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 B2FantasyThe Water-BabiesA chimney-sweep named Tom endures a harsh life in a grim northern town, dreaming of better days while facing cruel masters and rough streets.
Level B2AdventureThe War-Trail Fort: Further Adventures of Thomas Fox and PitamakanAs the mighty American Fur Company collapses, a young trader and his loyal friend face a new frontier of independence and adventure, venturing beyond trading posts into the wild pl…
Level C1AdventureThe War Trail: The Hunt of the Wild HorseJourney through the wild landscapes of Anahuac, where war and love intertwine amid rugged mountains and fiery battles.
Level B2AdventureThe Wanderers; Or, Adventures in the Wilds of Trinidad and OrinocoA family uprooted by financial ruin seeks refuge in Trinidad, risking faith and fortune under a foreign edict protecting settlers.
Level C1AdventureThe Walrus Hunters: A Romance of the Realms of IceIn the icy wilderness where Eskimos and Indians cautiously share hunting grounds, a young Eskimo hunter’s quiet pursuit of prey is interrupted by the sudden crack of a rival's gun,…
Level C1FantasyThe Wallypug in LondonA whimsical creature known as the Wallypug embarks on a lively adventure through London, encountering charming characters and delightful escapades.
Level C1Children'sThe Walcott TwinsTwo lively twins face a bittersweet summer when their aunts and uncle insist on separating them for their mother's health.
Level B2AdventureThe Wagner Story Book: Firelight Tales of the Great Music DramasBy gazing into the fire’s glowing depths, a child and storyteller unlock magical visions of gods, heroes, and enchanted treasures, revealing timeless adventures hidden in flickerin…
Level B2AdventureThe Voyages of the "Ranger" and "Crusader": And what befell their Passengers and Crews.As young midshipmen prepare to set sail from home, they face the thrilling uncertainties of life at sea aboard the troop-ship Ranger, while their families embark on a daring coloni…
Level B2FantasyThe Voyages of Doctor DolittleA young boy in a small riverside town dreams of adventure beyond the horizon, befriending curious locals and animals along the way.
Level B2AdventureThe Voyage of the HoppergrassFour boys set sail on the large cat-boat "Hoppergrass," gathering unexpected passengers for a week-long river cruise filled with adventure, pirates, and the challenges of life at s…
Level C1RomanceThe Voyage of the AuroraIn a quiet coastal village where smuggling thrives, Lucy Walford, a spirited young woman with golden curls and a sharp temper, navigates the challenges of love and family legacy am…
Level B2AdventureThe Voyage of the "Steadfast": The Young Missionaries in the PacificAmid a fierce storm on the Welsh coast, a young girl anxiously watches for signs of a ship in peril, while hoping her father’s sturdy vessel, the Steadfast, sails safely through th…
Level C1HistoricalThe Vision of the Fountain (From "Twice Told Tales")A young newcomer to a quiet village discovers a mysterious crystal spring where a fleeting, enchanting vision of a water-nymph captivates his imagination, drawing him into a world…
Level B2Children'sThe Vision of Dante: A story for little children and a talk to their mothersLost in a dark forest, a frightened man named Dante encounters terrifying beasts blocking his path to a shining mountain.
Level C1Children'sThe Violet Fairy BookStep into a realm where ancient tales come alive, filled with enchanted forests, mysterious creatures, and timeless magic passed down through generations.
Level C1FantasyThe Village of Youth, and Other Fairy TalesA young king, terrified of aging, banishes all elders to create the Village of Youth, but his fear casts a shadow over his happiness and kingdom.
Level B2FantasyThe Village of Hide and SeekA mysterious vagabond arrives at a sunlit country estate, charming a group of children with promises of enchanting tales from his travels.
Level C1HistoricalThe Village Uncle (From "Twice Told Tales")An old man on Thanksgiving night reflects by the fire, conjuring vivid memories of his village, loved ones, and the wild seaside life that shaped his past.
Level B2AdventureThe Village ChampionA determined young man breaks free from a life of deceit and hardship, uncovering his true identity and a mysterious valise he must not open for a year and a day.
Level B2Children'sThe Vicar's DaughterA vicar’s daughter is asked to continue a beloved family story, chronicling her own life and encounters in London’s poorest parishes.
Level C1Children'sThe Vicar of WakefieldA humble country vicar balances faith, family, and farm life with quiet dignity amidst changing fortunes and simple pleasures.
Level B2Children'sThe Very Small PersonA fastidious woman returns home to find her carefully chosen house next to a lively family with five rambunctious children, led by the charming and mischievous Little Blue Overalls…
Level B2Children'sThe Velveteen RabbitA shy velveteen rabbit longs to become real through the love of a child, discovering that true magic lies in being cherished despite wear and tear.
Level C1AdventureThe Vee-Boers: A Tale of Adventure in Southern AfricaA group of Boers, driven from their homes after British annexation, embark on a perilous trek through the harsh, treeless Karoo toward a promised grazing paradise in the Tebelé ter…
Level C1HistoricalThe VarmintA mischievous boy with a tangled past arrives at a strict boarding school, armed with secrets and a rebellious spirit.
