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 B2AdventureThe Children's Hour, Volume 3 (of 10): Stories from the ClassicsDive into epic tales of gods, heroes, and adventure where giants roam, battles rage, and legendary voyages unfold across strange lands.
Level C1PoetryThe Children's Garland from the Best PoetsDiscover a carefully curated collection of poems chosen to delight and inspire children while offering layers of meaning for all ages, featuring timeless verses that have truly ple…
Level B2Children'sThe Children on the Top FloorIn a bustling apartment house, young Betty Randall faces challenges caring for her crippled brother, Jack, while forging a new friendship with Winifred, who hopes to bring kindness…
Level B2Children'sThe Children of the ValleyWhen little Ally mysteriously disappears from the valley, her family embarks on a frantic search filled with whispers of fairies and secret hill children.
Level B2HistoricalThe Children of the New ForestAmidst the turmoil of the English Civil War, four young orphans find refuge and guidance in the wild New Forest, guarded by a loyal forester who teaches them survival and courage a…
Level B2FantasyThe Children of the CastleTwin sisters Ruby and Mavis live in a grand, ancient castle by the sea, where the fierce cliffs contrast with sunny lawns.
Level B2Children'sThe Children of Wilton ChaseAt Wilton Chase, spirited Ermengarde defies her governess’s rules while her sensible sister Marjorie navigates family tensions and sibling loyalty.
Level B2HistoricalThe Children of CupaA family plans a healing summer camping trip to Warner's Hot Springs, nestled in an Indian village soon to be taken from its native inhabitants.
Level B2HistoricalThe Childhood of RomeIn a village beneath the Mountain of Fire, young Marcia weaves baskets amid a community rooted in ancient customs and the legacy of their ancestor Mars.
Level B1PoetryThe Child's Story-Book. Second Series—No. 4Gentle tales and poems explore kindness, nature, and simple joys through children’s eyes—a compassionate boy questions cruelty, a girl cherishes robins, and a little rabbit brings…
Children'sThe Child's Picture BookDiscover a charming collection of simple words and vivid images that introduce children to everyday objects, animals, and scenes from around the world, sparking curiosity and early…
Level B2AdventureThe Child of the Moat: A Story for Girls. 1557 A.D.In 1557 England, a troubled parish priest confronts eerie churchyard hauntings and bitter village feuds after a dying woman’s curse leaves her child vulnerable.
Level B2Children'sThe Child and the Dream: A Christmas StoryA bright young Child, eager to find the perfect Christmas gift, embarks on a heartfelt journey of storytelling and dreams, where unexpected voices and charming characters reveal th…
Level A2Children'sThe Child Who Died and Lived AgainA grieving father pleads with Jesus to save his dying twelve-year-old daughter, only to be told she is dead—yet Jesus insists she only sleeps, promising a miraculous awakening that…
Level C1Children'sThe Chief Justice: A NovelJourney to a remote Austrian province where tradition, law, and society intertwine through vivid storytelling.
Level C1HistoricalThe Chevalier's daughterBorn into a noble family shadowed by religious persecution in 17th-century Normandy, a young woman recounts her family's struggles and exile for their steadfast faith.
Level B2AdventureThe Century World's Fair Book for Boys and Girls: Being the Adventures of Harry and Philip with Their Tutor, Mr. Douglass, at the World's Columbian ExpositionTwo boys and their tutor embark on an unexpected adventure to the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, guided by a mysterious cable from one boy’s father.
Level B2AdventureThe Cave of Gold: A Tale of California in '49Two young men ride into the wild, untamed valleys of 1848 California, drawn by terrifying screams and the promise of gold.
Level B2AdventureThe Cave in the Mountain: A Sequel to In the Pecos CountryTwo boys camped in the wilderness face a mysterious wolf whose strange behavior leads them on a daring chase toward a secret cave hidden deep in the mountains, promising adventure…
Level A2AdventureThe Cave Boy of the Age of StoneIn a time when caves are home and wild goats are pets, two brothers and their family navigate the challenges of survival, hunting, and the untamed beauty of the ancient forest arou…![Cover of The Cat and the Mouse: A Book of Persian Fairy Tales by Hartwell [Editor] James](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabjug09638s73a2of6g.webp)
Level B2Children'sThe Cat and the Mouse: A Book of Persian Fairy TalesIn a Persian city, a mighty cat prowls the wine cellar where a drunken mouse boasts bravely—sparking a fierce encounter that reveals themes of pride, repentance, and unexpected mer…
Level B2Children'sThe Cat and Fiddle Book: Eight Dramatised Nursery Rhymes for Nursery PerformersStep into a whimsical boarding house where a cow, dog, and a vain cat with her lumpy fiddle engage in playful banter about music, jumping over moons, and dinner fusses, bringing nu…
Level B2Children'sThe CatDiscover the secret world of a Persian cat family through the eyes of a curious kitten named Loki, as they navigate the whims and wonders of their human companions and their own my…
Level C1AdventureThe CastawaysA recovering naval officer embarks on the clipper ship City of Cawnpore, seeking health and renewal on a voyage to Calcutta.
