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 C1AdventureA Sea Queen's SailingAmid the smoldering ruins of his family hall, a lone captive faces the aftermath of a brutal raid that shatters peace between Norse settlers and mysterious invaders.
Level B2AdventureA Scout of To-dayA spirited fourteen-year-old boy ventures beyond familiar salt-marshes into the vast, mysterious New England woods, eager to uncover hidden secrets and thrilling adventures that te…
Level B2AdventureA Sailor in Spite of HimselfRival rowing crews at a Southern academy prepare for a thrilling championship race that has the whole town buzzing with excitement and divided loyalties.
Level B2AdventureA Runaway Brig; Or, An Accidental CruiseTwo boys seize a rare chance to sail the leaky tender Sally Walker before its skipper departs, unaware their seaside adventure may lead to unexpected challenges far from shore.
Level C1AdventureA Roving Commission; Or, Through the Black Insurrection at HaytiA spirited young midshipman aboard H.
Level B2FantasyA Round DozenIn a remote alpine valley, a brave boy named Fritz discovers a mysterious white door carved into a cliff, leading to a hidden world where playful, cloud-like creatures invite him i…
Level C1AdventureA Rough ShakingAmidst the harmony of a perfect June day, a mysterious bond unfolds between a man and a magnificent horse, stirring curiosity and hinting at a deeper story of friendship and unders…
Level B2Children'sA Ring of RubiesA young woman, trapped in a life of poverty and strict family expectations, resolves to break free by pursuing her passion for art in London, challenging the limits placed on her b…
Level B2AdventureA Rebellion in DixieAmid the turmoil of the Civil War, a determined community in Mississippi refuses to join the Confederacy, risking everything to resist conscription and forge their own path.
Level C1Children'sA Princess in CalicoAt seventeen, Pauline faces the relentless monotony and heavy burdens of life on Hickory Farm, longing for adventure and meaning beyond endless chores and careworn days.
Level C1Children'sA Primary Reader: Old-time Stories, Fairy Tales and Myths Retold by ChildrenYoung readers join a big, awkward duckling as he faces rejection and loneliness, discovering kindness and self-worth along the way in timeless tales retold with a child's voice and…
Level B1PoetryA Present for Infants; or, Pictures for the NurseryGentle verses paired with charming illustrations introduce young minds to everyday scenes and simple lessons—from farm animals and gardening to acts of kindness—inviting children t…
Level B2Children'sA Prairie InfantaIn a rugged Colorado mining town, Jane Combs—a tough, solitary woman—must care for a frightened child left behind when a traveling family is struck by tragedy.
Level B2Children'sA Popular SchoolgirlSummer holidays bring a joyful family reunion at a seaside farm, but as the carefree days slip by, school looms ahead.
Level B2RomanceA Plucky GirlBorn into privilege but thrust into poverty, a determined young woman refuses to fade into obscurity and instead transforms her family’s luxury into a daring venture of running a b…
Level B2HistoricalA Plea for Old Cap CollierIn a strict, small-town world where Sundays stretch endlessly and childhood punishments are harsh, a boy's love for forbidden dime novels sparks a quiet rebellion against rigid rul…
Level C1AdventureA Pirate of the CaribbeesCaught between restless seas and rivalries aboard a British frigate, a young midshipman faces early morning watches, sharp banter, and the unpredictable challenges of a voyage boun…
Level B2HistoricalA Pilgrim Maid: A Story of Plymouth Colony in 1620Amidst the perilous voyage of the Mayflower, young Constance Hopkins and her family brace themselves to forge a new life in the unknown wilderness of Plymouth Colony in 1620, where…
Level B2Children'sA Picture-book of Merry TalesIn a quaint village, the spirited young Owlglass defies expectations with his wild tricks and mischievous pranks, causing uproar among friends and neighbors alike.
Level A2Children'sA Picture Book, for Little ChildrenDelight in charming illustrations and simple scenes that spark imagination and joy for little children, inviting them to explore a world of pictures and playful learning.
Level C1PoetryA Phenomenal FaunaWhimsical verses introduce a parade of fanciful creatures—from the lively Reg'lar Lark to the mysterious Iron Spider—each blending humor, satire, and imagination in a playful explo…
Level B2Children'sA Peep Behind the ScenesIn a rain-soaked fairground, a kind old man visits Rosalie, a delicate girl living with her ailing mother in a cramped caravan, offering a picture of hope and compassion that hints…
Level B2Children'sA Patriotic SchoolgirlTwo sisters embark on a new chapter as they prepare to leave home for Brackenfield boarding school—one bold and determined, the other shy and uncertain.
