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 B2Children'sPolly's senior year at boarding schoolReturning as seniors to Seddon Hall, Polly and Lois navigate the excitement and challenges of their final year, balancing old friendships with new faces amid the vibrant autumn set…
Level B2Children'sPolly's first year at boarding schoolThirteen-year-old Polly leaves her quiet New England life to face the bustling halls of Seddon Hall boarding school, where new friendships, mysterious teachers, and the challenges…
Level B2RomancePolly's Business VentureReturning to America with a mysterious wireless message in hand, Polly Brewster navigates friendship, flirtation, and the thrill of a secret admirer aboard an Atlantic liner—where…
Level B2Children'sPolly of Pebbly PitOn a remote farm nestled in a volcanic crater, young Polly tends to her beloved burro, Noddy, whose near-tragic accident reveals the deep bond between them and the wild, untamed la…
Level C1Children'sPolly and the PrincessAt the June Holiday Home, young Polly Dudley visits her ailing friend Miss Sterling, whose mysterious illness and fading beauty stir whispers and hopes among the residents.
Level C1Children'sPolly Oliver's ProblemIn a quaint New England village, a spirited young girl navigates childhood adventures and challenges, drawing inspiration from the picturesque surroundings and her close-knit famil…
Level A2Children'sPolite bunnyPretty Bunny Manners, eager to practice good manners, receives an invitation from her lonely Aunt Etiquette and prepares for a special visit filled with kindness, surprises, and th…
Level C1PoetryPoems Teachers Ask For: Selected by readers of "Normal Instructor-Primary Plans"Explore a thoughtfully curated collection of poems frequently requested by teachers and readers alike, featuring timeless favorites and dramatic recitations perfect for memorizatio…
Level C1PoetryPoems Teachers Ask For, Book TwoDiscover a rich collection of over two hundred carefully selected poems, cherished by readers and teachers alike, featuring timeless verses from renowned poets and hidden gems perf…
Level B2PoetryPoems Every Child Should Know: The What-Every-Child-Should-Know-LibraryDelight in a carefully curated collection of poems, chosen for their appeal and memorability, from beloved voices that inspire young minds to explore rhythm, story, and imagination…
Level A2PoetryPoemsExplore the heartfelt reflections and vivid imagery of a young poet whose early verses capture the wonder of nature, memory, and the human spirit through a collection of evocative…
Level B2AdventurePo-No-Kah: An Indian Tale of Long AgoIn a frontier settlement surrounded by wilderness and danger, young Bessie Hedden and her siblings find joy and adventure under the watchful protection of their brave dog, Bouncer.
Level B2AdventurePluck on the Long Trail; Or, Boy Scouts in the RockiesSix Boy Scouts of the Elk Patrol embark on a daring 100-mile journey through the Rocky Mountains, carrying a secret message and relying on their scout skills to navigate wild terra…
Level B2PoetryPlish and PlumTwo mischievous dogs, Plish and Plum, turn a quiet summer day upside down with playful chaos, from daring rescues to garden raids, testing the patience of the Fittig family and the…
Level A2Children'sPleasing Stories for Good Children with PicturesDiscover heartwarming tales that teach kindness, obedience, and the importance of helping others through the adventures of children like little Jane, who learns valuable lessons ab…
Level A2PoetryPleasing Poetry and Pictures: For the Mind and the EyeDelight in charming poems paired with vivid illustrations that teach young readers lessons on kindness, industry, and respect for nature.
Level B2Children'sPlaymate PollyJessie’s daily walk to school is filled with adventure and friendship, from crossing railroad tracks under Ezra’s watchful eye to sharing tales of speeding trains.
Level B2Children'sPlaying Santa Claus, and Other Christmas TalesTwo sisters awaken on Christmas Eve with a heartfelt plan to bring joy to less fortunate children, learning that true happiness comes from kindness and giving.
Level B2RomancePlay the Game!A spirited girl raised among boys faces the challenge of attending an all-girls school, where she must navigate unfamiliar friendships and the expectations of her family.
Level B2Children'sPlane and Plank; or, The Mishaps of a MechanicA determined young mechanic sets out to master carpentry along the bustling Missouri River, navigating challenges both in his trade and in life.
Level B2Children'sPlain tales, chiefly intended for the use of charity schoolsTwo diligent charity schoolgirls find small ways to help their struggling families, learning lessons of kindness, resourcefulness, and the value of hard work amidst humble rural li…
Level B2Children'sPlain Jane and pretty BettyA sensitive girl nicknamed "Plain Jane" leaves her harsh mining town behind, seeking a fresh start in Greenville with the Powells who took her in.
Level B2PoetryPlain JaneA studious and well-mannered girl hopes to reform her mischievous cousin during a visit filled with playful clashes and gentle lessons in good behavior.
Level B2AdventurePixy's Holiday JourneyThree inseparable boys form a secret alliance inspired by the heroes of the Iliad, creating their own armory and adopting legendary names.
