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 B2PoetryThe Diverting History of John Gilpin: Showing How He Went Farther Than He Intended, and Came Safe Home AgainA frugal London linendraper sets off on a holiday ride with his family, but his horse has other plans, galloping wildly and sending John on an unexpected, riotous adventure beyond…
Level B2RomanceThe Disputed V.C.: A Tale of the Indian MutinyAmidst the looming chaos of the Indian Mutiny in 1857, young ensign Ted Russell grapples with his brother Jim’s unexpected infatuation with a spirited young woman, challenging thei…
Level B2AdventureThe Dingo Boys: The Squatters of Wallaby RangeThree adventurous boys arrive at the rough frontier town of Port Haven, eager to stake their claim and explore the wild Australian inland.
Level C1Children'sThe Diary of a Goose GirlEscaping city life, a young woman embraces the simple joys of rural England as a Goose Girl, tending to geese, rabbits, and hares in a quaint village untouched by time.
Level B2AdventureThe Deep Sea Hunters: Adventures on a WhalerTwo adventurous boys discover that the old, abandoned whaling ship Hector is being refitted for a cruise, sparking their imaginations and setting them on a thrilling journey into t…
Level B1PoetryThe Death and Burial of Cock RobinA whimsical assembly of birds takes part in the funeral of Cock Robin, each stepping forward to claim a role in his burial.
Level B2PoetryThe Deaf Shoemaker: To Which Are Added Other Stories for the YoungIn a world where every soul embarks on a tempestuous voyage towards eternity, a noble hero’s fearless rescue amid a fiery shipwreck offers hope—and a life-preserver named Christ.
Level C1GothicThe Dead Secret: A NovelIn a shadowed Cornish estate, servants whisper of a dying lady and a mysterious past marked by sorrow and secrets.
Level C1PoetryThe Day Before YesterdayChildhood fantasies come alive in a dusty attic cupboard transformed into a pirate ship, where paper boats sail enchanted seas and mice become fierce rats, inviting readers to reli…
Level C1Children'sThe Dawn of a To-morrowIn the foggy streets of London, Antony Dart wakes each day trapped in a relentless cycle of exhaustion and despair, struggling against a mind tormented by unyielding pressure and e…
Level B2Children'sThe Daughters of the Little Grey HouseThree young women navigate the delicate transition from girlhood to womanhood in a warmhearted family home, discovering the true meaning of maturity, friendship, and self-discovery…
Level C1Children'sThe Daughters of a GeniusWhen a gifted but impractical artist dies, his numerous orphaned children face an uncertain future, prompting distant relatives to confront family duty, social differences, and hid…
Level B2HistoricalThe Daughter of the Chieftain : the Story of an Indian GirlIn the contested Wyoming Valley during the American Revolution, young Alice Ripley finds joy and innocence amid the harsh realities of frontier life and colonial conflict.
Level B2Children'sThe Daughter of a Soldier: A Colleen of South IrelandOn a sunlit summer day in rural Ireland, young Maureen, daughter of a fallen soldier, navigates life at Templemore Rectory amid family joys and the shadow of a new, unsettling step…
Level B2AdventureThe Dash for Khartoum: A Tale of the Nile ExpeditionAmid the turmoil of the Nile Expedition, two lads raised as brothers face a reckless choice fueled by youthful impulse and secrecy.
Level B2AdventureThe Dare Boys with General GreeneThree young patriots on a scouting mission through the South Carolina wilderness face danger from Cherokee warriors incited by the British.
Level B2AdventureThe Dare Boys of 1776On the historic day the Declaration of Independence is to be signed, two brave brothers face threats and tensions from loyalist youths in a city buzzing with revolutionary fervor.
Level B2AdventureThe Dare Boys in VirginiaIn the warm woods of Virginia, three young patriots—Dick, Tom Dare, and Ben Foster—join a regiment determined to track down the traitor Benedict Arnold and turn the tide of the Rev…
Level B2AdventureThe Dare Boys in VincennesTwo daring brothers navigate war-torn America on secret missions, racing through enemy lines and untamed wilderness to deliver vital messages.
Level C1PoetryThe Daisy, or, Cautionary Stories in Verse.: Adapted to the Ideas of Children from Four to Eight Years Old.Charming cautionary tales in verse invite children aged four to eight into a world of playful lessons and delightful illustrations, blending humor and wisdom to teach kindness, hon…
Level C1Children'sThe Dairyman's DaughterA humble dairyman's daughter reveals the profound faith and grace found among the poor, sharing a heartfelt journey of spiritual transformation and hope amidst life's trials and lo…
Level C1AdventureThe Curse of Carne's Hold: A Tale of AdventureA seemingly charming estate hides a dark curse feared by locals, while the village of Carnesford thrives quietly nearby.
Level B2Children'sThe Curly-Haired HenOn Mother Etienne’s sprawling farm, a devoted hen named Yollande surprises everyone by nurturing a brood of ducklings, sparking a charming tale of unlikely family and tender care a…
Level B2Children'sThe Curious Book of BirdsDiscover a whimsical world where birds shape the very earth, weaving ancient fancies and truths about their role in nature and human imagination.
Level B2FantasyThe Cuckoo ClockIn an ancient house where time seems frozen, young Griselda arrives to awaken long-hidden secrets and magical mysteries whispered by the rooks and shadows.
