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 C1Children'sA London Baby: The Story of King RoyOn a sunlit summer evening near Hyde Park, a radiant baby known as King Roy captures the heart of a stranger, sparking a tale of love, loss, and a father's ambition to elevate his…
Level C1AdventureA Little WizardA determined boy clings to his family's legacy after the ravages of war leave their estate in ruins and their status diminished.
Level B2HistoricalA Little Union ScoutA young college graduate discovers a hidden scrapbook revealing tales of Captain Frank Leroy, a daring Union scout seen as hero or villain depending on the side.
Level C1RomanceA Little Traitor to the South: A War Time Comedy with a Tragic InterludeAmid the Civil War's fierce loyalties, a proud Southern woman grapples with love and defiance, caught between two men—one a steadfast hero, the other a reckless rogue—while the sha…
Level B1Children'sA Little Question in Ladies' RightsWhen Margery overeats bananas and faces Effie's stern warnings, a debate erupts about respect and roles within the household, challenging childhood assumptions about servants and f…
Level B2Children'sA Little Queen of Hearts: An International StoryTwo brothers, Harold and Ted, navigate their complex emotions and family ties amid unexpected challenges, as secrets and heartfelt decisions lead them on a poignant journey of grow…
Level B2PoetryA Little Present for a Good ChildDiscover a charming collection of nature-inspired verses that celebrate animals, seasons, and simple joys, inviting young readers into a world of gentle lessons and playful imagery…
Level B2Children'sA Little Mother to the OthersFour imaginative children named after Greek legends spend their days in a magical, fruit-laden garden where they explore nature, tell stories, and find joy in flowers, stars, and t…
Level B2Children'sA Little Miss Nobody; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood HallA lonely girl with no known family or past struggles to find her identity and place among the monogram-obsessed students at Higbee School.
Level B2PoetryA Little Girl to her Flowers in VerseA young girl celebrates the beauty and charm of flowers through heartfelt verses, inviting readers to explore nature’s colorful wonders and the divine artistry behind them.
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl of Long Ago; Or, Hannah Ann: A Sequel to a Little Girl in Old New YorkIn 1846 New York, eleven-year-old Hanny Underhill navigates a world on the brink of change, filled with family warmth, historical reflections, and the excitement of a Valentine bal…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old WashingtonA young girl from Kentucky navigates the complexities of a blended family in early 19th-century Washington, caught between rival loyalties and the hopes of a new home filled with c…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old St. LouisIn the budding frontier town of old St.
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old San FranciscoA young girl embarks on a long journey from a quiet Maine village to the bustling, evolving city of San Francisco, carrying with her memories, dreams, and the weight of family hard…
Level C1HistoricalA Little Girl in Old SalemIn a sunlit Salem home, Chilian Leverett, a refined Harvard graduate burdened by family duties, prepares for unexpected visitors from Boston, stirring memories and tensions amid th…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old QuebecIn the rugged early days of Quebec, a spirited young girl defies expectations and dreams of freedom beyond the fortress walls, while a hopeful newcomer navigates the wild landscape…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old PittsburgAmid the hopeful stir of a small colonial town, a young girl grapples with the thrilling news of Cornwallis’s surrender, caught between her grandfather’s skepticism and the promise…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old PhiladelphiaIn a Quaker household in old Philadelphia, spirited Primrose faces the challenges of growing up amid strict rules and uncertain futures.
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old New YorkA young girl faces the big city and a new life as her family prepares to leave the countryside for bustling New York, discovering the charm and challenges of a world filled with gr…
Level C1HistoricalA Little Girl in Old DetroitIn a frontier Detroit marked by French and English struggles, a young girl named Jeanne Angelot is raised by a freed Indian woman, weaving through a world of shifting loyalties, my…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old ChicagoA weary father and his young daughter arrive at a struggling settlement on the outskirts of Old Chicago, seeking a fresh start amid uncertain times.
Level C1HistoricalA Little Girl in Old BostonIn post-Revolutionary Boston, young Doris navigates the tensions of faith, family expectations, and social change as she settles into a new home under the watchful eyes of her Puri…
Level B2Children'sA Little Florida LadyA spirited young girl named Beth faces a big move from snowy New York to sunny Florida, bringing along her mischievous charm and a secret kitten.
