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 B2AdventureNan Sherwood on the Mexican BorderWhen Nan Sherwood’s summer plans with friends suddenly change, a mysterious and lively cousin arrives with an unexpected proposal: an adventurous trip to Mexico.
Level B2AdventureNan Sherwood at Rose Ranch; Or, The Old Mexican's TreasureAt Lakeview Hall, spirited schoolgirls clash over a daring Western newcomer and whispered tales of a runaway sleigh rescue.
Level B2MysteryNan Sherwood at Pine Camp; Or, The Old Lumberman's SecretAs Atwater Mills faces an unexpected shutdown, Nan Sherwood confronts the harsh realities behind the yellow poster that spells hardship for the mill workers and their families—can…
Level B1MysteryNan Sherwood at Palm Beach; or, Strange adventures among the orange grovesAt a wintery Lake Huron boarding school, spirited Nan Sherwood and her friends navigate snowy adventures and icy thrills, but beneath the laughter and games lurk strange mysteries…
Level B2AdventureNan Sherwood at Lakeview Hall; Or, The Mystery of the Haunted BoathouseAt Lakeview Hall, Nan Sherwood’s new traveling bag leads her into the mystery of a haunted boathouse, where friendship and courage intertwine with eerie secrets by the lakeside.
Level B2Children'sNabul, Our Little Egyptian CousinIn bustling Cairo, lively Nabul and his trusty donkey, Teddy Pasha, navigate crowded streets and playful adventures, dreaming of far-off lands and friendship with curious travelers…
Level B2Children'sMyths That Every Child Should Know: A Selection Of The Classic Myths Of All Times For Young PeopleExplore timeless myths that reveal the ancient beliefs and stories shared across cultures, from mysterious arrowheads to the eerie howls of dogs, weaving a tapestry of human imagin…
Level B2MysteryMystery of the Chinese RingWhen a mysterious ring tied to a stone crashes through his window at dawn, Biff Brewster finds himself caught in a puzzling adventure just as he's about to embark on a journey to f…
Level B2MysteryMystery of the Caribbean PearlsA man discovers a hidden pearl fishery in the treacherous Caribbean waters, igniting a dangerous race to claim the treasure.
Level B2MysteryMystery of the Ambush in IndiaThree adventurous boys arrive in India, eager to explore gold mines and towering mountains, but a mysterious swimmer approaching their ship signals that danger and intrigue lie ahe…
Level B1AdventureMy twin puppiesTwo mischievous twin puppies, Bubbles and Troubles, learn tricks and bring joy as they prepare for Jimmy’s backyard circus, but when they mysteriously disappear at showtime, an une…
Level A2AdventureMy twin kittiesTwo identical kittens, Fluff and Puff, leave their barnyard life to find a loving home, only to face new challenges in a cozy cottage with a caring girl named Irene.
Level B2Children'sMy friend Doggie; or, An only childAn only child from the Hall and a fearless, impudent boy from the Lodge forge an unlikely friendship, standing up together against bullies to protect a frightened kitten and discov…
Level B2Children'sMy brother's friendMabel leaves school, eager to start her new life as a poised, accomplished young lady, while her sister Dorothy struggles with awkwardness and academic setbacks.
Level C1Children'sMy bird and my dog: A tale for youthA young goldfinch recounts his journey from a cozy nest to captivity in a gilded cage, exploring themes of freedom, compassion, and the innocence of youth through the eyes of a ten…
Level B2Children'sMy Young DaysA young girl, uprooted from the comfort of home, faces loneliness and homesickness in her grand grandmother’s vast house.
Level B2Children'sMy Uncle FlorimondAn orphaned boy lives under the stern rule of his harsh uncle Peter, a cold lawyer whose punishments are frequent and severe.
Level B2AdventureMy Strange Rescue, and Other Stories of Sport and Adventure in CanadaA determined young boy sets out alone into the Canadian wilderness to hunt a fearsome black bear that has eluded his family's attempts, armed only with his gun and loyal dog Tiger.
Level B1FantasyMy Short Story BookAmidst a wintry Christmas at Grandpapa’s old country house, young Roger is haunted by visions of the mysterious Snow Witch, a chilling figure from his uncle’s tales.
Level B2Children'sMy RobinIn a tranquil rose garden, a writer forms an extraordinary bond with a curious English robin who sees her not as a human but a fellow creature.
Level A2Children'sMy Pretty Scrap-Book: Picture Pages and Pleasant Stories for Little ReadersDelight in a charming collection of whimsical tales and vivid pictures, where naughty children, brave animals, and adventurous scenes spark imagination and warmth for young readers…
Level B2Children'sMy New HomeAt fourteen, Helena reflects on her quiet life with her clever, loving grandmamma in their cozy yet humble cottage, Windy Gap.
Level C1Children'sMy Little BoyA curious little boy explores the world with wide-eyed wonder and fierce honesty, questioning tales and testing truths with innocent defiance.
Level B2Children'sMy HonourbrightIn a windswept Cornish fishing village, six Vandeleur sisters are scattered across England and France after tragedy strikes their family.
