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 Little Lady of the HorseA curious young girl and her loyal companion explore the mysteries of their coastal world, from the shimmering sea to the secrets of aging, in a tender tale of friendship, discover…
Level B1Children'sThe Little Indian WeaverIn a Navajo village, young Bah dreams of crafting a doll from a corn ear while learning the art of weaving from her mother.
Level C1Children'sThe Little Hunchback ZiaA deformed boy named Zia flees a cruel home, hiding by day and wandering by night, haunted by fear and rejection.
Level B2Children'sThe Little Grey HouseIn a quaint little grey house surrounded by wild prairie, determined siblings face the challenge of taming their overgrown lawn and supporting their inventive, dreamer father whose…
Level B2FantasyThe Little Green GoblinA rebellious boy, weary of school and chores, is visited at midnight by a quirky little green goblin who challenges his understanding of the world.
Level B2AdventureThe Little Gold Miners of the Sierras and Other StoriesOrphaned and determined, three young siblings navigate the rugged Sierra foothills, panning for gold and chasing freedom amidst dust, wild animals, and the harsh realities of front…
Level B2FantasyThe Little Glass Man, and Other StoriesStep into a magical world where the Fairy Queen publishes enchanting tales gathered from across Europe, and meet Gogul Mogul, a devoted fairy eager to share the mysterious story of…
Level B2Children'sThe Little Girl Who Was Taught by ExperienceLeft without her mother’s guidance, little Lucy grows vain and stubborn, mistaking beauty for worth and indulging selfish desires—until a wise aunt offers a chance for Lucy to lear…
Level B2AdventureThe Little Girl Lost: A Tale for Little GirlsA lively English girl grows up in a bustling British compound in Peking, navigating friendships across cultures and languages while exploring a world very different from England.
Level B1AdventureThe Little Gingerbread ManA mischievous gingerbread man springs to life and dashes away from the kitchen, sparking a chaotic chase through the garden involving a sleepy cat, a startled dog, and a determined…
Level B2Children'sThe Little GentlemanIn a struggling working-class neighborhood, spirited Melina Berryman defies her harsh grandmother and neighborhood taunts while navigating school, illness, and unexpected friendshi…
Level B2Children'sThe Little Fig-tree StoriesIn a garden where blossoming trees debate their fate, four young fig trees struggle with their mysterious lack of flowers, longing to understand their nature and earn their place i…
Level B2HistoricalThe Little Duke: Richard the FearlessIn 943 Normandy, young Richard, heir to Duke William, grows up under the care of loyal vassals in the rugged Castle of Bayeux, where ancient customs and fierce loyalties shape his…
Level A2Children'sThe Little Dog Trusty; The Orange Man; and the Cherry Orchard; Being the Tenth Part of Early Lessons (1801)Two brothers face a broken basin of milk and a choice between honesty and fear.
Level B2Children'sThe Little Colonel's House PartyIn a picturesque Kentucky valley, an eleven-year-old girl known as the Little Colonel prepares for a summer filled with friendship, family pride, and the charm of old Southern trad…
Level B2Children'sThe Little Colonel's HolidaysIn a grand Southern mansion, the spirited Little Colonel hosts a vibrant house party filled with friends, adventures, and summer delights.
Level B2HistoricalThe Little ColonelA spirited young girl and her lively terrier arrive at a grand Kentucky estate, stirring curiosity in the stern old colonel who guards its grounds.
Level B2AdventureThe Little ClownAn eight-year-old boy with no memory of his family faces an uncertain Christmas holiday when his school suddenly closes and no one comes to meet him.
Level B2Children'sThe Little Brown Hen Hears the Song of the Nightingale & The Golden HarvestA barnyard insists on all birds speaking one language, but the little brown hen discovers the true wisdom of listening to the nightingale’s beautiful song instead, teaching lessons…
Level C1PoetryThe Lion's Masquerade: A Sequel to The Peacock at HomeStep into a whimsical world where animals host grand masquerade balls, blending charm and satire in elegant verse and vivid engravings.
Level C1AdventureThe Lion of the North: A Tale of the Times of Gustavus AdolphusAmid the raging floods of 1630 Scotland, a determined youth risks the deadly waters to guide two horsemen safely across a swollen river, setting the stage for a harrowing tale of c…
Level B2AdventureThe Lion of Saint Mark: A Story of Venice in the Fourteenth CenturyIn 14th-century Venice, a young English boy navigates a city of shimmering canals and shadowy councils, caught between the proud republic’s fierce independence and the looming thre…
Level C1RomanceThe Lion and the Mouse; a Story of an American LifePowerful railroad directors clash over a legal battle that threatens their empire, exposing the ruthless greed behind the industry’s grip on America.