Level C1Children'sPixie O'ShaughnessyAt a once-quiet seminary, wild and spirited Pixie O’Shaughnessy turns heads not for beauty but for her mischievous pranks and indomitable spirit.
Level B1Children'sPitcher PollockA determined boy named Tom Pollock seeks work in a small town hardware store to support himself while attending high school, facing skepticism but eager to prove his worth through…
Level C1AdventurePirate Princes and Yankee Jacks: Setting forth David Forsyth's Adventures in America's Battles on Sea and Desert with the Buccaneer Princes of Barbary, with an Account of a Search under the Sands of the Sahara Desert for the Treasure-filled Tomb of Ancient KingsA young sailor navigates perilous battles against Barbary pirates and joins a daring desert expedition in search of ancient treasure, uncovering tales of bravery, loss, and the for…
Level A2HistoricalPipestone National Monument: Junior Ranger Activity Booklet, Ages 8 and UpExplore the sacred pipestone quarries where only American Indians can carve ceremonial pipes, and discover the rich history, geology, and vibrant prairie ecosystem protected by the…
Level C1RomancePip : A Romance of YouthTwo curious children explore the mysterious Consulting Room, captivated by the enigmatic Oven Door and strange instruments, while trying to unravel family secrets and navigate the…
Level B2AdventurePioneer boys of the gold fieldsThree determined boys from different backgrounds join the 1849 California Gold Rush, facing wild beasts, treacherous terrain, and ruthless thieves in their quest for fortune and ad…
Level B2Children'sPinocchio: The Tale of a PuppetA mysterious piece of wood laughs, cries, and even talks, puzzling the carpenter who tries to shape it.
Level B2HistoricalPine NeedlesAs the Franklin family reunites at Mosswood, young Maggie and Meredith plan a joyous outdoor dinner in the woods, hoping to bring their beloved Uncle Eden along for an unforgettabl…
Level C1PoetryPinafore PalaceEnter a whimsical world where every child is a little prince or princess, and nursery rhymes become royal decrees filled with humor and delight.
Level C1Children'sPictures of SwedenEmbark on a magical journey across Sweden, guided by the songs of birds and the roar of mighty waterfalls, as nature and tradition paint a vivid portrait of this enchanting land’s…
Level C1HistoricalPictures from English History: A Fireside AmusementChildren and their families gather by the fireside to transform history into an engaging game, sharing vivid tales of ancient battles and kings.
Level B1HistoricalPictures and Stories from Uncle Tom's CabinA desperate mother flees with her young son to escape the cruel sale that tore them apart, braving icy rivers and relentless pursuers in a heart-wrenching tale of courage and hope.
Level B2Children'sPictures and StoriesGentle tales and lessons unfold through charming stories of children learning kindness, honesty, and good manners—whether setting a bird free, playing games, or walking in the gard…
Level B2Children'sPickett's GapOn a sprawling family farm, Abner Pickett grapples with pride, loss, and unexpected devotion as he strives to protect his legacy and care for his loved ones amidst changing times a…
Level B2AdventurePicked up Adrift: IllustratedStranded on a mysterious, waterlogged ship with dwindling supplies, a group of castaways faces starvation, strange encounters, and desperate decisions as they navigate isolation an…
Level B2FantasyPiccolissimaA tiny girl no taller than an inch lives a delicate life in a world crafted from nature’s smallest wonders, from cocoanut cradles to poppy-leaf bonnets.
Level B2Children'sPiccino, and other child storiesIn a charming Italian village, tiny Piccino captivates the curious tourists with his extraordinary beauty, as playful children watch the festive excursions unfold.
Level B2Children'sPhœbeA young girl is abruptly sent from her bustling city life to live with distant, unfamiliar relatives, sparking mystery and curiosity about her family's hidden tensions and her own…
Level C1Children'sPhoebe, JuniorIn a small town chapel, the ambitious Phœbe Tozer marries the rising young minister, stirring envy and social clashes among the congregation.
Level C1AdventurePhilosopher JackA bright young student faces crushing financial ruin just as his dreams of knowledge ignite, forcing him to choose between despair and daring adventure.
Level C1Children'sPhilippaAs autumn’s chill deepens, young Philippa and her wise cousin Maida share a quiet moment of reflection on farewells and the bittersweet nature of goodbyes, revealing the tender com…
Level B2Children'sPhilip: The Story of a Boy ViolinistA boy raised in the dark, lonely depths of a coal mine finds magic and music in the shadows, imagining coal-fairies and friendly echoes as companions.
Level C1HistoricalPhil, the FiddlerA young Italian street musician struggles to survive New York’s harsh streets, playing his battered violin for meager coins while facing cruelty from those who exploit him.
Level B2AdventurePhil Bradley's Snow-shoe Trail; Or, The Mountain Boys in the Canada WildsFour adventurous boys, known as the Mountain Boys, embark on a daring winter expedition through the wild Canadian landscape, braving icy trails and untamed wilderness while testing…