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'sThe Shield of SilenceTwo women from vastly different worlds converge at Ridge House, a mountain sanctuary shadowed by superstition and the ominous arrival of The Ship.
Level B2Children'sThe Sheep and LambA young boy faces the heartbreak of losing his beloved pet lamb to help pay his injured father's rent, but unexpected kindness from a neighbor offers hope and comfort in a gentle t…
Level C1Children'sThe ShagganappiCaught between two worlds, Fire-Flint Larocque faces the challenge of forging his identity as a "half-breed" in Eastern society, where belonging means everything and prejudice shad…
Level B2AdventureThe Shadow of the North: A Story of Old New York and a Lost CampaignIn the midst of the French and Indian War, a young Onondaga warrior sheds the ways of the white man to embrace his heritage as he navigates the perilous wilderness, where fierce ba…
Level B2HistoricalThe Shades of the Wilderness: A Story of Lee's Great StandAmid the harrowing retreat from Gettysburg, wounded soldiers and determined officers navigate mud and darkness toward the South, setting the stage for the fierce battles of the Wil…
Level C1HistoricalThe Seven Vagabonds (From "Twice Told Tales")A lone traveler encounters a mysterious wagon housing a miniature, animated world of artisans, dancers, and soldiers brought to life by a barrel-organ’s music.
Level B2MysteryThe Seven Sleuths' ClubAt a strict girls' seminary, seven friends form the Seven Sleuths’ Club to unravel mysterious happenings, sparked by Merry’s secret discovery on a blustery January day.
Level C1Children'sThe Seven Little Sisters Who Live on the Round Ball That Floats in the AirTravel the globe with seven curious sisters as they explore diverse lands and cultures, sharing stories that blend geography, history, and heartfelt lessons for young readers eager…
PoetryThe Seven Ages of ChildhoodExplore the journey from infancy to maturity through vivid, illustrated poems capturing the unique stages and emotions of childhood in seven distinct ages.
Level C1AdventureThe Settlers: A Tale of VirginiaAn old sea captain’s trophy-filled home overlooks Plymouth Sound, where two young gentlemen arrive seeking him, setting the stage for an adventurous journey from England to the New…
Level B2Children'sThe Settlers at HomeTwo hundred years ago, a vast swamp in Lincolnshire is transformed into fertile farmland by Dutch settlers, sparking conflict with locals who resist change and resent foreign tenan…
Level C1AdventureThe Settler and the SavageStranded and starving in the vast South African Karroo, young Charlie Considine encounters Hans Marais, a formidable frontier farmer.
Level B2MysteryThe Secret of Steeple RocksNewcomers explore the rugged Maine coast, where towering Steeple Rocks guard a mysterious fishing village and the restless sea.
Level B2MysteryThe Secret of Casa Grande: Mexican Mystery Stories #1Two girls arrive at a mysterious old Mexican stone house where iron bars guard the windows and secrets linger in the shadows.
Level B2AdventureThe Secret Chart; or, Treasure Hunting in HaytiTwo adventurous boys prepare for a southern sea voyage aboard a sleek yacht, only to discover an old chest containing a mysterious newspaper hinting at a legendary pirate haven off…
Level C1AdventureThe Secret Chamber at ChadUnder the moonlit skies of a grand old estate, three brothers face the quiet before a storm of family rivalry and hidden secrets.
Level B2AdventureThe Second Jungle BookIn a jungle parched by relentless drought, a young boy raised by wolves learns the ancient Law that governs survival and peace among wild creatures.
Level C1Children'sThe Second GenerationIn a bustling flour mill, a hardworking owner commands respect through strength and skill, while his stylish, nervous son returns from a different world, setting the stage for a cl…
Level B2AdventureThe Seashore Book: Bob and Betty's Summer with Captain HawesTwo children spend a summer by the seashore with Captain Hawes, an old sailor full of sea tales and curiosities.
Level C1AdventureThe Search for the Silver City: A Tale of Adventure in YucatanA young adventurer's summer plans shift when a schoolmate falls ill, leading to an unexpected invitation aboard a grand steam yacht.![Cover of The Search After Hapiness [sic]: A Tale by Charlotte Brontë](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8lcg5nmvfc73bids10.webp)
Level C1PhilosophyThe Search After Hapiness [sic]: A TaleA restless nobleman leaves his grand city behind to seek true happiness, confronting solitude and uncertainty.
Level B1FantasyThe Sea FairiesA curious girl named Trot and her sailor friend Cap’n Bill explore the mysteries of the ocean, where enchanting mermaids with haunting songs and shimmering scales may be as dangero…
Level B2AdventureThe Scranton High Chums on the Cinder Path: Or, The Mystery of the Haunted QuarryA lively group of high school friends embarks on a nut-gathering adventure in the vibrant autumn woods around Scranton, balancing their love for the outdoors with preparations for…
Level B2AdventureThe Scouts of the ValleyA lone boy paddles stealthily through the shadowed wilderness, relying on his keen senses and unmatched skill to navigate unknown waters.
Level B2AdventureThe Scouts of Stonewall: The Story of the Great Valley CampaignAmid the rugged Virginia landscape, young Confederate officer Harry Kenton navigates the trials of war, courage, and loyalty during the gripping Great Valley Campaign, where friend…
Level B2Children'sThe Scotch TwinsIn the heathered Highlands, twelve-year-old Jean Campbell fiercely manages her household and twin brother Jock, balancing chores and sibling rivalry while caring for their shepherd…
Level C1Children'sThe School-Girls in Number 40; or, Principle Put to the TestTwo schoolgirls prepare to leave their homes for boarding school, facing the bittersweet challenges of packing, parting, and stepping into new independence.