Level B2Children'sMy Friend Smith: A Story of School and City LifeSent away from his village to a strict academy for "backward and troublesome" boys, a twelve-year-old orphan faces the challenges of school rivalries, unruly classmates, and the st…
Level B2PoetryMy Flower-pot: Child's Picture BookDiscover the simple wonder of flowers through charming verses and illustrations, inviting young readers to explore nature’s beauty and the stories behind each bloom.
Level B2AdventureMy First Voyage to Southern SeasA young boy's happy English childhood is shattered by family tragedy and the mysterious loss of his brother's ship, prompting him to embark on a daring voyage to the Southern Seas…
Level B1PoetryMy First Picture Book: With Thirty-six Pages of Pictures Printed in Colours by KronheimEnter a colorful world where a resourceful Little Old Woman and her many children transform a giant shoe into their home, embarking on a daring quest to rescue their father from a…
Level B2FantasyMy First Cruise, and Other storiesA young midshipman embarks on his first voyage aboard a 36-gun frigate, navigating life at sea with new friends, rivalries, and the challenges of naval duty.
Level A2AdventureMy Father's DragonA young boy befriends a mysterious alley cat who tells him of a baby dragon trapped on a wild island, inspiring a daring adventure to rescue the creature and soar through the skies…
Level C1AdventureMy Doggie and IWhen a scruffy, spirited doggie named Dumps narrowly escapes cruel treatment, a compassionate stranger steps in, uncovering a tale of loyalty and hardship.
PoetryMy Dog TrayDelight in a charming collection of colorful nursery rhymes and stories celebrating the playful world of dogs and childhood, brought to life through vivid illustrations and gentle…
Level C1Children'sMurad the Unlucky, and Other TalesUnder the moonlit streets of Constantinople, a disguised sultan and his grand vizier debate whether success is shaped by fortune or prudence, setting the stage for tales of luck, w…
Level C1PoetryMrs. Turner's Cautionary StoriesDiscover a collection of spirited, rhymed tales that teach lessons through the misadventures of children—where kindness, politeness, and caution guide the way amid mischievous pran…
Level B2HistoricalMrs. Overtheway's RemembrancesA lonely orphan finds comfort in watching a mysterious old lady's daily ritual and clings to hope when a sailor father's long-awaited return turns to tragedy.
Level B2Children'sMr. and Mrs. Santa Claus: Musical Christmas play in four scenesSanta Claus falls for the Fairy Queen, causing both to neglect their Christmas duties and threatening the holiday’s magic.
Level C1Children'sMr. Wu: Based on the Play "Mr. Wu" by H. M. Vernon and Harold OwenIn a richly adorned Chinese estate, young Wu faces a poignant farewell as his revered grandfather prepares him for a journey steeped in tradition, duty, and deep family loyalty ami…
Level B2AdventureMr. Turtle's Flying Adventure: Hollow Tree StoriesIn a quiet hollow by the wide blue water, Mr.
Level B2Children'sMr. Sweet Potatoes, and Other StoriesDiscover the curious life of Mr.
Level B2Children'sMr. Stubbs's Brother: A Sequel to 'Toby Tyler'A year after running away to join the circus, Toby Tyler faces a new adventure when his friends hatch a plan to start their own amateur circus, despite lacking tents, wagons, or bo…
Level B1Children'sMr. Rabbit's Wedding: Hollow Tree StoriesIn a cozy woodland community, Jack Rabbit recalls his school days and the unexpected friendship with Bunty Bun that changes his lonely life forever.
Level B2FantasyMr. Rabbit at Home: A sequel to Little Mr. Thimblefinger and his Queer CountryChildren stumble upon a hidden world beneath a spring, where fantastical adventures unfold in Mr.
Level C1Children'sMr. Punch with the ChildrenDelight in the mischievous and heartfelt antics of children through a collection of humorous stories and illustrations that capture their unique personalities and innocent troubles…
Level B2Children'sMr. Pat's Little Girl: A Story of the Arden ForestersLonely Rosalind encounters a mysterious, deaf old man claiming to be a magician linked to her father’s past, sparking the promise of unexpected adventures and new friendships in he…
Level C1Children'sMr. Kris Kringle: A Christmas TaleOn a snowy Christmas Eve, a mother and her children face quiet sadness amid fading memories and old letters, hoping for a magical Kris Kringle to bring comfort and take away their…
Level B2Children'sMr. Blake's Walking-Stick: A Christmas Story for Boys and GirlsA cheerful minister and his lively ebony walking-stick bring warmth and laughter to a wintry town as they prepare for a special Christmas surprise at the Sunday-school, charming bo…
Level C1Children'sMr. Bamboo and the Honorable Little God: A Christmas StoryIn a Japanese mission school, a young teacher shares the story of Christmas with Tãke Nishimura, a lively boy who imagines the Christ child as a "new God" and prepares a festive ce…
Level B2Children'sMr. AchillesA Greek immigrant fruit vendor in Chicago clings to memories of Athens and dreams of sharing his homeland’s beauty with a new world that barely notices his heritage.