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
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Level B2AdventurePhil Bradley's Mountain BoysFour adventurous boys trek deep into the uncharted Adirondacks, braving rugged terrain and wild solitude as they head toward the mysterious Lake Surprise, each bringing unique skil…
Level B2PoetryPhebe, the Blackberry GirlA poor girl sells blackberries to buy clothes and dreams of going to church, but hardship and kindness intertwine when a stranger’s generosity offers hope.
Level C1Children'sPhebe, Her Profession: A Sequel to Teddy: Her BookA curious young stranger’s chance encounter with a spirited, mischievous boy named Mac reveals a world of childhood innocence, mischief, and unexpected wisdom in a small town.
Level B2AdventurePhaeton Rogers: A Novel of Boy LifeThree adventurous boys set out on a thrilling morning ride through the countryside, facing wild dogs and learning the ropes of horseback riding.
Level B2Children'sPeterkinWhen young Peterkin is sent home alone but fails to arrive, his family’s worry grows as they search for him, revealing the tender bonds and fears of childhood in a household full o…
Level C1AdventurePeter the WhalerA young Irish vicar’s son faces stern warnings against poaching, risking disgrace and harsh punishment as he defies his father’s pleas.
Level B2HistoricalPeter of New Amsterdam: A Story of Old New YorkAn English boy orphaned and struggling in Dutch New Amsterdam navigates a harsh world shaped by religious exile and colonial ambition, offering a child’s eye view of early American…
Level B2Children'sPeter makes good, and stories of other dogsA fuzzy pup named Peter leaves his loving dog family to start a new life with two playful children, learning lessons about bravery, manners, and growing up in a wide new world full…
Level B2FantasyPeter and WendyWhen Wendy learns that growing up is inevitable, Peter Pan arrives to whisk her and her brothers away to the magical Neverland, where adventure, pirates, and never-ending childhood…
Level A2PoetryPeter Pry's Puppet Show: Part the II.Step into a whimsical world where poetry dances between work and play, inviting readers to explore timeless rhythms through playful verses and charming puppetry.
PoetryPeter Prim's Profitable Present: To the little misses and masters of the United StatesDelve into a charming collection of playful verses crafted for young readers, where simple numbers and colorful imagery dance together to spark imagination and delight across the U…
Level B2AdventurePeter Parley's Visit to London, During the Coronation of Queen VictoriaAn eager traveler crosses the Atlantic to witness Queen Victoria’s coronation, exploring London’s bustling streets and marveling at the dazzling new crown and royal treasures amid…
Level B2AdventurePeter Parley's Tales About America and AustraliaEmbark on a thrilling voyage with Columbus as he overcomes skepticism and treachery to set sail for the unknown Western World, unveiling the mysteries of America’s discovery and it…
Level B2FantasyPeter Pan in Kensington GardensA baby who escaped the human world at just seven days old discovers he can fly and explores the magical Kensington Gardens, where fairies and wonders await—but he struggles to reme…
Level B2AdventurePeter Cotterell's TreasureIn the coastal town of Barmouth, sixteen-year-old Tom Hallett is offered an unexpected chance for adventure when a mysterious stranger seeks a skilled seaman for a secretive voyage…
Level B2AdventurePeter Biddulph: The Story of an Australian SettlerAn orphaned boy rises from poverty on the banks of the Thames, navigating hardship and hope as he searches for a lost diamond ring that could change his fate.
Level C1AdventurePerseverance Island; Or, The Robinson Crusoe of the Nineteenth CenturyStranded naked on a remote South Pacific island, a lone castaway uses ingenuity and skill to survive and thrive beyond all predecessors.
Level C1AdventurePerils in the Transvaal and ZululandA young assistant master, determined to find his missing mother and sister, embarks on a daring journey from England to the distant colonies of Australia.
Level B1Children'sPercy's holidaysA young girl named Percy balances schoolwork, family duties, and personal growth during a summer holiday filled with lessons in responsibility and kindness.
Level C1Children'sPercival's picture galleryConfined by illness, young artist Percival finds solace in painting and vivid tales of foreign art, longing to escape his lonely room through imagination and friendship.
Level C1PoetryPepper & Salt; or, Seasoning for Young FolkA whimsical jester invites young readers to find joy and laughter amid life’s hardships through playful stories and moral poems, blending humor with gentle wisdom to season everyda…
Level B2AdventurePep: The Story of a Brave DogFollow the journey from fierce wolf ancestors to loyal companions in this thrilling tale of bravery and bond between man and dog, where courage and friendship shine through the wil…
Level C1Children'sPenrod and SamDive into the rambunctious world of childhood as two friends lead daring games of make-believe cavalry battles, where wooden swords and wild imagination turn neighborhoods into thr…
Level C1Children'sPenrodA twelve-year-old boy wrestles with the dread of playing Child Sir Lancelot in a children's pageant, seeking refuge in his secret sawdust stronghold while dreaming of freedom like…
Level C1Children'sPenelope's PostscriptsJourney alongside Penelope and her companions as they explore the enchanting landscapes and historic sites of Switzerland, blending whimsical reflections with rich cultural discove…
Level C1Children'sPenelope's Irish ExperiencesThree women embark on an unexpected Irish adventure, navigating friendships, love, and life's twists while their men are away.
