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 C1AdventureThe monkey that would not killAn unruly monkey named Tricky escapes every confinement, causing chaos and laughter alike, as no one can tame or abandon him.
Level B1Children'sThe mission-boxWhen Ida’s teacher invites every girl in her class to a party—including those from humble backgrounds—social divides and prejudices come to light.
Level B1MysteryThe missing chumsFour teenage friends set out on a summer boating adventure along the coast, but when a mysterious motorboat appears trailing them, their fun trip quickly turns into a thrilling mys…
Level C1Children'sThe mirror and the braceletA young boy named Bandhu is left alone and dying during a harsh pilgrimage in India, only to face a lurking tiger and an approaching mysterious king.
Level B2AdventureThe mid of the maintopAmidst a fierce storm off the coast of Africa, a daring midshipman falls overboard from a British frigate hunting slave traders, sparking a desperate search through fog and towerin…
Level B2FantasyThe marvellous land of SnergsIn a hidden bay where no outsider can sail, children live in a secret society devoted to removing the "superfluous" and giving them a new home.
Level B2AdventureThe marines have landedDive into the daring exploits of Dick Comstock, a young man whose fight for justice leads him from schoolyard battles to thrilling Marine Corps adventures around the globe.![Cover of The man elephant by Hartwell [Editor] James](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dafi545a8p2c739ium50.webp)
Level B2Children'sThe man elephantIn a dark African forest, Parle longs to join her brothers on a hunt but is forbidden—until the witch Ramil offers a magical solution: marry her towering elephant son who can carry…
Level C1AdventureThe man among the monkeys; or, Ninety days in apeland: To which are added: The philosopher and his monkeys, The professor and the crocodile, and other strange stories of men and animalsA skilled taxidermist and hunter inherits his father's vast menagerie of exotic animals, but dangerous adventures—including ruthless pirates and wild jungles—threaten his life as h…
Level C1AdventureThe making of a manTwo brothers from the rugged Orkney Islands face limited prospects and dream of a new life in Canada’s untamed West.
Level B1Children'sThe magic speech flower; or, Little Luke and his animal friendsOn a bright June morning, Little Luke embarks on a charming adventure through meadows and gardens, where talking birds and animals lead him to discover a magical flower and new fri…
Level B2AdventureThe lure of Piper's GlenAmid the treacherous, roaring waters of Racket River, Mark Ducat reigns as the fearless "Cock of the River," mastering perilous log drives with unmatched skill and courage.
Level B2Children'sThe luck of the bean-rows, a fairy taleAn old, childless couple discovers a mysterious, wise boy in their bean field who brings magical prosperity and wonder to their humble life, transforming their land and fortunes be…
Level B2AdventureThe loss of the SwanseaTwo young brothers set sail for America on a well-armed brig, but a restless crew and a troubled captain threaten their voyage.
Level C1Children'sThe look of the thing and other storiesIn a quiet neighborhood, gossip and appearances clash as Rebecca’s sharp tongue meets Widow White’s quiet wisdom, revealing the true meaning behind kindness, faith, and the "look o…
Level B2AdventureThe long trail: A story of African adventureTwo determined men lead a weary caravan through harsh African terrain, driven by ambition to uncover hidden riches and study untamed wildlife.
Level B2Children'sThe load of chipsA young boy, Joseph Hickie, begs for bread but is challenged to earn it by moving a heavy load of shipyard chips.
Level C1AdventureThe lively adventures of Gavin HamiltonAmid the frozen desolation of war-torn Silesia, a dashing French captain and a lone resilient soldier face starvation and relentless enemies.
Level B1Children'sThe little merchantIn a humble riverside village, young David White dreams of helping his struggling family, learning the value of hard work and kindness as he sets out with his fishing pole to earn…
Level B2FantasyThe little elves seeking the beautiful worldFour curious elves set out from their queen’s enchanted pine palace to find the fabled beautiful world beyond their cold northern home.
Level C1HistoricalThe little capAmid the 1552 siege of Metz, a disciplined and honorable soldier wrestles with poverty and the harsh realities of war, striving to protect his family and uphold his integrity in a…
Level B2HistoricalThe little book of British quadrupedsExplore the fascinating traits and stories of British quadrupeds, from the hardy Kyloe Ox of Scotland to the noble Arabian racehorse, revealing their unique roles, behaviors, and e…
Level B2Children'sThe little BarefootTwo young siblings, one barefoot and brave, wander from their village to a silent, locked house where their parents should be.
Level B2AdventureThe life story of a squirrelA young squirrel named Scud faces his first daring climbing lesson, only to find his family’s safety threatened by lurking human enemies.
