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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Level B2HistoricalThe Guns of Shiloh: A Story of the Great Western CampaignAmid the chaos of a crushing defeat, young Northern soldier Dick Mason grapples with despair as his army retreats, setting the stage for a gripping tale of courage and conflict in…
Level B2HistoricalThe Guns of Bull Run: A Story of the Civil War's EveAs winter snow blankets a Kentucky town on the eve of the Civil War, two cousins—one destined to fight for the South, the other for the North—face divided loyalties amid the brewin…
Level B2AdventureThe Gun Club boys of LakeportTwo brothers venture through a fierce snowstorm in the wilderness surrounding Lakeport, uncovering family secrets and facing challenges that test their courage and resourcefulness…
Level B2Children'sThe GuardsmanOn a misty Halloween night, a group of boys in Fairweather plot a mischievous prank against a cobbler selling flea-ridden puppies, sparking a secret adventure filled with youthful…
Level C1Children'sThe Ground-AshIn the wild woods of Hampshire, two spirited children, Harry and Bessy Leigh, live a humble but hopeful life amid nature’s beauty and hardship.
Level A2Children'sThe Grocery Man And Peck's Bad Boy: Peck's Bad Boy and His Pa, No. 2 - 1883Mischief and mayhem abound as a crafty boy and his hapless pa navigate hilarious pranks, family squabbles, and small-town antics.
Level C1FantasyThe Greylock: A Fairy TaleIn a land of ruins and mystery, a valiant knight discovers a beautiful woman bound by chains and trapped by a fierce spirit demanding her hand in marriage.
Level B2AdventureThe Greycliff Girls in CampA group of adventurous girls set off on a thrilling summer journey through Niagara, Toronto, and the White Mountains, guided by their English teacher, before arriving at a Maine ca…
Level C1Children'sThe Grey Fairy BookJourney through a magical world of enchanted dresses, clever escapes, and timeless fairy tales from across the globe.
Level C1AdventureThe Green Hand: Adventures of a Naval LieutenantA young minister's son defies his strict upbringing to embark on a daring naval apprenticeship, facing the harsh realities of life at sea.
Level B2Children'sThe Green Forest Fairy BookStep into a magical world where fairyfolk, talking trees, and enchanted creatures still roam green forests, and discover the lost wonder tales once sung by The Golden Bird—tales of…
Level B2Children'sThe Green Fairy BookJourney through enchanting tales from around the world where witches turn men into swine, giants roam, and magic rings grant invisibility—stories that have thrilled children and ad…
Level B2FantasyThe Green DoorIn a quiet old house, curious Letitia is forbidden from opening a mysterious little green door that holds secrets beyond her imagination.
Level B2Children'sThe Green Casket, and other storiesA young girl named Ruth embarks on a new life as an under-housemaid at the grand Tower House, where an old-fashioned lady takes a personal interest in her training.
Level C1Children'sThe Green BoughIn a quiet Devon village, Mary Throgmorton’s life unfolds as a poignant testament to the struggles and sacrifices of women bound by society’s harsh laws.
Level B1AdventureThe Great Red FrogA magical mishap transforms a young king into a red frog, while a cunning imposter seizes the throne.
Level A2Children'sThe Great Panjandrum HimselfDive into a vibrant collection of charming pictures and lively songs, perfect for young imaginations to explore colorful stories and delightful sketches that bring each tale to lif…
Level B2MysteryThe Great Oakdale MysteryTwo boys and their hunting dog explore forbidden woods, seeking game and adventure while navigating friendship, school pressures, and unexpected challenges on a crisp autumn day.
Level B2AdventureThe Great Cattle TrailEighteen-year-old Avon Burnet, a skilled Texas cowboy, prepares to drive a massive herd of cattle north across the wild frontier, facing rugged landscapes, Indian threats, and the…
Level B1Children'sThe Great Big Treasury of Beatrix PotterFour mischievous rabbits explore the world beyond their cozy home, but curious Peter Rabbit’s daring adventure into Mr.
Level A2Children'sThe Graymouse FamilyIn a cozy attic home, the Graymouse family navigates the challenges of winter and a prowling cat while finding warmth in each other's company and the cheerful noise of the giant ch…
Level B2AdventureThe Grateful Indian, and Other StoriesIn the rugged wilderness of North America, a family settles among diverse Indian tribes and faces unexpected dangers when a wounded Ojibway seeks refuge from a hostile Sioux war pa…
Level B1Children'sThe Grasshopper StoriesA young boy named Billy learns valuable lessons about honesty and kindness with the help of a wise, talking grasshopper who guides him through everyday challenges and the importanc…
Level B2Children'sThe Grammar School Boys of Gridley; or, Dick & Co. Start Things MovingIn a lively grammar school, the prank-loving boys face the stern principal known as "Old Dut," whose unexpected humor and strict discipline spark mischievous plans and schoolroom a…
Level B2AdventureThe Grammar School Boys in Summer AthleticsOn a perfect June day, a group of schoolboys relish the joys of nature and friendship while preparing for an intense summer baseball season, where teamwork and skill will determine…
Level B2AdventureThe Grammar School Boys Snowbound; or, Dick & Co. at Winter SportsA group of schoolboys clash on the ice, where rivalries and youthful egos collide amid winter sports adventures.
