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.
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Level B2AdventureBilly Topsail & Company: A Story for BoysIn the rugged Labrador coast, young Jimmie Grimm faces wild adventures alongside the cunning wolf-dog Tog and the intrepid Billy Topsail.
Level B2Children'sBilly To-morrow's ChumsIn a quiet nursery and greenhouse, Sydney Bremmer navigates the mysteries of friendship and schoolyard challenges while caring for plants and pondering why a girl like Ida faces ha…
Level B2Children'sBilly To-morrow Stands the TestIn a high school divided by power struggles and rivalries, Billy Bennett steps up to challenge the bully Jim Barney and unite the students under a new leadership, all while navigat…
Level B2AdventureBilly To-morrowA spirited boy balances the joys of childhood with the growing responsibilities of manhood in a quiet farming community.
Level B1MysteryBillie Bradley on Lighthouse Island; Or, The Mystery of the WreckLost and caught in an unexpected rainstorm, three schoolgirls navigate eerie woods while fearing the escape of a notorious criminal known as the Codfish.
Level B1AdventureBillie Bradley at Three Towers Hall; Or, Leading a Needed RebellionBillie Bradley discovers a trunk filled with valuable stamps and coins, unlocking a surprising inheritance that promises adventure and challenges.
Level B1MysteryBillie Bradley and the School Mystery; Or, The Girl From OklahomaAt the picturesque Three Towers Hall, Billie Bradley returns for a new term with her friends, ready to face school challenges and unravel the mystery lurking among the new girls.
Level B1AdventureBillie Bradley and Her Inheritance; Or, The Queer Homestead at Cherry CornersThree spirited schoolgirls stumble upon mystery and mischief in their charming town of North Bend, where friendship, family, and unexpected adventures at the old schoolhouse lead t…
Level B2MysteryBillie Bradley and Her Classmates; Or, The Secret of the Locked TowerThree friends at a boarding school embrace the thrill of skating on a newly frozen lake, but beneath the winter fun lies a mysterious secret locked within the school's tower—one th…
Level B2Children'sBill the MinderIn a family of nine bad-tempered boys and one good-natured girl, mushroom gatherer Crispin's mysterious illness leads his wife Chloe to seek a minder to care for their unruly child…
Level B2AdventureBill Bruce on Forest PatrolTwo Army Air Service officers on leave in the Oregon woods find their peaceful fishing trip interrupted by past enemies and dangerous plots.
Level B1FantasyBikey the Skicycle and Other Tales of JimmieboyA neglected bicycle with magical pneumatic tires reveals it can do more than just roll—it might actually fly.
Level B2HistoricalBig and Little Sisters: A Story of an Indian Mission SchoolIn a chilly Dakota mission school, two Sioux girls navigate the challenges of chores, school, and holiday preparations, revealing their hopes, rivalries, and the quiet strength fou…
Level B2Children'sBig Jack, and other true stories of horsesMeet Big Jack, a majestic white horse with a gentle soul and a keen intelligence, who holds a proud position in bustling New York City.
Level B2RomanceBig Game: A Story for GirlsA young poet struggles to find success, buoyed by his sister’s unwavering faith and clever schemes.
Level B2Children'sBig BrotherA crowded train car holds a lively group of children sent westward by an aid society, their spirits bright despite a long, dusty journey.
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 B1Children'sBible StoriesJourney through the wondrous early life of the Savior, from the Garden of Eden to the humble manger in Bethlehem, as angels, wise men, and miracles herald the arrival of a promised…
Level B2AdventureBeyond the hillsThree children yearn for adventure beyond the familiar hills and river that border their home, inspired by tales of explorers and the call of the unknown.
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 B2AdventureBevis: The Story of a BoyA resourceful boy named Bevis turns an empty wooden case into the start of an adventurous project, dreaming of building a boat and conquering his own wilderness along a winding bro…
Level B2Children'sBetty's Happy YearFifteen-year-old Betty, newly reunited with her mother and living in her inherited estate, embarks on joyful winter adventures and lively party plans with her friends, capturing th…
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 B2Children'sBetty Wales, Sophomore: A Story for GirlsBetty Wales begins her sophomore year at Harding College, navigating friendships, pranks, and rivalries in a lively dorm filled with spirited classmates.