Level C1AdventureThe life of a celebrated buccaneerA daring buccaneer rules a rugged island fortress, turning treacherous coves into bustling ports teeming with ships, plunder, and peril.
Level A2PoetryThe knife-grinder's budget of pictures & poetry, for boys and girlsDiscover a charming collection of pictures and poetry crafted to delight boys and girls, offering a colorful glimpse into the world of a knife-grinder and his budget of stories and…
Level B2Children'sThe key to Betsy's heartAfter losing her family and home, young Betsy embarks on a daunting journey to live with distant relatives in a grand, unfamiliar house.
Level C1PoetryThe juvenile forget-me-notIn a society where work defines worth, a country lady’s fervent quest for gentility clashes with the realities of labor and social rank, revealing the fickle nature of fashion, sta…
Level B1Children'sThe jumping kangaroo and the apple butter catKerchug, a proud leap frog, faces a daring challenge from Jumping Jehosophat, a boastful kangaroo known for his incredible jumps.
Level C1PoetryThe infant moralistExplore a vivid journey through human virtues and vices, where themes like courage, folly, and revenge unfold in striking poetic form, inviting readers to reflect on the moral fabr…
Level B1Children'sThe house with the silver doorTwo children named Silverboy and Silvergirl embark on a magical quest through forests and mountains to find a silver door for their parents, encountering a witty wizard squirrel an…
Level B1MysteryThe house on the cliffFive adventurous high school boys set out to explore the eerie, abandoned house perched on a cliff where a mysterious murder occurred, uncovering strange lights and chilling tales…
Level C1HistoricalThe history of a tame robinA young robin narrates his early life, revealing a world where birds cautiously observe their human benefactors and experience unexpected kindness.
Level C1Children'sThe history of Tabby, a favourite catA devoted mother cat named Tabby reflects on her playful youth and prepares to share the story of how she came to be cherished by her family, imparting wisdom and love to her curio…
Level B2Children'sThe high school rivalsAt Baxter High, new student James Bronson faces teasing and rivalry as he joins the prestigious Second Form, while the arrival of star athlete Bart Montgomery sparks competition an…
Level B2HistoricalThe hidden treasureIn 1527 Bridgewater, a kind-hearted baker supports a struggling family caught between old religious traditions and new beliefs, while his children face uncertain futures shaped by…
Level C1Children'sThe hermit of the forestIn the wild forest of Englewood, a solitary hermit named Honestus, broken by loss and exile, discovers two abandoned infants and must protect and nurture them amidst the wilderness…
Level B2AdventureThe hermit hunter of the wildsIn a quiet farmhouse, young Tommy Talisker drifts into a world where firewood speaks of ancient trees and seasons past, hinting at adventures waiting beyond his modest life.
Level B2Children'sThe heiress of McGregorMarion McGregor returns to her ancestral home, burdened by family hardships and a legacy tied to leased lands and old traditions.
Level B2Children'sThe heart of an orphanAn orphan girl writes heartfelt letters to her unknown mother, sharing her struggles and hopes from a crowded Christian asylum where love is scarce and the pain of separation linge…
Level C1Children'sThe happy villagers: Embellished with an engravingA retired tradesman discovers a peaceful valley where cottages thrive in harmony, and an elderly villager finds joy in family and simple rural life despite age and toil.
Level B2AdventureThe happy sixSix spirited children forge a new club, The Happy Six, as they face the exciting possibility of a sea voyage from sunny California to Europe, blending adventure with friendship and…
Level B2Children'sThe happiness of HazelbrookIn the humble village of Hazelbrook, a widowed mother and her children face daily struggles with courage and faith, as young Katie learns the true meaning of duty, patience, and th…
Level B2RomanceThe handsome BrandonsAmidst the fading glory of Castle Brandon and the shadow of the fierce De Lacys of Angry, a struggling family clings to their ancestral lands and secrets.
Level B1MysteryThe great airport mysteryTwo brothers visit a new airport near their hometown, only to witness a daring and dangerously erratic airplane landing that hints at a thrilling mystery unfolding from the skies a…
Level B2AdventureThe golden story bookIn the tense days before Waterloo, young Jean le Grand must race against time to warn the English General of a deadly trap, facing danger, betrayal, and impossible odds on a desper…
Level C1Children'sThe golden spears, and other fairy talesTwo children living near a mountain called the "Golden Spear" cherish their home and its wild birds, playing in meadows and climbing heather-clad slopes while awaiting the return o…
Level B1Children'sThe golden ruleIn a charming rural setting, young Charley Monson exemplifies kindness and politeness, showing how simple acts of goodness brighten lives and inspire others.