Level C1Children'sThe Vagaries of Tod and PeterTwo spirited boys navigate childhood’s timeless adventures, blending mischief and curiosity in a world where play remains sacred and the child’s perspective challenges grown-up exp…
Level C1Children'sThe Unseen Hand; or, James Renfew and His Boy HelpersAn orphaned, lame boy arrives at a Pennsylvania farm in 1792, carrying only a Bible he cannot read and the memory of his dying mother’s kiss.
Level C1AdventureThe Two Whalers; Or, Adventures in the PacificA young boy from Deal dreams of the sea while his brother Bill returns from thrilling voyages across the Indian Ocean, China, and the Pacific.
Level B2AdventureThe Two Supercargoes; Or, Adventures in Savage AfricaAfter a deadly fever claims the captain and most of the crew on an African trading voyage, the surviving supercargoes face suspicion, pirates, and moral dilemmas in a perilous ques…
Level B2Children'sThe Two Story Mittens and the Little Play Mittens: Being the Fourth Book of the SeriesChildren eagerly follow letters from their brother at Camp Ellsworth while their mother reads stories about playful adventures and cherished dolls, weaving warmth, laughter, and im…
Level C1Children'sThe Two Sides of the ShieldIn a modest London home, a troubled father and his thoughtful daughter face uncertain futures amid family complexities and youthful hopes, where duty, love, and mischief intertwine…
Level B2AdventureThe Two ShipmatesA young mate returns to port after a long voyage aboard the trading brig Amity, navigating both the dangers of the sea and the challenges of loyalty and rivalry among sailors.
Level C1MysteryThe Two Magics: The Turn of the Screw, Covering EndIn a chilling tale of ghostly visitations, a governess recounts terrifying encounters with apparitions haunting two children in an old house, blending eerie suspense with haunting…
Level B1HistoricalThe Two Goats and the Sick MonkeyTwo goats meet on a perilously narrow mountain ridge, unable to pass each other without risking a deadly fall; their clever solution reveals surprising cooperation in the wild.
Level B2Children'sThe Two Elsies: A Sequel to Elsie at NantucketIn a picturesque Hudson River setting, young Evelyn cares for her ailing father while navigating family tensions and social expectations.
Level B2Children'sThe Two Doves, and Other Tales.: Holiday tales, translated from the German.Two devoted siblings, Marian and Henry, learn the deep bond of togetherness through their shared love for a pair of doves whose sorrow when separated mirrors their own.
Level B2Children'sThe Twins, and How They Entertained the New Minister: A FarceTwin siblings Bobby and Betty turn the mundane task of answering the doorbell into a playful competition, all while entertaining the new minister with their charming antics and wit…
Level B2MysteryThe Twin Ventriloquists; or, Nimble Ike and Jack the Juggler: A Tale of Strategy and JuggleryA master ventriloquist encounters a mysterious rival when a centuries-old mummy seemingly speaks in a museum, sparking a thrilling contest of strategy and vocal trickery that blurs…
Level B2Children'sThe Twin CousinsTwo spirited twin cousins plan a grand birthday party, navigating Auntie Prim’s stern rules and the challenges of inviting neighborhood children.
Level A2Children'sThe Twelve Months of the Year, with a Picture for each Month.: Adapted to Northern LatitudesExplore the changing seasons and gentle lessons woven through each month, from winter’s cold to summer’s warmth, encouraging kindness, obedience, and faith in a simple, illustrated…
Level A2Children'sThe Twelve Magic ChangelingsDiscover a delightful craft adventure where beloved characters magically transform as you fold and paste, bringing stories like Mary and her lamb, Humpty Dumpty, and more to life t…
Level C1PoetryThe Twelve Labours of Hercules, Son of Jupiter & AlcmenaDriven by Juno’s wrath, a young Hercules undertakes twelve monumental labors—from slaying the fearsome Nemean Lion to capturing the golden apples guarded by dragons—each test revea…
Level C1Children'sThe Turning of the Tide; Or, Radcliffe Rich and His PatientsRadcliffe Rich, a spirited scholar and athlete, faces a sudden calamity that awakens his dormant strength and resolve.
Level B2Children'sThe Turner TwinsTwin brothers embark on a spirited journey to a distant school, navigating challenges and camaraderie with humor and determination.
Level C1Children'sThe Turmoil: A NovelIn a sprawling midland city consumed by smoke and ambition, diverse crowds converge driven by an insatiable hunger for wealth and growth.
Level C1RomanceThe Triumph of JillAs her ailing father’s final days slip away, Jill faces a lonely future armed only with her art and determination.
Level B2Children'sThe Triple Alliance, Its Trials and TriumphsAt a small preparatory school, a new boy named Diggory Trevanock arrives, sparking curiosity and camaraderie among his classmates.