Level B2MysteryThe School by the SeaAt a lively girls' school by the sea, the arrival of a mysterious new girl disrupts the usual chaos and camaraderie, sparking curiosity and whispers among the energetic students.
Level B2Children'sThe School QueensTwin sisters Cicely and Merry Cardew live a sheltered life of luxury at Meredith Manor, unaware of the hardships beyond their privileged world.
Level C1Children'sThe School Friends; Or, Nothing NewTwo school friends from different worlds—steadfast Lance and lively Emery—navigate friendship, family duty, and social expectations at Elmerston Grammar-School, while Lance cares f…
Level C1Children'sThe School FourIn an Eastern private school, rivals unite to form a new athletic league, blending football and rowing with lessons in sportsmanship and school spirit.
Level B2FantasyThe Scarecrow of OzTrot and the one-legged sailor Cap'n Bill embark on a perilous journey to the magical Land of Oz, where friendship and adventure await among enchanting creatures and wondrous place…
Level C1AdventureThe Scalp HuntersVast prairies and untamed forests paint the backdrop for a gripping tale of survival and conflict in the American West, where hunters and Native Americans clash amid the wild, flow…
Level B2AdventureThe Sauciest Boy in the Service: A Story of Pluck and PerseveranceA spirited boy with a passion for the sea embarks on daring adventures, from mutinies and hurricanes to exotic islands and fierce battles, guided by courage and an unyielding spiri…
Level B2MysteryThe Sapphire SignetIn a quiet Charlton Street house, twins Bess and Jess befriend the mysterious new girl, Corinne Cameron, whose distant demeanor and love of books hint at secrets waiting to unfold…![Cover of The Santa Claus' Book of Games and Puzzles: A Collection of Riddles, Charades, Enigmas, Rebuses, Anagrams, Labyrinths, Acrostics, etc. With a Hieroglyphic Preface by J. H. [Publisher] Tingley](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabmo209638s73a3067g.webp)
Level C2Children'sThe Santa Claus' Book of Games and Puzzles: A Collection of Riddles, Charades, Enigmas, Rebuses, Anagrams, Labyrinths, Acrostics, etc. With a Hieroglyphic PrefaceChallenge your mind with over a hundred riddles, charades, enigmas, and puzzles—from hieroglyphic codes to labyrinths—that blend fun and instruction in a festive collection sure to…
Level B2FantasyThe Santa Claus BrowniesIn Santa Claus’s bustling workshop at the North Pole, a newly crafted Rocking-Horse Pony discovers its brown eyes just aren’t right—and will do anything to change them.
Level B2AdventureThe Safety First Club and the FloodAs a fierce winter storm looms over Plainville, Sam Parker and the Safety First Club face unexpected challenges and adventures that test their courage, friendship, and resourcefuln…
Level B2Children'sThe Safety First ClubOn a gloomy December day, restless sixteen-year-old Sam Parker wrestles with disappointment and the challenge of learning caution without losing his adventurous spirit.
Level B2AdventureThe Saddle Boys of the Rockies; Or, Lost on Thunder MountainTwo boys from different worlds—one a seasoned rancher’s son, the other a Kentucky horseman—face challenges and rivalries on the rugged plains, where horsemanship and courage define…
Level B2AdventureThe Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon; or, The Hermit of the CaveTwo adventurous boys, Frank and Bob, set out on horseback across the rugged Southwest to track down a savage wolf pack threatening their ranch.
Level B2AdventureThe Saddle Boys at Circle Ranch; Or, In at the Grand Round-UpTwo adventurous boys known as the Saddle Boys face mystery and danger on the sprawling Circle Ranch, starting with the puzzling loss of a treasured knife and leading to thrilling e…
Level C1Children'sThe Sa'-Zada TalesIn a scorching city zoo, Sa'-zada the Keeper bridges the gap between caged animals by encouraging them to share stories of their wild pasts, fostering friendship and survival amid…
Level B2Children'sThe S. W. F. ClubA determined young girl secretly writes to a distant uncle, hoping for a favor to help her ailing sister find a much-needed change.
Level B2MysteryThe S. P. MysteryJean Gordon gathers her friends for a secret club in the chilly attic, where a mysterious event demands their immediate attention.
Level C1Children'sThe Russian Grandmother's Wonder TalesStep into the rustic world of Southern Russia, where a grandmother’s folk tales weave magic, humor, and ancient wisdom into stories of foxes, enchanted birds, and transformative ad…![Cover of The Russian Garland, Being Russian Folk Tales by Robert Reynolds [Editor] Steele](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daer4uoe1ofc73dh8b0g.webp)
Level C1Children'sThe Russian Garland, Being Russian Folk TalesThree brothers set out on quests, but only the youngest, Lyubim Tsarevich, dares to seek his lost siblings and prove his worth as a future ruler—armed with a mysterious horse and a…
Level B2AdventureThe Rushton Boys at Treasure Cove; Or, The Missing Chest of GoldFour adventurous boys sail off the coast of Maine, chasing summer thrills despite an approaching storm and lurking dangers like a massive shark.