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 C1AdventureAfloat in the Forest; Or, A Voyage among the Tree-TopsTwo brothers, stripped of their ancestral estate by a cunning lawyer, vow to rebuild their fortunes from scratch.
Level C1AdventureAfloat at Last: A Sailor Boy's Log of His Life at SeaA young man faces the choice of profession amidst his father’s thoughtful counsel, ultimately drawn not to law, medicine, or clergy, but to the call of the sea.
Level B2AdventureAfar in the ForestIn a wild, untamed forest on the edge of civilization, a determined family braves harsh wilderness and the threat of hostile forces to carve out a new home.
Level B2PoetryAesop, in Rhyme: Old Friends in a New DressTimeless fables come alive in witty verse, revealing sharp lessons through the cunning wolf, clever fox, and other memorable characters—each tale blending humor and wisdom to explo…
Level C1Children'sAesop's Fables; a new translationDiscover timeless tales where animals embody human traits, teaching simple yet profound truths through cunning foxes, clever wolves, and noble lions.
Level B2Children'sAdventures of a donkeyA clever donkey named Cadichon recounts his harsh life under a cruel mistress, revealing the intelligence and spirit behind the misunderstood animal.
Level B2AdventureAdventures of a Telegraph Boy; or, "Number 91"A resourceful telegraph boy known as Number 91 navigates the bustling streets of New York, taking on errands that lead him into unexpected adventures and encounters.
Level B2AdventureAdventures of Huckleberry Finn, Chapters 36 to the LastTwo boys embark on a daring mission to free a captive friend, defying rules and risking everything with clever tricks and unyielding determination in the heart of the Mississippi V…
Level B2AdventureAdventures of Huckleberry Finn, Chapters 31 to 35As Huck and Jim drift down the river, they face mounting dangers when Huck’s trusted companion is captured, forcing Huck to confront dark schemes and desperate choices in the heart…
Level B2AdventureAdventures of Huckleberry Finn, Chapters 26 to 30A cunning king and duke take refuge in a small town, weaving tangled lies and schemes while Huck navigates a web of deception, secret rooms, and uneasy alliances.
Level B2AdventureAdventures of Huckleberry Finn, Chapters 21 to 25Two con men rehearse Shakespeare and stage sword fights on a lazy Mississippi river town’s raft, while the locals loaf, gossip, and scheme under the hot sun.
Level B2AdventureAdventures of Huckleberry Finn, Chapters 16 to 20A young boy and a runaway slave drift down the Mississippi River, haunted by the weight of conscience and the hope of freedom.
Level B2AdventureAdventures of Huckleberry Finn, Chapters 11 to 15A tense murder mystery unfolds in a small town where suspicion falls on a runaway slave and a grieving father, while whispers of hidden money and secret hideouts stir danger along…
Level B2AdventureAdventures of Huckleberry Finn, Chapters 06 to 10Trapped by his abusive father in a remote cabin, a boy dreams of freedom while plotting a daring escape from confinement and cruelty along the Mississippi River’s wild frontier.
Level B2AdventureAdventures of Huckleberry Finn, Chapters 01 to 05A restless boy struggles with the constraints of civilized life under the Widow Douglas, yearning for freedom and adventure along the Mississippi River.
Level C1AdventureAdventures of Buffalo Bill from boyhood to manhoodA young Buffalo Bill braves the wild frontier, facing outlaws and untamed dangers with unmatched courage and skill.
Level C1AdventureAdventures in the Far WestA group of hunters ventures into the untamed American West, braving wild beasts, scarce resources, and mysterious cries in the night as they navigate a perilous wilderness teeming…
Level B2FantasyAdventures in Wallypug-LandStep into the whimsical kingdom of Why, where animals talk, birds debate politics, and a mysterious invitation leads to adventures alongside the quirky Wallypug king.
Level B1FantasyAdventures in Toyland; What the Marionette Told MollyIn a magical toyshop where toys come to life after hours, a curious girl discovers a talking marionette who promises to share enchanting tales from the secret world of toys, reveal…
Level B2AdventureAdventures in Many LandsA skilled trapper faces a terrifying ordeal when separated from his party in the African wilderness, forced to feign death to survive a deadly encounter with a pack of cunning hyen…
Level B2AdventureAdventures in AustraliaTwo brothers journey through the harsh Australian wilderness, armed and determined to find their cousin’s station and secure a future for their family.
Level B2AdventureAdventures in AlaskaVenture into the rugged wilderness of Alaska during the intense Nome gold rush, where a missionary lives alongside miners, braves harsh conditions, and hunts to survive.