Level C1AdventureThe Crystal Hunters: A Boy's Adventures in the Higher AlpsA spirited boy embarks on a daring Alpine adventure guided by a seasoned Englishman and a local mountain expert, discovering the breathtaking heights and hidden dangers of the Swis…
Level C1RomanceThe Cryptogram: A Story of Northwest CanadaIn the vast, untamed wilderness of 19th-century Canada, a young fur trader embarks on a perilous winter journey from Fort Royal to Quebec, navigating brutal landscapes and hidden d…
Level C1AdventureThe Cruise of the Thetis: A Tale of the Cuban InsurrectionTwo old schoolmates reunite in London: Jack, a shipbuilder struggling with his health, and Carlos, a patriotic Cuban tobacco heir with ties to the island’s turbulent fight for free…
Level B2AdventureThe Cruise of the Snowbird: A Story of Arctic AdventureAmid the bleak Highland winter, young laird Allan McGregor contemplates the faded glory of his ancestral castle and the hardships that have stripped his family of wealth and power.
Level B2AdventureThe Cruise of the Sally DA boy trapped under his stepfather's control finds hope in Uncle Ben's offer to escape the harsh life aboard the dilapidated schooner Sally D.
Level C1AdventureThe Cruise of the Gyro-CarA young British diplomat returns home to meet his adventurous brother, the sole owner of a revolutionary gyro-car, as they prepare for a daring journey across the wild and untamed…
Level C1AdventureThe Cruise of the FrolicSet sail on the "Frolic" and join a lively crew navigating the thrills and challenges of yachting during a grand regatta, where camaraderie, competition, and the timeless beauty of…
Level B2AdventureThe Cruise of the DolphinA Rivermouth boy’s lifelong dream comes true when he joins friends in buying a sailboat, the Dolphin, embarking on daring river adventures and a thrilling excursion to Sandpeep Isl…
Level B2AdventureThe Cruise of the "Lively Bee"; Or, A Boy's Adventures in the War of 1812As the War of 1812 erupts, a young boy joins the crew of the "Lively Bee," setting sail from New York Harbor amid patriotic fervor and the looming threat of British naval dominance…
Level C1AdventureThe Cruise of the "Esmeralda"A seasoned sailor returns home to find his mother in dire financial straits after failed investments.
Level C1AdventureThe Cruise of the "Dainty"; Or, Rovings in the PacificStranded in a relentless Pacific calm aboard the schooner Dainty, a determined crew and their passengers face sweltering heat and restless anticipation.
Level C1PoetryThe Crooked Man and Other RhymesDive into a charming collection of playful rhymes and whimsical verses that capture the imagination with bright, lively language and delightful twists.
Level B2Children'sThe Crofton BoysIn a bustling London home beside the Thames, the lively Proctor children navigate family life, school lessons, and dreams of adventure, as spirited siblings clash over future paths…
Level B2Children'sThe Crimson SweaterA determined new boy arrives at Ferry Hill School wearing a striking crimson sweater, sparking rivalry and curiosity as he faces challenges on the football field and from the schoo…
Level B2MysteryThe Crimson PatchSeventeen-year-old Patricia Meade moves into a stiff hotel suite for three months, grappling with her mother’s nervous breakdown and her father’s secret mission tied to a vital gov…
Level C1Children'sThe Crimson Fairy BookA determined prince must prove himself worthy by uncovering the secret of the mysterious three bulrushes, embarking on a journey filled with magical creatures and ancient tales fro…
Level B2Children'sThe Crimson BannerAt Belmont College, a mysterious letter demands the surrender of cherished old cannons, sparking a spirited challenge that unites students around the thrilling world of college bas…
Level B2AdventureThe Cricket's Friends: Tales Told by the Cricket, Teapot, and SaucepanIn a cozy hearthside club, a cricket introduces curious new members—a traveled spider, a caterpillar, and a wasp—each bringing their own tales and temperaments to this whimsical ga…
Level C1Children'sThe Cricket on the Hearth: A Fairy Tale of HomeIn a cozy hearth-lit home, a stubborn kettle’s antics spark a whimsical tale filled with warmth, laughter, and a mysterious visitor, inviting readers into a charming world where ev…
Level C1AdventureThe Crew of the Water WagtailSet sail with a ragtag crew bound for Norway, where treacherous storms and a captain’s battle with drink turn a daring voyage into a desperate fight for survival on the wild Atlant…
Level C1RomanceThe Coxswain's Bride; also, Jack Frost and Sons; and, A Double RescueAs a fierce hurricane threatens the western shores, Sturdy Bob, the brave coxswain of the Greyton lifeboat, prepares to face wild seas and storms, all while his heart is anchored b…
Level A2PoetryThe Cowslip; Or, More Cautionary Stories, in VerseTender lessons unfold through charming verses as children navigate mischief, kindness, and learning—from sharing stories and facing punishment to discovering courage and compassion…
Level B2PoetryThe Courtship, Marriage, and Pic-Nic Dinner of Cock Robin & Jenny Wren: With the Death and Burial of Poor Cock RobinFollow the whimsical journey of Cock Robin and Jenny Wren as they navigate courtship, marriage, a festive picnic, and the unexpected trials that follow, brought to life with charmi…