Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
4,500 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 The Mercer Boys on a Treasure Hunt, The Mercer Boys in the Ghost Patrol and The Mercer Boys at Woodcrest. 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.
- 4,500
- books
Level C1HistoricalSnow Flakes (From "Twice Told Tales")As a winter storm blankets a New England town in snow, the quiet transformation awakens reflections on nature’s power and the fleeting joys of childhood battles fought with snowbal…
Level C1Children'sSnap: A legend of the Lone MountainIn a spirited school cricket match, the captain must decide whether to play short-handed or convince the rebellious Snap Hales to join the team—despite Snap’s defiance and trouble…
Level C1FantasySnap-Dragons; Old Father ChristmasIn a lively English household, Mr.
Level B2AdventureSnagged and Sunk; Or, The Adventures of a Canvas CanoeThree adventurous boys set up camp deep in the forest, far from the usual fishing spots and guided tours, determined to explore and fish on their own terms.
Level B2AdventureSmugglers' Island and the devil fires of San MorosA spirited group of children seize an unexpected vacation to embark on a daring voyage to Smugglers’ Island, a mysterious and remote place steeped in local legend.
Level B2PoetrySmall Means and Great EndsA young girl’s yearning to be rich turns to compassion as she encounters a struggling family, learning how small acts of kindness can bring great blessings and inspire hope amidst…
Level B2Children'sSlow and Sure: The Story of Paul Hoffman the Young Street-MerchantA determined young street merchant navigates the challenges of New York city life, balancing family duties and his rising business, while a street waif struggles with loyalty and s…
Children'sSlovenly BetsyDive into a collection of lively tales where mischievous children learn valuable lessons about pride, laziness, envy, and more through charming and cautionary stories.
Level B1AdventureSlicko, the Jumping Squirrel: Her Many AdventuresIn a cozy tree nest, Slicko, a curious young squirrel, faces the dangers of hunters in the woods and embarks on lessons in survival, agility, and courage.
Level B1FantasySky Island: Being the further exciting adventures of Trot and Cap'n Bill after their visit to the sea fairiesTrot and her sailor friend Cap'n Bill embark on a fantastical journey to Sky Island, where they encounter magical companions like Button-Bright and the Rainbow's Daughter, explorin…
Level C1Children'sSkippy Bedelle: His Sentimental Progress From the Urchin to the Complete Man of the WorldA spirited boy wrestles with his aversion to girls and the confusion of growing up, navigating the awkward path from boyhood to manhood with humor and heart.
Level B1AdventureSkinny McCordAt camp, shy Skinny McCord loses his compass, sparking a lively search by his boisterous scout friends who delight in teasing him.
Level C1AdventureSkewbald, the New Forest PonyOn the sunlit plains of the New Forest, a diverse herd of ponies, from elegant racers to rugged ancient breeds, navigate the challenges of wild heath and changing seasons.
Level C1Children'sSix to Sixteen: A Story for GirlsTwo girls on the Yorkshire moors embark on a heartfelt project to chronicle their lives from childhood, exploring the joys and challenges of growing up through intimate diaries and…
Level B1AdventureSix little Bunkers at farmer Joel'sWhen the youngest Bunker, Mun Bun, embarks on mischief and the spotted Esmeralda disappears, the six Bunker siblings must navigate mystery and adventure on Farmer Joel’s lively hom…
Level B1AdventureSix little Bunkers at Uncle Fred'sFour lively Bunker siblings turn a rainy afternoon into an adventure with a homemade scooter crafted by their inventive older brother.
Level B1Children'sSix little Bunkers at Mammy June'sSix lively Bunker siblings gather around puzzles and riddles during a snowy day, as curious Violet tries to unravel the mystery of William’s mysterious illness while their older si…
Level B1Children'sSix little Bunkers at Grandpa Ford'sA young boy’s adventurous day at Grandpa Ford’s turns into an unexpected splash when a feisty crab on Clam River leads to a watery rescue and a big catch.
Level B1MysterySix little Bunkers at Grandma Bell'sSix energetic Bunker siblings transform a rainy day into an imaginative steamboat adventure, filled with riddles and playful mysteries.
Level B1AdventureSix little Bunkers at Cowboy Jack'sSix adventurous siblings face a fierce September storm at the seashore, braving thunder and lightning in an old house while inventing games to keep their fears at bay.
Level B1AdventureSix little Bunkers at Cousin Tom'sSix lively siblings gather at Aunt Jo's house for a summer filled with playful soap-bubble parties, riddles, and sweet treats—where every moment promises fun and childhood wonder.
Level B1Children'sSix little Bunkers at Aunt Jo'sSix lively siblings enjoy a summer vacation filled with playful adventures in the woods and on a homemade raft by Lake Sagatook.
Level B2FantasySix giants and a griffin, and other storiesA curious boy discovers a secret trapdoor leading to a magical blue land where industrious gnomes and solemn blue elephants await his help.
Level B1Children'sSix Little DucklingsSix playful ducklings enjoy a sunny picnic with their loving mother, who shares tales of her past life on a noisy farmyard.