Level B2AdventureAdventures in Africa: By an African TraderStranded in the vast Kalahari Desert after a savage attack, a determined trader and his nephew struggle against thirst, wild animals, and hostile forces while navigating an unforgi…
Level B2AdventureAdventure of a KiteA breezy October morning sets the stage for a thrilling kite-flying adventure as James White and friends race across meadows, battling fierce winds and a wild, powerful kite that s…
Level B2AdventureAdrift on the AmazonA determined young man known as “Fighting Jones” faces relentless struggles in school and business, challenging authority and injustice at every turn.
Level B2AdventureAdrift in the Wilds; Or, The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked BoysTwo sixteen-year-old cousins, Elwood and Howard, reunite for a summer journey from Brooklyn to their families in booming California, accompanied by their loyal guardian Tim O'Roone…
Level C1AdventureAdrift in the Ice-FieldsA group of English gentlemen embarks on a thrilling springtime sea-fowl shooting expedition across the icy Gulf of St.
Level B2Children'sAdrift in the City; or, Oliver Conrad's Plucky FightIn a world where pride and power clash, Oliver Conrad refuses to be anyone’s errand boy, standing up to a wealthy bully with courage and wit.
Level B2AdventureAdrift in a BoatA lively seaside picnic in Cornwall turns tense when two young friends are caught by the tide, sparking an unexpected adventure filled with friendship, danger, and the wild beauty…
Level B2HistoricalAdrift in New York: Tom and Florence Braving the WorldIn a wealthy New York household haunted by the mysterious disappearance of a young heir, family tensions rise as hope and suspicion collide.
Level C1AdventureAdelbert and BastelIn the bustling port city of Hamburg, young Adelbert dreams of adventure beyond his prosperous merchant family’s reach.
Level C1RomanceAdam BedeIn a bustling 18th-century workshop, strong-willed Adam Bede and his gentle brother Seth navigate the challenges of craft, faith, and friendship, setting the stage for a stirring t…
Level C1HistoricalActon's Feud: A Public School StoryIn a school divided by tradition and change, a fierce football rivalry unfolds as Acton, a fiery and brilliant player, clashes with skilled opponents in a battle that tests loyalty…
Level C1AdventureAcross the Spanish Main: A Tale of the Sea in the Days of Queen BessTwo young English gentlemen plan a daring voyage to the Spanish Main, hoping to capture treasure-laden galleons and restore their fortunes amid the brewing conflict with Spain.
Level B2AdventureAcross TexasWhen Herbert Watrous’s health falters, his friend Nick Ribsam’s wholesome country life offers hope and healing.
Level B2AdventureAcross India; Or, Live Boys in the Far EastA young millionaire and his companions embark on a thrilling voyage across India aboard the steam-yacht Guardian-Mother, encountering daring sea rescues, royal hospitality, and adv…
Level B2HistoricalAchillesAs the Greeks unite under Agamemnon to avenge the abduction of Helen by Paris, tensions ignite between the proud warrior Achilles and the king, setting the stage for a decade-long…
PoetryAbroadSet sail on a poetic journey through foreign lands, capturing the thrill of departure, the crossing of the Channel, and the wonder of arriving in France for the first time.
Level C1Children'sAbout Peggy SavilleA devoted vicar and his lively wife welcome a spirited boy, Arthur Saville, into their home to prepare him for a military future.
Level B2Children'sAbbeyA hardworking family hires Abbey, a spirited fourteen-year-old with a troubled past, to help around the house, but her well-meaning efforts lead to unexpected mishaps and lessons i…
Level C1HistoricalAaron the Jew: A NovelIn 1871 Portsmouth, a dedicated but impoverished doctor struggles to care for his patients amid harsh conditions and personal sacrifice.
Level B2AdventureAaron in the WildwoodsA determined boy confined to crutches defies expectations by mastering a spirited Gray Pony that obeys no one but him, inspiring awe and mystery across the wild Georgia landscape.
Level B2Children'sA. L. O. E.'s picture story book.A hungry orphan boy, torn between the harsh realities of life and his mother's teachings, faces temptation and tough choices on the streets of a bustling town.
Level C1Children'sA young man's storyA young man reflects on his quiet romance with May Newton in a peaceful seaside village, where love blossoms amid ruined castles and gentle waves.
Level C1Children'sA visit to the elephantOn a tranquil autumn morning, a devoted family prepares for a special outing to see the magnificent elephant at a traveling menagerie, blending tender domestic bonds with the wonde…
Level C1Children'sA visit to the BazaarChildren explore the vibrant Soho-square Bazaar, where enterprising women sell their crafts in charming little shops.
Level B2Children'sA visit to a farm house; or, An introduction to various subjects connected with rural economy.Two city boys explore a countryside farm, discovering the gentle nature of cows, the art of milking, and the practical reasons behind farming life.
Level B2Children'sA three-fold promiseSeparated from his mother and entrusted to a stern uncle, young Gerald Weston must keep three promises to endure hardship and hold onto hope.