Level B2HistoricalA Little Dusky HeroIn the sweltering heat of Tampa, a ragged young boy named George Washington McKinley Jones arrives, determined to prove his heroism despite his hardships.![Cover of A Little Colored Boy, and Other Stories by Methodist Book Concern [Publisher]](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf8floe1ofc73dhcehg.webp)
Level B2Children'sA Little Colored Boy, and Other StoriesIn a warm-hearted rural home, a spirited boy named Ned learns the meaning of responsibility and kindness through gentle guidance and the simple joys of nature, music, and helping o…
Level B2FantasyA Little Boy LostIn a remote desert paradise, young Martin finds joy among sunflowers, animals, and his carpenter father's craft, but an unexpected discovery in his pinafore sets him on a journey w…
Level B2Children'sA Little Book of Profitable TalesIn a forest stirred by celestial wonders, a humble little tree becomes the center of an angelic celebration and a divine mystery, as stars dance and heavenly music fills the night,…
Level C1Children'sA Little Book for ChristmasDiscover heartfelt Christmas reflections, personal adventures, meditations, and stories that celebrate the enduring spirit of goodwill and joy across generations, inviting readers…
Level B2HistoricalA Lincoln ConscriptAs the Civil War rages around Gettysburg, a patriotic village rallies its young men for military drills, but tensions rise when a boy with a controversial family background joins t…
Level B2Children'sA Life's EclipseA humble under-gardener boldly declares his love for the landowner’s daughter, but faces harsh rejection and rivalry from a more favored suitor.
Level C1HistoricalA Lady of England: The Life and Letters of Charlotte Maria TuckerDiscover the devoted life and letters of Charlotte Maria Tucker, a missionary whose tireless work in England and India reveals the challenges, hopes, and deep friendships behind he…
Level B2AdventureA Lad of MettleAt Redbank School, where athletic prowess and honor reign, young Edgar Foster faces down the notorious Bully Rakes, proving his quiet strength and setting the stage for a tale of c…
Level C1AdventureA Knight of the White Cross: A Tale of the Siege of RhodesAmidst the fierce battles between Christian knights and Ottoman forces, a young nobleman joins the legendary Knights Hospitallers, defending Rhodes against a relentless siege.
Level C1Children'sA Kindergarten Story BookThree brothers quarrel over a clever pony until their father challenges them to fill a leaky basket with water from a pond, setting the youngest, often teased Dunny, on a surprisin…
Level B2FantasyA Kidnapped Santa ClausIn the joyful Laughing Valley, Santa Claus and his magical helpers craft toys to spread happiness to children everywhere—until the bitter Daemons of the nearby mountain plot to cap…![Cover of A Jolly Jingle-Book by Laura [Compiler] Chandler](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daeoveoe1ofc73dh7kpg.webp)
Level B1PoetryA Jolly Jingle-BookDelight in whimsical poems that capture the playful imagination and bedtime adventures of childhood, where dolls quarrel, dreams dance, and simple joys like a rubber ball spark end…
Level B2AdventureA Jolly FellowshipSixteen-year-old Will Gordon embarks on an adventurous journey aboard a steamship, accompanied by his youthful friend Rectus.
Level B2AdventureA Jacobite Exile: Being the Adventures of a Young Englishman in the Service of Charles the Twelfth of SwedenAmidst the fierce Jacobite loyalties and political intrigues of early 18th-century England, a young Englishman embarks on daring adventures in the service of Charles XII of Sweden,…
Level C1Children'sA Hundred Anecdotes of AnimalsDiscover remarkable stories of animals showing unexpected intelligence, loyalty, and emotion—from an elephant adopting a child after a tragic event to a dog faithfully carrying a l…
Level C1Children'sA Houseful of GirlsSix talented sisters navigate sisterhood, ambitions, and daily antics in a lively household on the edge of London, each determined to master her own craft while dreaming of futures…
Level C1Children'sA Houseful of GirlsIn a bustling household of sisters, the stirrings of first love ignite a mix of excitement, rivalry, and growing pains, as they navigate the thrilling yet daunting threshold betwee…
Level C1Children'sA House of PomegranatesOn the eve of his coronation, a young king torn from a humble past finds solace and wonder in the dazzling beauty of his new palace, setting out on secret journeys to uncover the m…
Level B2Children'sA House Party with the Tucker TwinsTwo weeks at a grand country estate bring the Tucker Twins and their friends together for a lively house party filled with new faces, old friendships, and unexpected challenges—lik…
Level B2AdventureA Horse's TaleFollow the adventures of Buffalo Bill’s horse, a swift and savvy scout who knows the frontier like the back of his hoof, as he navigates battles, trails, and the wild landscapes of…![Cover of A Hoodoo Machine; or, The Motor Boys' Runabout No. 1313. by Stanley R. [Adapter] Matthews](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf69uge1ofc73dhbqh0.webp)
Level B2MysteryA Hoodoo Machine; or, The Motor Boys' Runabout No. 1313.Three boys chase a wildly uncontrolling runabout tagged with double unlucky number 1313, uncovering a mysterious machine that defies reason and threatens chaos on the road.
Level B1Children'sA Hive of Busy BeesTwo children, Don and Joyce, face a summer without their usual farm visit as their parents plan a fishing trip.
Level C1HistoricalA Heroine of France: The Story of Joan of ArcAmidst the despair of a France overshadowed by English conquest and a slumbering king, whispers of a mysterious young maiden claiming divine purpose stir hope.
Level B2AdventureA Hero of RomanceTrapped indoors on a gloomy half-holiday, young Bertie Bailey faces the tedious punishment of copying lines from Paradise Lost under the watchful eye of a stern usher.