Level B2Children'sBetty Wales, SeniorCollege life buzzes with friendship, mischief, and new beginnings as Betty Wales and her close-knit group navigate their senior year, reliving past adventures and embracing the exc…
Level B2Children'sBetty Wales, Junior: A Story for GirlsBetty Wales returns to Harding College for her junior year, facing homesickness and new challenges alongside familiar friends and lively freshmen.
Level B2Children'sBetty Wales, FreshmanA shy freshman arrives at college, navigating the bustling campus and unfamiliar faces while determined to prove herself and find her place.
Level B2AdventureBetty Wales, B. A.: A story for girlsBetty Wales returns home after graduation, surrounded by letters hinting at surprising news and new adventures.
Level B2Children'sBetty Wales on the campusBetty juggles college life, friendships, and family duties while navigating spirited adventures at Harding College and beyond.
Level B2Children'sBetty Wales decidesBetty Wales faces a new challenge when the quirky ploshkin craze suddenly collapses, prompting her to team up with inventive friends and a skeptical millionaire to create a fresh,…
Level B2Children'sBetty Wales & Co.: A story for girlsAfter a whirlwind college career and an adventurous trip abroad, Betty Wales returns home to unexpected family changes and new responsibilities, as she and her sisters navigate the…
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…
Level B2Children'sBetty Leicester: A Story For GirlsFifteen-year-old Betty Leicester embarks on a new chapter, leaving her father for separate journeys and settling in Tideshead with her aunts.
Level B1Children'sBetty Lee, SophomoreTwo high school friends navigate jealousy, friendship, and identity as they prepare for a new school year filled with surprises and social challenges.
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…
Level B2Children'sBetty Lee, JuniorAt Lyon High’s lively Pep Assembly, junior Betty Lee navigates the bustling band, errands from the principal, and spirited school friendships, capturing the joys and challenges of…
Level B2Children'sBetty Lee, FreshmanOn the brink of moving from her beloved hometown, fourteen-year-old Betty Lee faces the bittersweet adventure of starting fresh in a bustling city, balancing excitement with the we…
Level B1AdventureBetty Gordon in the Land of Oil; Or, The Farm That Was Worth a FortuneA spirited young traveler sets out for Oklahoma, eager to explore the heartland and plant hardy flower seeds to brighten the barren prairie.
Level B1AdventureBetty Gordon in Washington; Or, Strange Adventures in a Great CityBetty Gordon’s peaceful country life is disrupted by a fierce dispute over a gored cow, leading her to unexpected adventures as she navigates conflicts and mysteries in a bustling…
Level B1MysteryBetty Gordon at Mountain Camp; Or, The Mystery of Ida BellethorneAt a quaint mountain camp, Betty Gordon stumbles upon a mysterious shop and an enigmatic girl deeply absorbed in knitting exquisite blouses.
Level B2AdventureBetty Gordon at Bramble Farm; Or, The Mystery of a NobodyTwelve-year-old Betty Gordon dreams of adventure beyond her quiet country town when she awaits a visit from her mysterious uncle, a traveling industrial promoter.
Level B1AdventureBetty Gordon at Boarding School; Or, The Treasure of Indian ChasmBetty Gordon prepares for an exciting new chapter as she heads off to boarding school alongside her friends, promising fun, friendship, and unexpected adventures.
Level B2Children'sBetter than PlayIn a gloomy household ruled by Aunt Emma's constant grumbling, young Bella longs to bring cheer and help, but finds herself caught between chores and silence on a dreary washing da…
Level B1Children'sBeth's wonder-winterEleven-year-old Beth turns a simple apple tree climb into a whimsical game of watchman and traveler, but her playful spirit clashes with Aunt Rebecca’s stern rules—especially when…
Level B2AdventureBessie on Her TravelsFour young girls prepare for an exciting sea voyage, filled with anticipation and the challenges of packing and planning.
Level B2Children'sBessie at the Sea-SideTwo sisters embark on an exciting seaside adventure, discovering the vast ocean’s beauty and mystery while adjusting to new surroundings and the comforts of home.
Level B2Children'sBessie at schoolIn a tender home shadowed by illness, young Bessie navigates school life and family love, learning the value of truth, kindness, and perseverance.