Level C1HistoricalThe Lily's Quest (From "Twice Told Tales")Two lovers set out to build their dream summer-house, a Temple of Happiness, in a picturesque spot where joy and innocence will flourish—only to face the shadow of past sorrows tha…
Level C1AdventureThe Lily of LeydenAmid the turmoil of 1574 Leyden, a city scarred by siege and strife, the noble Jaqueline—known as the Lily of Leyden—stands poised between duty and danger as the Dutch struggle for…
Level B2AdventureThe Lily and the Cross: A Tale of AcadiaCaught in a fog aboard a modest schooner bound for Louisbourg, a young captain, a mysterious French priest, and a spirited youth embark on a voyage steeped in secrets and adventure…
Level C1Children'sThe Lilac Fairy BookStep into a magical world where timeless fairy tales from across Europe come alive, filled with enchanted creatures, brave heroes, and wondrous adventures passed down through gener…
Level B2AdventureThe LighthouseTwo fishermen brave the treacherous Bell Rock, a notorious hazard lurking beneath the waves, as a fierce storm has just passed, leaving wreckage and danger in its wake.
Level B2Children'sThe Light Princess and Other Fairy StoriesA princess is born without gravity, floating through life both literally and figuratively, thanks to a spiteful aunt's curse.
Level B2FantasyThe Light PrincessA princess cursed to float weightlessly, unable to touch the ground or feel gravity’s pull, challenges the royal family’s hopes and fears as they seek to break her strange enchantm…
Level B2AdventureThe Light Keepers: A Story of the United States Light-house ServiceAmidst fog and crashing waves, veteran lighthouse keepers confront a mysterious boat approaching their isolated station, testing their courage and camaraderie in the wild sea.
Level C1AdventureThe LifeboatIn the gritty, bustling heart of London’s docklands, a shipowning firm hides stories of ambition, hardship, and survival amid the squalor and noise.
Level B2AdventureThe Life of a ShipA young fisher boy dreams of sailing beyond the horizon and gets his first glimpse of a mighty ship under construction.
Level B2Children'sThe Life of Robert Louis Stevenson for Boys and GirlsDiscover the daring adventures behind the construction of Scotland's most dangerous lighthouses, where engineers face wild seas and rugged wilderness to build beacons that save cou…
Level C1HistoricalThe Life and Perambulations of a MouseTrapped by a fierce winter at Meadow Hall, a lively group entertains themselves by sharing life stories—until a surprising request comes from an unexpected guest: a talking mouse e…
Level C1FantasyThe Life and Letters of Lewis Carroll (Rev. C. L. Dodgson)Explore the fascinating life behind the whimsical worlds of Lewis Carroll, revealing the man’s boyish amusements, academic achievements, and the inspirations that gave birth to Won…
Level B2AdventureThe Life and Adventures of Santa ClausIn the enchanted Forest of Burzee, a curious wood-nymph named Necile yearns for a life beyond the serene woods.
Level B2AdventureThe Life and Adventures of Poor PussFollow the daring escapades of Poor Puss, a mischievous farm cat who braves traps, dogs, and boys’ cruelty while mastering the art of hunting and navigating the challenges of both…
Level C1HistoricalThe Life Savers: A story of the United States life-saving serviceDiscover the heroic evolution of the United States Life-Saving Service, from early volunteer efforts to a disciplined, nationwide force dedicated to rescuing shipwreck victims alon…
Level B2AdventureThe Liberty Boys Running the Blockade; or, Getting Out of New YorkIn occupied New York, young patriots known as the Liberty Boys navigate British spies and secret signals, turning the tables on their enemies as they plan a daring escape.
Level C1Children'sThe Legend of the Bleeding-heartIn a forest where all things speak, a kind old Flax-spinner raises an orphan girl, Olga, weaving magic from her own heart's blood to protect her.
Level C1HistoricalThe Legend of Sleepy HollowIn a quiet valley steeped in eerie legends and haunted by the spectral Headless Horseman, a sleepy Dutch settlement harbors mysterious dreams and ghostly tales that blur the line b…
Level C1MysteryThe Legacy of CainInside the walls of an English prison, a governor recounts the chilling case of a woman condemned for the cold-blooded murder of her husband—a tale of passion, premeditation, and t…
Level B2Children'sThe Leader of the Lower School: A Tale of School LifeOn a gloomy afternoon at a girls' boarding school, the arrival of a mysterious, confident new girl named Gipsy stirs curiosity and promises to shake up the quiet routine.
Level B2MysteryThe Launch Boys' Cruise in the DeerfootA courageous youth preparing for West Point finds his routine walk home through dark pine woods disrupted by mysterious figures and a shadowy follower, stirring fears that somethin…
Level B2MysteryThe Launch Boys' Adventures in Northern WatersTwo adventurous boys are drawn into a thrilling chase against post office robbers along the Maine coast, using their speedy motorboat to outwit criminals in a high-stakes game of c…
Level C1FantasyThe Laughter of Peterkin: A retelling of old tales of the Celtic WonderworldAwaken beneath a moonlit poplar, Peterkin glimpses tiny, laughing moonshine-folk dancing among the leaves, their mysterious songs echoing ancient Celtic magic.
Level C1Children'sThe Laughing Prince: Jugoslav Folk and Fairy TalesIn a world where three brothers follow different paths, the youngest, Stefan, finds joy and magic in farm life, charming animals and telling stories, all while facing his skeptical…