Level C1AdventureThe CastawaysStranded in a small boat on a tropical sea after a shipwreck, six survivors—including a determined captain and his two children—grapple with starvation, despair, and the haunting p…
Level B2AdventureThe Cash BoyA young boy, raised unknowingly apart from his true family, faces hardship and mystery as he leads a baseball club and cares for his ailing mother, all while uncovering the secrets…
Level B2FantasyThe Carved LionsIn a grim industrial town, young Geraldine and her brother Haddie navigate the challenges of modest means and childhood dreams, where the longing for a brighter, fairytale-like cou…
Level C1Children'sThe Carved CupboardFour sisters face upheaval when their aunt’s home is taken over by a scheming cousin, forcing them to choose between independence and unity as they plan a new life together away fr…
Level B2AdventureThe Carter Girls' Week-End CampA family transforms their mountain home into a bustling weekend camp to save their finances and find joy amid hardship, while navigating new friendships and the challenges of runni…
Level B2Children'sThe Carter Girls' Mysterious NeighborsAs the Carter family moves to a countryside farm to aid their father's recovery, the responsible eldest sister Douglas takes charge, while the younger girls face the challenges of…
Level B2Children'sThe Carter GirlsWhen their father falls ill with a mysterious condition beyond the reach of doctors' diagnoses, the Carter sisters must band together to help him recover through rest and a daring…
Level B2Children'sThe Carroll GirlsFour sisters face the struggles of poverty and change as their once-grand life fades into hardship, with the eldest bearing the weight of keeping their family together.
Level B2Children'sThe Carpenter's DaughterIn a humble home shadowed by hardship, a determined young girl and her weary mother face the challenge of welcoming a new boarder, while clinging to hope and faith amid their daily…![Cover of The Captain's Story; or, The Disobedient Son by William S. [Adapter] Martin](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf5c0ge1ofc73dhbfjg.webp)
Level B2Children'sThe Captain's Story; or, The Disobedient SonAn old captain returns after forty years to the ruins of his childhood home, reflecting on a life marked by disobedience, hardship, and loss.
Level B2Children'sThe Captain's Bunk: A Story for BoysIn a secluded fishing village, two mischievous naval captain's sons stir up trouble and challenge their tutor's patience, offering a lively glimpse into boyhood adventures and smal…
Level C1AdventureThe Captain of the Wight: A Romance of Carisbrooke Castle in 1488Amid the turbulent dawn of the Renaissance, a noble knight rises as Captain of the Isle of Wight, leading fearless men through chivalrous battles and courtly intrigue in 1488 Engla…
Level B1FantasyThe Candy CountryA spirited girl named Lily is whisked away by a gust of wind to a magical land where trees, houses, and even people are made entirely of candy.
Level B2Children'sThe Candle and the CatA spirited little girl named Caro finds comfort only in the glow of a light, fearing the dark that surrounds her.
Level B2MysteryThe Campfire Girls on Station Island; Or, The Wireless from the Steam YachtWhen a spirited radio concert raises funds for a hospital, three friends seek summer adventure beyond their small town, only to be drawn into a mysterious wireless message that pro…
Level B2AdventureThe Campers Out; Or, The Right Path and the WrongThree boys plot a daring escape from their strict teacher and dream of heading West to hunt Native Americans, fueled by stolen watches and wild schemes.
Level B2AdventureThe Campaign of the Jungle; Or, Under Lawton through LuzonAmid scorching jungles and relentless battles, two brothers join General Lawton's daring campaign through Luzon, facing fierce insurgents and treacherous terrain in a fight for vic…
Level B2AdventureThe Camp in the Foot-Hills; or, Oscar on HorsebackA young hunter sets out on a rugged expedition to collect specimens for a museum, facing isolation, harsh weather, and the loneliness of the wilderness.
Level B1AdventureThe Camp Fire Girls on the March; Or, Bessie King's Test of FriendshipAt Camp Sunset, the spirited Camp Fire Girls face rivalry and unexpected challenges, testing their friendships and courage amidst the lingering smoke of a nearby forest fire.
Level B2AdventureThe Camp Fire Girls on the Farm; Or, Bessie King's New ChumTwo new Camp Fire Girls from different worlds—one city, one country—prepare for a surprising adventure at a farm unlike any they’ve known, where friendship and fresh challenges awa…
Level B2AdventureThe Camp Fire Girls on a YachtA spirited invitation promises a summer cruise aboard a yacht, where youthful friends set sail from City Island to explore the New England coast.
Level B2AdventureThe Camp Fire Girls in the Mountains; Or, Bessie King's Strange AdventureA group of determined Camp Fire Girls embrace independence, self-reliance, and the spirit of pioneer women as they face challenges in the wilderness, proving that strength and cour…
Level B2MysteryThe Camp Fire Girls at the Seashore; Or, Bessie King's HappinessAfter a devastating fire nearly destroys their camp, a determined group of Camp Fire Girls refuse to give up, facing mysterious threats and forging new bonds as they rebuild their…
Level B2AdventureThe Camp Fire Girls at Long Lake; Or, Bessie King in Summer CampAt a summer farm camp, the spirited Camp Fire Girls navigate friendships, playful rivalries, and farm chores under the watchful eye of their Guardian.