Level B2Children'sA Pair of ThemIn a charming neighborhood, spirited Bonny-Gay shares her lively world with her clever dog Max and a kindly Gray Gentleman, inviting you to discover their heartwarming adventures a…
Level B2Children'sA Pair of Schoolgirls: A Story of School DaysAs a new school year begins at bustling Avondale College, a close-knit group of girls face the excitement and challenges of elections, friendships, and fresh opportunities in a liv…
Level B2Children'sA Pair of ClogsIn a smoky factory town, a devoted mother braves long, tiring journeys to keep her beloved toddler close, while the child—bright, beautiful, and cherished by all—wins hearts with h…
PoetryA Nursery Rhyme Picture Book: With Drawings in Colour and Black and WhiteDelight in a charming collection of beloved nursery rhymes brought to life with vibrant color and black-and-white illustrations, inviting children and adults alike into a whimsical…
Level C2PoetryA Nonsense AnthologyDive into a whimsical collection of playful and absurd poems, featuring nonsense verses, quirky ballads, and fantastical tales that delight with their imaginative language and humo…
Level C1Children'sA New Story Book for ChildrenA heartfelt journey unfolds as a woman reflects on her humble beginnings, inspired by her mother's kindness and unyielding faith amidst life's hardships.
Level B2Children'sA New History of Blue Beard: For the Amusement of Little Lack Beard, and His Pretty SistersTwo sisters are caught in the grip of a wealthy, fearsome nobleman known as Blue Beard, whose sinister past looms over their fate as they are swept away to his grand castle amid da…
Level C1HistoricalA Museum for Young Gentlemen and Ladies: Or, a Private Tutor for Little Masters and MissesExplore a rich tapestry of geography, history, and natural wonders as this guide introduces young readers to the diverse peoples, cultures, and marvels of the world, from the empir…
PoetryA Moral AlphabetExplore a whimsical journey through virtues and vices, where each letter reveals a moral lesson with wit and insight, inviting reflection on character and conduct in a unique poeti…
Level B2Children'sA Modern Tomboy: A Story for GirlsAt Sunnyside, Lucy Merriman prepares to welcome six new girls to her mother’s home-turned-school, promising a fresh start full of challenges, friendships, and the unexpected trials…
Level C1Children'sA Modern MadonnaAt a grand wedding, Margaret Varnum steps into a new life under the watchful eyes of her guardian and husband-to-be, Victor De Jarnette, whose stern brother quietly opposes marriag…
Level C1Children'sA Modern Cinderella; Or, The Little Old Shoe, and Other StoriesIn a quaint New England home, young Nan struggles with the endless chores and the weight of unshared burdens until a kind friend arrives with simple gifts and a comforting presence…
Level B2Children'sA Modern CinderellaA young girl named Marilla navigates a chilly kitchen and a strict household, dreaming of warmth and kindness while imagining a fairy godmother might just appear.
Level B1Children'sA Missionary TwigA young girl’s unusual habit of saving a tenth of every coin leads to unexpected lessons in generosity and responsibility, as she balances childhood play with her commitment to a m…
Level C1AdventureA Middy of the Slave Squadron: A West African StoryIn the sweltering darkness off West Africa, a British sloop named Psyche lies in wait to intercept a suspected slaver ship.
Level B2AdventureA Middy of the King: A Romance of the Old British NavyA young midshipman, recently recovered from a serious injury, prepares to join the newly launched frigate Europa, eager to serve his country and prove his courage in the old Britis…
Level C1AdventureA Middy in Command: A Tale of the Slave SquadronAmid the dawn-lit waters near the Congo, a young midshipman aboard H.
Level B2Children'sA Merry ScoutEager to prove himself a true scout, young Davy takes on snow-shoveling jobs to earn Christmas gifts for his parents, but when a frantic young lady entrusts him with her suitcase f…
Level C1PoetryA Masque of Days: From the Last Essays of Elia: Newly Dressed & DecoratedStep into a whimsical banquet where every day of the year gathers to celebrate the passing of time, from festive holidays to rainy afternoons, each with its own character and story…
Level C1HistoricalA March on London: Being a Story of Wat Tyler's InsurrectionIn a turbulent 14th-century England, a young scholar's son grapples with a society rife with serfdom and unrest, as peasants rise to challenge their harsh fate under a weak king’s…
Level C1RomanceA Man's HearthA chance encounter in a city park sparks a quiet connection between a guarded man and a mysterious woman lost in dreams of what life might hold beyond the river.
Level C1AdventureA Maid at King Alfred's Court: A Story for GirlsIn the autumnal forests of ancient Wessex, a young maiden named Egwina journeys with her aging harpist grandfather toward King Alfred’s court, hoping her song will win favor and a…
Level B2AdventureA Lucky Deal; or The 'Cutest Boy in Wall StreetStruggling to pay rent after losing their father and savings, the Hazard family faces a desperate blow when their last money goes missing—can resourceful Jack turn misfortune into…
Level B2AdventureA Loyal Little Red-Coat: A Story of Child-life in New York a Hundred Years AgoAmid the turmoil of Revolutionary-era New York, young Hazel Boniface, a proud Loyalist, navigates childhood friendships and fierce political divides, dreaming of skating lessons fr…
Level B2HistoricalA Lost Leader: A Tale of Restoration DaysAmid the turmoil of England’s Restoration, a young soldier stands witness to King Charles I's final journey, caught between loyalty and the fierce ideals of the era.