship to their once…
Level A2Children'sDenslow's Mother GooseStep into a whimsical world of timeless rhymes and jingles, beautifully brought to life with charming illustrations that spark imagination and delight young readers at every turn.
Level B1Children'sDenslow's Humpty DumptyHumpty Dumpty fears breaking like his father and seeks the Black Hen’s advice to become hard as a rock.
Level B2AdventureDefending the Island: A story of Bar Harbor in 1758Two families settle on rugged Mount Desert Island in 1758, forging homes behind sturdy palisades to protect against looming threats.
Level C1AdventureDeering of Deal; Or, The Spirit of the SchoolA young Southern boy arrives late to Deal School, a storied academy steeped in family tradition and history, where he must navigate new challenges and forge his own path amid the e…
Level B2AdventureDeerfoot on the PrairiesA determined Shawanoe named Deerfoot leads a daring expedition from Ohio to the Pacific, joined by loyal companions and their sturdy horses.
Level B2AdventureDeerfoot in The MountainsA Shawanoe named Deerfoot and two adventurous brothers navigate the vast wilderness from the Ohio River to the Pacific, facing treacherous rivers and mysterious villages.
Level B2AdventureDeep Sea Hunters in the Frozen SeasOld Cap’n Pem and his companions prepare to set sail on the weathered schooner Narwhal, bound for a daring voyage into the Arctic’s frozen seas in search of whales, seals, and valu…
Level C1AdventureDeep Down, a Tale of the Cornish MinesA determined young adventurer sets out on foot across the rugged Cornish moorlands, guided by necessity and curiosity, only to find himself lost and drawn into unexpected encounter…
Level C1HistoricalDeeds of Daring Done by GirlsIn a medieval castle, a spirited young lady defies expectations with her courage and wit, proving that daring deeds are not reserved for boys alone.
Level C1Children'sDeccan Nursery Tales; or, Fairy Tales from the SouthIn a vibrant Indian town, a poor Brahman encounters mystical nymphs who reveal sacred rites honoring the sun, setting him on a path of devotion, fortune, and unexpected royal atten…
Level B2AdventureDecatur and SomersTwo young midshipmen embark on their first naval cruise aboard the formidable frigate United States, navigating the challenges of friendship, duty, and the perils of the sea in a t…
Level A2PoetryDeborah Dent and Her Donkey and Madam Fig's Gala: Two Humorous TalesDive into two charmingly illustrated humorous tales that bring to life the quirky adventures of Deborah Dent with her donkey and the whimsical happenings at Madam Fig’s gala.
Level C1Children'sDebating for boysBoys learn to debate as a vital skill for clear thinking and effective argument, training their minds to seek truth rather than victory.
Level A2PoetryDeath and Burial of Poor Cock RobinDiscover the delicate art of remembrance as the sorrowful tale of poor Cock Robin unfolds through heartfelt poetry, capturing the rituals of death and burial with tender grace and…
Level B1MysteryDean Dunham; Or, the Waterford MysteryA modest land sale promises unexpected fortune for Adin Dunham, but rumors and wary neighbors hint that the thousand dollars might bring more trouble than relief.
Level C1Children'sDeaf and Dumb!A young boy eagerly anticipates a joyful ride to his nurse’s house, surrounded by caring friends and family.
Level C1HistoricalDays Before historyStep back to prehistoric Britain, where hunters stalk the wild hills and ancient tribes craft stone weapons as they navigate a world of forests, rivers, and fierce rivalries.
Level B2Children'sDaybreak: A Story for GirlsIn a bustling orphanage on Christmas morning, new arrivals Kate and her sister Frances face loneliness and hardship, yet find fleeting beauty and hope in the world around them.
Level B1Children'sDawnAs Keith Burton turns fourteen, he confronts a mysterious new challenge: blurred vision that clouds the world he loves.
Level B2Children'sDavid's Little LadIn a quiet Welsh village, sixteen-year-old Gwladys wrestles with feelings of isolation and melancholy amid familiar landscapes.
Level B2Children'sDavid the Shepherd BoyIn the quiet hills of Bethlehem, young David tends his sheep with courage and care, unaware that a secret anointing by the prophet Samuel marks him as the future king chosen by God…
Level B2FantasyDavid Blaize and the Blue DoorA boy named David Blaize discovers a secret world beneath the ordinary, where flame-cats dance and peculiar creatures appear once the electric light is out.
Level C1Children'sDavid BlaizeAt Helmsworth Preparatory School, young David Blaize navigates the distractions of a quirky museum-classroom, a stern headmaster’s fearsome discipline, and the trials of boyhood le…
Level B2MysteryDave Porter's Return to School; Or, Winning the Medal of HonorReturning to Oak Hall to finish his prep for college, Dave Porter faces old rivals and new challenges while striving to uphold his honor and uncover the truth about his mysterious…
Level B2AdventureDave Porter's Great Search; Or, The Perils of a Young Civil EngineerA young civil engineer braves Montana’s rugged mountains and brewing storms, only to face old enemies and the mysterious disappearance of his closest loved ones.