Level C1Children'sPenelope's Experiences in Scotland: Being Extracts from the Commonplace Book of Penelope HamiltonThree friends with distinct tastes and tangled pasts reunite in Scotland, bringing humor and heart to their adventures as they navigate friendship, love, and the quirks that bind t…
Level C1Children'sPenelope's English Experiences: Being Extracts from the Commonplace Book of Penelope HamiltonThree women of different ages and means navigate the quirky challenges of life and expenses in a London hotel, balancing friendship, finances, and the amusing chaos of everyday liv…
Level B2Children'sPenelope and the Others: Story of Five Country ChildrenA thoughtful thirteen-year-old devises a heartfelt plan to replace her godmother’s cherished broken china figure, rallying her siblings to make the impossible possible.
Level B2Science FictionPemrose Lorry, Camp Fire GirlA spirited Camp Fire Girl stands at the brink of a groundbreaking space adventure, ready to launch the Thunder Bird rocket and send humanity’s first message beyond Earth’s atmosphe…
Level B2Children'sPeggy-AloneA lonely girl named Alene, nicknamed Peggy-Alone, longs for friendship while visiting a grand house, where she meets a lively group of local girls and discovers simple joys like sh…
Level B1FantasyPeggy's GiantOn her lonely birthday, Peggy discovers a sparkling green ring that brings to life a gentle giant right in her nursery.
Level B2AdventurePeggy in ToylandAn eight-year-old girl with a kind heart discovers a mysterious island across the sea and befriends two weathered wooden figures that once led ships on daring adventures, unlocking…
Level B2Children'sPeggy in Her Blue FrockAmid the bittersweet move from their childhood home, lively Peggy and her younger sister Alice face change with curiosity and hope, discovering new friendships, a garden to tend, a…
Level B2Children'sPeggy Stewart, Navy Girl, at HomeA spirited girl with eyes as mysterious as the sea finds solace in her wild colt and loyal wolfhound amid the awakening Maryland spring.
Level C1Children'sPeggy Stewart at SchoolIn the sultry Maryland morning at Severndale, young Peggy Stewart faces unexpected changes as her seafaring father returns after years away, sparking a clash of old traditions and…
Level C1Children'sPeggy Raymond's Way; Or, Blossom Time at Friendly TerraceAs spring vacation begins, four determined friends confront post-war challenges, from high prices to shifting fashions, pledging to fight frivolity with thrift and hard work.
Level C1AdventurePeggy Raymond's Vacation; Or, Friendly Terrace TransplantedAs summer begins, Peggy yearns for the open country—winding roads, clucking hens, and endless skies—and when a surprising letter arrives, her lazy days on Friendly Terrace are tran…
Level B2Children'sPeggy Parsons, a Hampton FreshmanTwo inseparable friends, Peggy and Katherine, embark on their college journey together at Hampton, facing new adventures, friendships, and challenges while navigating the excitemen…
Level B2MysteryPeggy Parsons at Prep SchoolAt a strict finishing school, Peggy Parsons navigates new rules and unexpected adventures when a midnight serenade leads to a delightful mishap involving a rose tree and the school…
Level A2Children'sPeck's bad boy abroadA mischievous boy and his eccentric dad embark on a whirlwind journey across cities and countries, encountering quirky characters, royal audiences, and unexpected adventures that t…
Level B2Children'sPeck's Sunshine: Being a Collection of Articles Written for Peck's Sun,: Milwaukee, Wis. - 1882Delight in a collection of humorous, lighthearted tales and witty observations that explore everyday life, quirky characters, and social quirks with a cheerful spirit aimed to brig…
Level B2Children'sPeck's Compendium of Fun: Comprising the Choicest Gems of Wit, Humor, Sarcasm and Pathos of America's Favorite HumoristDiscover the hilarious chaos that ensues when a family gets their first coal stove, turning their home into a blazing hot mess.
Level B2AdventurePeck's Bad Boy with the CowboysA determined father sets out west to become the next Buffalo Bill, hiring cowboys, hunters, and an Indian interpreter to create the ultimate wild west show—if he can survive encoun…
Level B2Children'sPeck's Bad Boy with the CircusA mischievous boy joins his father, the new circus manager, for a whirlwind adventure behind the scenes, where daring stunts, wild animals, and hilarious mishaps create nonstop cha…
Level B1AdventurePeck's Bad Boy in an airshipA mischievous boy is sent to an orphanage while his father embarks on a globe-trotting mission to spy on airship technology for the government.
Level B2Children'sPeck's Bad Boy and His Pa: 1883Mischievous and full of spirit, a boy known for his clever pranks and boundless energy navigates the challenges of childhood alongside his stern but loving father.
Level C1Children'sPeccaviIn the quiet village of Long Stow, a simple church hides secrets beneath its summer leaves, where village life intertwines with curious characters and whispered tales.