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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- books
Level B2AdventureThe Last of the Peterkins: With Others of Their KinThe Peterkin family embarks on a series of humorous and chaotic adventures far from home, as Elizabeth Eliza struggles to capture their misadventures in a paper for her club—amid s…
FantasyThe Last of the HuggermuggersIn a whimsical world where mysterious creatures called Huggermuggers roam, an extraordinary adventure unfolds that challenges the boundaries between reality and imagination.
Level B2AdventureThe Last of the Flatboats: A Story of the Mississippi and Its Interesting Family of RiversA group of determined boys embark on a thrilling adventure along the Mississippi, battling river challenges and uncovering mysterious creatures beneath the water’s surface.
Level B2AdventureThe Last of the Chiefs: A Story of the Great Sioux WarTwo brothers journey across the harsh, sun-scorched plains toward California, battling exhaustion, rough company, and relentless heat in hopes that the mountains will bring healing…
Level B2Children'sThe Last Penny and Other StoriesA struggling shoemaker’s love is tested as his sickly daughter wastes away, while his indulgence in small comforts drains the family's scarce resources.
Level C1HistoricalThe Last Look: A Tale of the Spanish InquisitionIn 16th-century Seville, a young girl’s innocent faith challenges the imposing Bishop whose troubled past haunts his visit to her family’s beautiful mansion.
Level B2AdventureThe Last Cruise of the Spitfire; or, Luke Foster's Strange VoyageA boy orphaned and mistreated by his guardian escapes a harsh life to embark on his first sea voyage aboard the Spitfire, where harsh realities clash with his dreams of adventure o…
Level B2AdventureThe Land of the Kangaroo: Adventures of Two Youths in a Journey through the Great Island ContinentTwo adventurous youths embark on a thrilling journey through the vast and mysterious Australian continent, encountering its unique landscapes, bustling cities, and untamed wilderne…
Level B2FantasyThe Land of the Blue FlowerIn a land once ruled by cruelty, a newborn king is hidden away in a mountain castle by a wise guardian who teaches him to understand the harmony between nature and power.
Level B2FantasyThe Land of OzIn the mysterious Land of Oz, a spirited boy named Tip lives under the watchful eye of the enigmatic sorceress Mombi.
Level B2AdventureThe Land of MysteryFour explorers navigate the mysterious upper Xingu River, encountering strange tribes and deadly dangers as they venture deeper into the hidden wilderness of Matto Grosso.
Level C1Children'sThe Land of Lost ToysIn a nursery where toys meet untimely fates, mischievous Sam stages a grand show recreating the city of Lisbon on the morning of a historic day, inviting his steadfast sister Dot t…
Level B2AdventureThe Land of Fire: A Tale of AdventureA thrilling adventure unfolds as a daring captain recounts his courageous exploits from battlefields to wild frontiers, drawing readers into a world of bravery, peril, and the call…
Level B2AdventureThe Lance of Kanana: A Story of ArabiaIn a fierce Bedouin tribe where valor is measured by the sword, Kanana stands apart—refusing to fight and branded a coward.
Level B2Children'sThe LamplighterA lonely, neglected girl finds small moments of warmth watching the lamplighter bring light to her dark, harsh world.
Level B1AdventureThe Lakewood boys on the Lazy STwo adventurous brothers race against a fierce storm on their electric boat, facing sudden danger on the lake.
Level B1AdventureThe Lakewood boys in the frozen NorthStranded after their shipwreck in the icy North, the Lakewood boys face fierce blizzards, wild timber wolves, and unexpected allies as they struggle to survive and make their way b…
Level B1AdventureThe Lakewood boys in the South Sea islandsTwo adventurous boys are unexpectedly invited by their uncle to join a daring voyage to the mysterious South Sea Islands, promising thrilling encounters and the unknown.
Level B2AdventureThe Lady of the Forest: A Story for GirlsTwo curious girls explore the mysterious forest surrounding their ancient family estate, where legends of a hidden Lady of the Forest stir their imaginations and hint at secrets wa…
Level A2Children'sThe Ladder to LearningEmbark on a charming journey through the alphabet where each letter unlocks a world of animals, names, and simple words, making early learning a delightful adventure for young read…
Level B2AdventureThe Knights of the White Shield: Up-the-Ladder Club Series, Round One PlayIn a cozy barn chamber overlooking the Missigatchee River, a group of spirited boys form the Knights of the White Shield, embarking on adventures filled with friendship, secret mee…
Level B2AdventureThe Knights of the Round Table: Stories of King Arthur and the Holy GrailJourney to the heart of ancient England where legends breathe life into Glastonbury Tor, and discover the tales of King Arthur, his noble knights, and the quest for the Holy Grail…
PoetryThe Kitten's Garden of VersesDelight in whimsical poems that capture the playful adventures and curious musings of kittens, blending humor and charm in a garden of imaginative verse.
Level B2Children'sThe Kitchen Cat, and other TalesIn a gloomy London nursery, lonely Ruth longs for a friend beyond her unresponsive dolls and distant father.
