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 B1Children'sBessie and the squirrelsYoung Bessie and her brother Jamie explore the joys and challenges of farm life at Corwin's Nest, where playful moments with dolls, curious animals, and lively squirrels bring less…
Level B2Children'sBessie Bradford's PrizeWhen Bessie Bradford and her friends visit the policeman’s family, they bring warmth and cheer amid worries and whispered fears.
Level B2Children'sBeryl's triumphAt Egloshayle House by the stormy Cornish coast, spirited young Beryl eagerly awaits her father's return, navigating childhood without her mother’s love amid brewing tempests and s…
Level B1Children'sBertie's Home; or, the Way to be HappyA family sets out to build their dream home in a peaceful village where nature’s beauty and simple joys promise a path to true happiness.
Level B2Children'sBertie and the Gardeners; or, The Way to be HappyAt Woodlawn, a new farmer and gardener join a family determined to transform their land into a beautiful, thriving estate.
Level B1Children'sBertha, Our Little German CousinStep into a charming German village where Bertha and her family prepare for Christmas with homemade cakes, heartfelt songs, and timeless traditions that reveal the warmth and spiri…![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. 2 [of 3] by Mrs. Marcet](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8nuklnmvfc73bif6ag.webp)
Level B2HistoricalBertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 2 [of 3]A curious visit unfolds through detailed letters revealing exotic agricultural practices, local anecdotes, and thoughtful reflections on ancient traditions, inviting readers into a…![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 B2Children'sBertha Weisser's wishAn eleven-year-old rag-picker in a grim city battles poverty and responsibility, caring for her younger siblings after their parents' deaths.
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson, Wireless OperatorA sudden outbreak of violence on a bustling San Francisco wharf thrusts three young Americans into a deadly struggle against a maddened attacker fueled by wild delirium and deadly…
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson, Marathon WinnerA fierce fifteen-mile marathon pits the fastest college runners against each other in a thrilling showdown.
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson's Twin Cylinder RacerWhen a powerful locomotive runs out of control on a single-track railway, a quick-thinking young motorcyclist races against time to prevent a deadly collision, using his knowledge…
Level B2Children'sBert Wilson's Fadeaway BallIn a thrilling pennant-deciding baseball game, every pitch and play is a battle for glory and fortune, igniting a stadium packed with passionate fans.
Level B2Children'sBert Wilson on the GridironWhen the underdog scrubs hold the mighty 'Varsity to the brink of defeat, tensions soar on the college football field.
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson in the RockiesAs the Overland Limited races through the scorching prairies, three spirited young men revel in their post-college freedom—until masked gunmen storm the train, turning a mundane jo…
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson at the WheelAt a lively summer camp buzzing with excitement, a group of spirited boys eagerly await the arrival of their very own automobile, the "Red Scout.
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson at PanamaThree young American friends journey through a Mexico torn by revolution and danger, bound for the grand opening of the Panama Canal.
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 B2AdventureBeppoIn a forest ruled by a grumpy gorilla landlord, a mischievous little rose-colored monkey named Beppo dreams of imitating humans—starting with stealing a pipe to puff out smoke like…
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 B2AdventureBen, the Luggage Boy; Or, Among the WharvesA teenage luggage boy navigates the bustling wharves and fierce competition of New York’s streets, dreaming of a better life amid hardship and fleeting moments of joy.
Level B2AdventureBen's Nugget; Or, A Boy's Search For FortuneA determined sixteen-year-old miner and his rugged companion guard a valuable gold claim while caring for an injured friend in a remote Sierra Nevada mountain cabin, facing challen…
Level B2Children'sBen Stone at OakdaleA new boy at Oakdale Academy, Ben Stone faces the challenges of fitting in and proving himself, despite his humble background and rough exterior.
Level B2Children'sBen PepperBen Pepper, the dependable eldest sibling, takes charge on a bustling Christmas shopping trip with the younger children, navigating unexpected challenges and heartfelt moments that…
Level B2Children'sBen Holt's good nameIn the crowded alleys of London, young Ben Holt dreams beyond his narrow world, discovering that true wealth lies not in riches but in the strength of a good name earned through ho…
Level B2MysteryBen Hardy's flying machine; or, Making a record for himselfAmid a mechanical disaster at the Saxton Automobile Works, resourceful Ben Hardy races against time to stop a runaway engine and uncover the mystery behind the missing engineer, ri…
Level B2Children'sBen Hadden; or, Do Right Whatever Comes Of ItIn a rugged coastal village where the sea shapes every life, young Ben Hadden joins his hardy fisherman family, learning the ways of the ocean and the strength of faith amidst the…
Level B2AdventureBen Burton: Born and Bred at SeaBorn aboard the HMS Boreas during a daring naval expedition, a boy grows up amid the camaraderie, challenges, and unique life of a ship’s crew, guided by fearless sailors and the f…
Level B2Children'sBelle Powers' LocketA thoughtful little girl dreams of becoming a sunbeam of kindness and light to those around her, learning from friends and her loving father how even small acts can brighten the wo…
Level B2Children'sBeing a BoyA boy navigates the joys and challenges of childhood on a farm, learning responsibility and the art of leadership through playful work with oxen and the strict social order of a he…
Level B2AdventureBehind the Line: A Story of College Life and FootballRival colleges clash fiercely on the football field in a high-stakes Thanksgiving Day game, where grit and strategy shape the fate of Hillton’s team.
Level B2FantasyBee: The Princess of the DwarfsIn a world where the fate of noble houses is marked by mysterious signs, a young princess and a boy destined to be her protector grow up bound by love and destiny.
Level B2Children'sBee and Butterfly: A Tale of Two CousinsIn a small Missouri town, spirited Beatrice "Bee" Raymond devotes herself to studying butterflies, hoping to surprise her distant father, a lepidopterist, with her knowledge as she…
Level B2Children'sBecause of conscienceIn a tense Old New York setting, young Alaine grapples with faith, family loyalty, and secret Protestant meetings, while her cousin Étienne challenges her beliefs with sharp provoc…
Level B2Children'sBeauty and the beastIn a bustling city, a kind-hearted maiden named Beauty shines brighter than her proud sisters, winning the love of all living creatures while facing their envy and cruelty.
Level B2Children'sBeauty and the BeastWhen a once-wealthy merchant loses everything, his kind-hearted daughter Beauty embraces a humble life in the country, while her proud sisters falter.
Level B2Children'sBeauty and the BeastA kind-hearted girl named Beauty sacrifices herself to a fearsome Beast to save her father, discovering a magical palace where she holds unexpected power and companionship.
Level B2Children'sBeauty and the BeastAfter losing their wealth and retreating to a lonely cottage, a merchant’s family faces hardship and despair—except for his youngest, Beauty, whose hope shines bright.
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 B2AdventureBeaufort ChumsAs the Mississippi swells to unprecedented heights, two adventurous boys set out to explore the flooded town and its submerged islands, discovering the thrilling and dangerous powe…
Level B2Children'sBear and forbearA young skipper navigates the rivalry between two wealthy magnates who once divided Lake Ucayga with competing steamboats and railroads.
Level B2Children'sBear Brownie: The Life of a BearFollow the adventures of Brownie, a young bear cub growing up in the Rocky Mountains, as he navigates playful tumbles, sibling mischief, and the wild beauty of his hillside home.
Level B2Children'sBe Polite to AllA lame, modestly dressed man faces rude treatment from a train conductor—only to reveal his true identity as the railway chairman.