Level C1Children'sSix Girls: A Home StoryBeneath a grand old beech tree in a sunlit garden, six sisters navigate the joys and restlessness of youth, dreaming of adventure beyond their quiet home.
Level B2Children'sSix Girls and the Tea RoomSix spirited girls transform their cozy city flat into a charming tea room, weaving joy and friendship through winter’s challenges.
Level B2Children'sSix Girls and Bob: A Story of Patty-Pans and Green FieldsSix lively sisters and their brother Bob navigate the cozy chaos of a tiny kitchen and a bustling household, finding warmth, humor, and togetherness amid their sunny, cramped fourt…
Level C1AdventureSir Ludar: A Story of the Days of the Great Queen BessIn 1585 London, a spirited young apprentice finds his life forever changed the day he witnesses Queen Elizabeth's royal procession, igniting a fierce loyalty and setting the stage…
Level C1FantasySintram and His CompanionsA knight battles the relentless forces of Death and Sin, aided by faith and the example of noble companions, as he struggles to conquer temptation and achieve salvation in a realm…
Level B2AdventureSinopah, the Indian BoyBorn into the vast Blackfeet camp on the plains of Montana, Sinopah's arrival signals the rise of a future chief amid a world rich with buffalo, horses, and ancient traditions.
Level B2Children'sSink or Swim; or, Harry Raymond's ResolveA determined young orator from a modest background faces the scorn of wealthier peers at Vernon High School, proving that courage and earnestness outweigh fortune.
Level B1PoetrySing-songDelight in a charming collection of whimsical nursery rhymes and gentle poems, each evoking tender moments, nature’s wonders, and childhood innocence through vivid imagery and soot…
Level B1Children'sSing a Song of SixpenceA young girl treasures a shiny sixpence, dreaming of buying a lamb and chocolates, while struggling to learn her poetry lessons and imagining the Queen’s gracious advice on life an…
Level B2AdventureSindbad the Sailor, & Other Stories from the Arabian NightsA wealthy merchant recounts his seven perilous voyages, beginning with a shipwreck on a mysterious island that turns out to be a giant sleeping sea creature.
PoetrySimple Simon: Silhouette SeriesExplore whimsical verses that capture the charm and simplicity of everyday moments, inviting readers into a world where poetry paints vivid silhouettes of life’s gentle rhythms.
Level B2PoetrySimple Poems for Infant MindsDelight in gentle poems that spark the imagination of little ones, exploring simple wonders like sailboats, dolls, birds, and ants through tender verses crafted for infant minds.
Level B2Children'sSilverthornsIn a lively household bustling with four boys and a girl, Charlotte and her gentle, clever brother Jerry navigate the chaos of family life and childhood dreams, yearning for the pe…
Level B2AdventureSilver RagsWhen a city-bred girl falls overboard in a remote Maine pond, a brave youth plunges in to save her, sparking an adventurous summer among woods, wildlife, and heartfelt friendships…
Level B2AdventureSilver LakeIn a remote wilderness, a fearless hunter leads his family and companions to build a rugged fort far from civilization’s laws and customs.
Level C1Children'sSilas MarnerIn a quiet village where superstition shadows every stranger, an isolated linen-weaver named Silas Marner lives a solitary, mysterious life, his strange craft and demeanor stirring…
Level C1HistoricalSights from a Steeple (From "Twice Told Tales")From a lofty steeple, a watchful observer surveys a vibrant town, its tranquil streets and bustling wharves, pondering the hidden lives and secrets behind every window and face ben…
Level B2AdventureShoulder to shoulderAmid the stirring Highland clans and the shadow of Napoleon’s rise, a young soldier’s journey unfolds through battles, betrayals, and daring escapes—where loyalty and courage are t…
Level B2Children'sShort stories and selections for use in the secondary schoolsDiscover a curated collection of captivating stories and selections designed to inspire young readers, offering adventures, reflections, and timeless tales that awaken curiosity an…
Level C1Children'sShort Stories of the New America: Interpreting the America of this age to high school boys and girlsExplore vivid tales that bring to life the hopes, struggles, and ideals shaping modern America, inspiring young readers to understand and engage with their nation's spirit through…![Cover of Short Stories of Various Types by Laura F. [Editor] Freck](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dagmhr6icedc739b69c0.webp)
Level C1Children'sShort Stories of Various TypesDive into a diverse collection of tales that spark adventure, humor, and human emotion—each crafted to captivate young readers with vivid settings from bustling cities to open coun…
Level C1Children'sShort Stories for High SchoolsExplore a curated collection of short stories tailored for high school readers, blending timeless classics with vibrant modern tales that capture the swift pace and diverse experie…
Level B1PoetryShining HoursStep into a world where childhood imagination and simple wonders come alive—from a little girl’s loyal love for her old doll to a curious cat’s baffling encounter with a mysterious…
Level C1AdventureShifting Winds: A Tough YarnAmid a fierce coastal storm, a fisher family's tense vigil reveals deep worries and wild emotions, while a retired naval captain reflects on his modest life and the urgent need to…