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 B2MysteryNo Man's IslandThree eighteen-year-old friends navigate a wild, overgrown river island steeped in painful family memories, setting the stage for a mysterious adventure where past grudges and unta…
Level B2FantasyNine Unlikely TalesA young girl dreads a visit to her stern great-aunt but finds herself on an unexpected, enchanting journey when a mistaken omnibus ride leads her far from the dull routine she know…
Level C1Children'sNine Little GoslingsA young girl recovering from illness faces a difficult transformation, feeling out of place and longing for adventure beyond her quiet home.
Level B2MysteryNimble Ike, the Trick Ventriloquist: A Rousing Tale of Fun and FrolicA gifted young ventriloquist, Nimble Ike, faces betrayal and mystery when his mentor leaves him penniless but armed with extraordinary talents and a mysterious box that may hold hi…
Level B2PoetryNight Fall in the Ti-TreeStep into a tranquil world where night descends softly upon the ti-tree, captured through delicate woodcuts and poetic whispers that invite reflection and wonder under the fading l…
Level B2Children'sNiece CatherineA spirited young woman named Catherine navigates new responsibilities as a companion while uncovering family secrets tied to a long-standing feud between two uncles and the tragic…
Level B2Children'sNid and NodIn a quaint little shop, Kewpie Proudtree indulges in sweet treats while grappling with the pressures of sports, friendship, and self-discipline.
Level B2AdventureNic Revel: A White Slave's Adventures in Alligator LandEighteen-year-old Nic Revel navigates the clash between his scholarly pursuits and his sea captain father's rugged world, set against the wild backdrop of salmon-rich rivers and lo…
Level B1Children'sNibble Rabbit Makes More FriendsWhen Nibble Rabbit meets Tommy Peele, the little boy with red mittens, the curious bunny discovers the strange and risky world of humans.
Level B2Children'sNew Lights on Old PathsIn a countryside inn where honest farmers and wicked forest men clash, the landlord must choose who will stay and who must leave, revealing timeless lessons about character, commun…
Level B2AdventureNew History of the Life and Adventures of Tom ThumbA tiny boy no bigger than a thumb embarks on extraordinary adventures, from escaping a pudding pot to being swallowed by a fish, all while winning the favor of King Arthur and expl…
Level C1Children'sNew Chronicles of RebeccaIn a charming garden alive with flowers and buzzing bees, young Rebecca Randall weaves poetry from her everyday world, balancing her creative spirit with the demands of a strict au…
Level B2Children'sNew Bed-Time StoriesIn bustling London, an aspiring writer finds a quiet refuge and an unexpected companion in Johnny, a silent, wistful boy with a mysterious ailment.
Level C1PoetryNestlings: A Collection of PoemsTender poems celebrate childhood’s innocence, exploring themes of love, growth, and faith through delicate imagery and heartfelt reflections on life’s earliest steps and the protec…
Level B1AdventureNero, the Circus Lion: His Many AdventuresIn the heart of the African jungle, young Nero the lion cub embarks on thrilling adventures with his family and friends, learning the secrets of survival and the joys of play benea…
Level B2AdventureNelson the Newsboy; Or, Afloat in New YorkA resourceful fifteen-year-old newsboy navigates the bustling streets of New York, risking everything to survive and rise above poverty.
Level B2Children'sNelly's dark daysIn the harsh streets of Liverpool, young Nelly clings to hope amid poverty and her father's drinking.
Level B2HistoricalNelly's Silver Mine: A Story of Colorado LifeOn a cold Christmas morning, twin siblings Nelly and Rob face the challenges of illness and family care, setting the stage for a heartfelt tale of resilience and life in Colorado’s…
Level B2Children'sNelly's First SchooldaysIn a struggling household overshadowed by hardship, young Nelly faces the challenges of her first schooldays while her sister Elinor battles a devastating illness that changes thei…
Level B2Children'sNellie's Housekeeping: Little Sunbeams SeriesTwo sisters clash over a missed outing to the beach, as Nellie struggles with her responsibilities and growing impatience, while young Carrie longs for fresh air and playtime.
Level B2Children'sNellie ArundelIn a bustling London home, the Arundel family navigates the joys and challenges of everyday life, weaving warmth, wisdom, and gentle lessons through their close-knit bonds and shar…
Level B2Children'sNeighbor Nelly Socks: Being the Sixth and Last Book of the SeriesAn old bachelor finds unexpected joy observing the lively lives of his colorful neighbors across the street, especially the charming children at No.
Level B1Children'sNeesby CourtFour siblings in a charming old town watch with curiosity as mysterious new tenants move into the long-empty Neesby Court, stirring tales of its haunted past and sparking a summer…
Level B2Children'sNeddyA curious young donkey longs to explore beyond his quiet field, eager to discover the wider world despite his mother's warnings of hardship.
Level B2FantasyNed, the son of Webb: What he did.In a world where towering ironclads and modern marvels reshape battle and city life, young Ned dreams of commanding the unbeatable Kentucky and testing its might against the world’…
Level B2AdventureNed, Bob and Jerry on the Firing Line; Or, The Motor Boys Fighting for Uncle SamThree young soldiers train with fierce determination at Camp Dixton, preparing to face the brutal realities of war.