Level C1Children'sThe Governess; Or, The Little Female AcademyIn a quaint northern English school, a devoted governess guides nine young girls through lessons in knowledge, manners, and kindness, nurturing their minds and hearts despite perso…
Level B2AdventureThe Gorilla HuntersTwo old friends reunite with tales of adventure from the Pacific, but their reunion sparks a daring new plan that promises thrilling exploits and unexpected challenges.
Level C1Children'sThe Gorgon's Head: (From: "A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys")A lively group of children, guided by the thoughtful youth Eustace Bright, embark on a nutting expedition that sets the stage for enchanting retellings of timeless classical myths,…
Level B2PoetryThe Goop Directory of Juvenile Offenders Famous for their Misdeeds and Serving as a Salutary Example for all Virtuous ChildrenDiscover a whimsical directory of mischievous children whose naughty habits serve as playful warnings—each verse revealing the amusing antics of a Goop and guiding young readers to…
Level A2Children'sThe Goody-Naughty BookJoin Honor Bright and his lively farm friends as they learn lessons of kindness, honesty, and forgiveness through everyday adventures, from caring for geese to making peace with a…
Level B1FantasyThe Good WolfA poor but cheerful boy named Barty befriends a talking Good Wolf in the deep forest, who promises loyalty to well-behaved children but warns of fierce consequences for the naughty…
Level B2AdventureThe Good Ship RoverTwo adventurous boys, bound by friendship and dreams of the sea, explore a beautifully crafted model ship while longing to escape their sheltered nursery and experience the ocean's…
Level B2PoetryThe Good ResolutionOn her fourteenth birthday, Isabella grapples with an angry temper that clouds her happiness and strains family bonds.
Level A2Children'sThe Good GirlA dutiful and curious young girl learns the value of kindness, hard work, and respect as she explores her home, garden, and the natural world around her, discovering simple joys an…
Level B2FantasyThe Golden-Breasted Kootoo, and Other StoriesA music-obsessed king who cannot carry a tune embarks on a whimsical quest to learn singing by consuming a magical pie made from all the singing birds in the world—if he can gather…
Level C1Children'sThe Golden Shoemaker: or 'Cobbler' HornIn a humble workshop in Cottonborough, “Cobbler” Horn faces the heartbreak of his wife’s final hours while striving to comfort their young daughter Marian, whose innocent wishes an…
Level C1Children'sThe Golden ScarecrowSent away from his distant home to a strict English village school, frail and awkward Hugh Seymour struggles to fit in while dreaming of sporting glory he feels far from achieving.
Level C1AdventureThe Golden RoadA mysterious pedler with a bright yellow van arrives in town, bringing with him tales, music, and dreams that captivate two local children.
Level C1Children'sThe Golden RoadA group of spirited children band together during a stormy winter to create their own newspaper, turning ordinary days into adventures filled with imagination, friendship, and the…
Level C1AdventureThe Golden MagnetIn the sun-drenched Andes, the majestic Incas guard a temple of dazzling gold and precious stones, unaware that the arrival of greedy Spanish conquistadors threatens to shatter the…
Level B2Children'sThe Golden HouseA weary group of travelers, including a fierce bear and a desperate mother with her baby, seek refuge at a humble cottage known as the golden house, where kindness and suspicion in…
Level C1HistoricalThe Golden Grasshopper: A story of the days of Sir Thomas GreshamAmid the political and religious turmoil of 1551 Antwerp, a royal agent navigates intrigue, persecution, and desperate pleas for help, revealing the harsh realities behind the city…
Level B2Children'sThe Golden Goose BookA kind-hearted Simpleton wins a magical golden goose that causes anyone who touches it to stick fast, leading to a hilarious procession that might just break a serious princess’s u…
Level B2AdventureThe Golden Dream: Adventures in the Far WestIn a dazzling cavern of pure gold, Ned Sinton discovers a strange society of golden people who celebrate the mysterious power of California.
Level B2AdventureThe Golden CanyonStranded and desperate, a group of adventurers races through harsh terrain in search of a legendary golden valley hidden within a treacherous canyon.
Level B1MysteryThe Golden Boys at the Haunted CampWhen a mysterious visitor offers a strange proposition, two brothers find themselves drawn into the eerie mystery of a lakeside camp haunted by ghostly rumors that have frightened…
Level B2MysteryThe Golden Boys Rescued by RadioTwo inventive brothers in a small Maine town create a groundbreaking wireless device, sparking excitement and mystery as they test its range and potential.