Level B2Children'sThe Kitchen Cat and Other StoriesIn a gloomy London nursery, lonely Ruth longs for a friend to share her days with, as toys and distant parents fail to fill the silence.
Level B2AdventureThe King's SonsFour Saxon princes grow strong under the watchful eyes of their king and fierce protector, learning swordplay and preparing for the looming threat of Norse invaders.
Level C1HistoricalThe King's DaughtersIn 1556 Colchester, the lives of women intertwine over the choice of gowns and fabrics, revealing secrets, social tensions, and whispers of heresy in a world where every decision c…
Level B1Children'sThe King's Daughter and Other Stories for GirlsA young girl dreams of being a princess, but her mother reveals the harsh realities faced by royalty through the true story of Marie Antoinette’s daughter, imprisoned during the Fr…
Level B2HistoricalThe King's Cup-BearerAmid the fragrant gardens and sparkling rivers of ancient Shushan, a Jewish foreigner rises to power in the Persian king’s magnificent palace.
Level C1Children'sThe King of the Golden RiverIn a hidden mountain valley blessed by the shimmering Golden River, three brothers face the mysterious Southwest Wind, Esquire, who disrupts their peaceful lives—setting the stage…
Level B2Children'sThe King of Root Valley: and his curious daughterIn a hidden valley live tiny Rootmen, whose curious princess longs to explore the giant world beyond.
Level B2FantasyThe King of Gee-WhizIn a city far from the sea, twins Zuzu and Lulu Pickle are born with startling green and blue hair, the result of their father's mysterious experiments.
Level B2HistoricalThe Kiltartan History BookJourney through ancient Ireland’s rich tales of legendary tribes, master craftsmen, and cunning women who shape fate with wit and wisdom in a land where love and invention define s…
Level B2AdventureThe Khaki Boys over the Top; Or, Doing and Daring for Uncle SamFive comrades in the trenches brace for a daring dawn assault, their camaraderie tested amid the tense shadows of wartime.
Level B2AdventureThe Khaki Boys at the Front; or, Shoulder to Shoulder in the TrenchesFive young soldiers forge an unbreakable bond as they navigate training, friendship, and the harsh realities of World War I, preparing to face the front lines in war-torn France.
Level B2AdventureThe Khaki Boys at Camp Sterling; Or, Training for the Big Fight in FranceAt Camp Sterling, eager young recruits answer the call to serve Uncle Sam in the big fight overseas, driven by patriotism and the thrill of adventure.
Level B2AdventureThe Khaki Boys Fighting to Win; or, Smashing the German LinesAmid distant bombardments and tense moments in a bomb-proof dugout, a group of khaki-clad soldiers prepare for relentless battles against German forces, sharing camaraderie, braver…
PoetryThe Keepsake: or, Poems and Pictures for Childhood and YouthDelight in a charming collection of poems and illustrations that explore childhood lessons, seasons, and timeless tales of curiosity, patience, and growth through the eyes of young…
Level C1AdventureThe Kangaroo Hunters; Or, Adventures in the BushA grieving rector struggles to overcome his loss and wavering faith, torn between staying in his parish or embracing missionary work in distant lands.
Level B2Children'sThe Junior TrophyA boy arrives at a snowy mountain academy for the first time, facing new friendships and challenges amid wintry adventures.
Level B2Children'sThe Junior Classics, Volume 9: Stories of To-dayA young boy learns life lessons from Uncle Remus through charming stories filled with humor and wisdom, exploring themes of cleanliness, family, and growing up in a lively, heartfe…
Level A2Children'sThe Junior Classics, Volume 8: Animal and Nature StoriesFollow the adventures of Little Cyclone, a spirited grizzly cub from Alaska, as he bravely faces capture and life among other young bears in the bustling New York Zoological Park’s…
Level C1HistoricalThe Junior Classics, Volume 7: Stories of Courage and HeroismDive into true tales of bravery spanning history—from the heroic stand of Catherine Douglas to the daring adventures of a kidnapped boy among Native Americans—each story vividly br…
Level B2AdventureThe Junior Classics, Volume 6: Old-Fashioned TalesAmid a vibrant winter scene near Amsterdam, townsfolk and visitors gather for a thrilling silver skate race on a flawless frozen plain, where diverse characters in colorful costume…
Level B2AdventureThe Junior Classics, Volume 5: Stories that never grow oldDive into timeless tales of adventure and courage, from shipwrecked survival and fantastical voyages to heroic quests and daring escapades, all woven into a rich collection that sp…
Level C1HistoricalThe Junior Classics, Volume 4: Heroes and heroines of chivalryEnter a world of knights and legendary quests, where young pages train to become noble warriors, mastering chivalry, combat, and honor in tales of King Arthur, Robin Hood, and Don…
Level B2Children'sThe Junior Classics, Volume 3: Tales from Greece and RomeJourney into the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome, where legendary heroes like Theseus, Ulysses, and Aeneas face epic adventures, mythical creatures, and timeless struggles of war…
Level B2Children'sThe Junior Classics, Volume 2: Folk Tales and MythsDive into a world where gods and giants clash, and the very earth is crafted from a giant’s body.