Level B1AdventureNed, Bob and Jerry at Boxwood Hall; Or, The Motor Boys as FreshmenThree adventurous young men face college life head-on when their parents send them to Boxwood Hall to grow up and settle down, only to find surprises, challenges, and unexpected fr…
Level B2AdventureNed in the Block-House: A Tale of Early Days in the WestTwo boys navigate the Kentucky wilderness in 1788, facing mysterious dangers as Ned’s rifle fails to fire yet a deer falls—wounded by an unseen force.
Level B1AdventureNed Wilding's Disappearance; or, The Darewell Chums in the CityWhen Bart accidentally wounds his hand with a new gun, his sister Alice steps in with first aid and determination, setting the stage for a gripping adventure as the Darewell chums…
Level B2AdventureNed Garth; Or, Made Prisoner in Africa: A Tale of the Slave TradeA young boy and his one-legged uncle spot a mysterious brig struggling against a fierce storm off the English coast, sparking a daring race to warn the coast guard and prepare for…
Level B2Children'sNearly Bedtime: Five Short Stories for the Little OnesA spirited six-year-old boy escapes early morning guardianship to secretly glean a farmer’s field, driven by a pure-hearted but mischievous plan.
Level C1AdventureNeal, the Miller: A Son of LibertyIn pre-Revolutionary New Hampshire, young Neal Neal fights to build a grist-mill amid rising tensions and colonial unrest, joining the Sons of Liberty and racing to warn Boston of…
Level B2AdventureNavy boys to the rescueA group of young sailors on shore leave in England find themselves drawn into an unexpected adventure as they explore the countryside, encountering mysterious figures and reflectin…
Level B2AdventureNautilusA boy watching the river dreams of adventure beyond the shore, until a mysterious white-sailed schooner emerges from the fog, its eerie bronze figurehead seeming almost alive.
Level C1PoetryNaughty PuppiesDelight in a charming collection of playful poems and colorful illustrations that capture the mischievous adventures of naughty puppies, perfect for young children’s imaginations a…
Level B1Children'sNaughty Miss Bunny: A Story for Little ChildrenA spirited six-year-old girl, free from her usual lessons and supervision, embarks on a seaside holiday where her mischievous nature challenges a new governess determined to guide…
Level C1HistoricalNature Myths and Stories for Little ChildrenDive into enchanting tales where nature’s wonders come alive through myths and stories for young minds, blending observation and imagination to reveal the beauty and secrets of the…
Level C1PoetryNational Rhymes of the NurseryDelve into a charming collection of nursery rhymes that blend history, folklore, and playful jingles, revealing how simple verses transform over time into timeless melodies and tal…
Level B1Children'sNatalie: A Garden ScoutFifteen-year-old Natalie faces the harsh reality of leaving her city life and beloved school behind when her family’s fortune vanishes, forcing her to move to a remote farm.
Level B2AdventureNat the Naturalist: A Boy's Adventures in the Eastern SeasAn orphaned boy finds solace in his uncle’s garden, where curiosity for nature blooms amidst family tensions.
Level C1PoetryNarrative and Lyric Poems (first series) for use in the Lower SchoolStep into a world where history and heartfelt emotion intertwine through carefully selected narrative and lyric poems, exploring tales of friendship, love, and legendary heroism se…
Level C1PoetryNarrative and Lyric Poems (Second Series) for Use in the Lower SchoolIn a rugged coastal village, three childhood friends—Enoch, Annie, and Philip—navigate the tides of love and rivalry, as Enoch strives to build a home and secure a future amid the…
Level B1Children'sNanny Merry: or, What Made the Difference?In a quaint town by a narrow river, young Nannie Merry brings comfort and joy to her dear Grannie through heartfelt Bible readings and tender moments, revealing the simple yet prof…
Level B2RomanceNancy first and lastIn a lush garden, Nancy confronts the coldness in her lover Terrence’s heart, yearning for a passionate, poetic love that he cannot give.
Level B2AdventureNancy Pembroke in Nova ScotiaNancy Pembroke invites a lonely classmate to share her room for summer, setting the stage for unexpected encounters and adventures across Nova Scotia's scenic towns and rugged coas…
Level B2MysteryNancy Brandon's MysteryAs Nancy’s mother departs for Europe, Nancy faces a lonely summer at her mysterious cousin Rosalind’s imposing estate, where unsettling secrets and strange tensions hint at a puzzl…
Level B2AdventureNan Sherwood's Winter Holidays; Or, Rescuing the RunawaysIn icy Michigan, the girls of Lakeview Hall embrace winter sports and secretive plans amidst the thrill of bobsledding down Pendragon Hill.
Level B1AdventureNan Sherwood's Summer HolidaysOn the cusp of a thrilling summer, Nan Sherwood prepares to leave her American school friends and journey to her ancestral home in Scotland, sparking excitement, mystery, and the b…