Level A2MysteryDave Porter on Cave Island; Or, A Schoolboy's Mysterious MissionWhen a mysterious crisis threatens his benefactor’s fortune, schoolboy Dave Porter embarks on a thrilling investigation during the Christmas holidays.
Level A2MysteryDave Porter in the South Seas; or, The Strange Cruise of the Stormy PetrelA determined American boy embarks on a daring voyage across the mysterious South Seas, seeking answers about his unknown parentage.
Level B1MysteryDave Porter in the Gold Fields; Or, The Search for the Landslide MineThree friends embark on a daring quest to uncover a lost gold mine buried by a massive landslide in Montana, facing old rivals and treacherous terrain in a race to claim the treasu…
Level B1AdventureDave Porter in the Far North; Or, The Pluck of an American SchoolboyAn American schoolboy, facing mystery and adversity, embarks on a daring journey to the Far North in search of his missing family, supported by loyal friends and tested by unexpect…
Level B1AdventureDave Porter at Star Ranch; Or, The Cowboy's SecretYoung Dave Porter and his friends embrace ranch life with target shooting and thrilling outdoor adventures, preparing for a summer at Star Ranch filled with friendship, challenges,…
Level B1AdventureDave Porter and the Runaways; Or, Last Days at Oak HallAt Oak Hall, whispers of a mysterious wild man lurking in the woods stir fear and curiosity among the students.
Level B1MysteryDave Porter and His Double; Or, The Disapperarance of the Basswood FortuneA young civil engineer finds himself entangled in a puzzling case when a mysterious letter about missing shoes leads him to unexpected adventures in Texas.
Level B1AdventureDave Porter and His Classmates; Or, For the Honor of Oak HallAt Oak Hall boarding school, spirited Dave Porter balances friendship, rivalry, and honor while uncovering family mysteries that lead him across seas and snow.
Level B1AdventureDave Porter At Bear Camp; Or, The Wild Man of Mirror LakeA group of adventurous boys set sail on a coastwise steamer, where secrets about a valuable land deal spark intrigue and danger.
Level B2MysteryDave Fearless and the Cave of Mystery; or, Adrift on the PacificAfter a daring ocean adventure, young Dave Fearless faces betrayal when their hard-won treasure vanishes.
Level B1AdventureDave Fearless after a sunken treasureSeventeen-year-old Dave Fearless and his father race to claim a sunken fortune aboard the lost steamship Happy Hour, using a daring government expedition and a cutting-edge diving…
Level B2MysteryDave Dashaway, Air Champion; Or, Wizard Work in the CloudsYoung aviator Dave Dashaway sets his sights on the Grand International Aviation Contest, where daring feats and cutting-edge aircraft promise glory—and fierce rivalry.
Level B2AdventureDave Dashaway the Young Aviator; Or, In the Clouds for Fame and FortuneA determined young inventor struggles under the harsh guardianship of a cruel man while chasing his dream to build a real flying machine, hoping to soar beyond his difficult life a…
Level B2AdventureDave Dashaway and His Giant Airship; or, A Marvellous Trip Across the AtlanticA young aviator rises from humble beginnings to command the giant airship Gossamer, navigating rivalry and adventure in the thrilling world of early flight.
Level B2AdventureDave Dashaway Around the World; or, A Young Yankee Aviator Among Many NationsA daring young aviator prepares to embark on a thrilling global race in a revolutionary airship, facing hidden enemies and high-stakes adventure at every turn.
Level B2AdventureDave Darrin's Third Year at Annapolis; Or, Leaders of the Second Class MidshipmenA midshipman returns home on leave, caught between the challenges of naval training and the ties of old friendships, while tales of daring exploits and youthful camaraderie unfold…
Level B2AdventureDave Darrin's Second Year at Annapolis: Or, Two Midshipmen as Naval Academy "Youngsters"At Annapolis, young midshipmen face a test of honor when one of their own is found in a compromising and dangerous situation just before a crucial summer cruise.
Level B2AdventureDave Darrin's Fourth Year at Annapolis: Headed for Graduation and the Big CruiseA midshipman at the Naval Academy navigates the pressures of his final year, balancing studies, camaraderie, and the fierce rivalry of the upcoming football season against West Poi…
Level B2AdventureDave Darrin's First Year at Annapolis: Two Plebe Midshipmen at the United States Naval AcademyTwo young men face nerves and fierce determination as they journey to the United States Naval Academy, where passing grueling exams and overcoming challenges will shape their futur…
Level A2AdventureDave Darrin on the Asiatic Station: Or, Winning Lieutenants' Commissions on the Admiral's FlagshipTwo young naval officers navigate perilous intrigue and fierce battles on the Asiatic Station, confronting treacherous foes and unraveling mysteries amid political unrest and dange…
Level B2AdventureDave Darrin on Mediterranean Service; or, With Dan Dalzell on European DutyTwo American naval officers in Gibraltar spot a dangerous brawler causing a scene in a vaudeville theater, sparking a chase that plunges them into a tense pursuit tied to a theft t…
Level B2AdventureDave Darrin at Vera Cruz: Fighting with the U.S. Navy in MexicoA young naval officer on a quiet New York evening stumbles upon a tense confrontation between a woman and a threatening man, setting the stage for a gripping adventure filled with…