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 C1Children'sMixed PicklesFamily tensions rise when unexpected news threatens to disrupt the peaceful Kinsolving homestead, as a determined aunt insists there's room for everyone, even amidst the chaotic ar…
Level A2AdventureMitz and Fritz of GermanyIn a cozy German toymaker’s workshop, imaginative siblings Mitz and Fritz bring wooden creations to life amid music, mischief, and the magic of childhood.
Level B2AdventureMitch MillerAwakening from a dreamy haze, a boy slowly discovers the vibrant town of Petersburg, its people, and the curious Mitch Miller—a boy so absorbed in books and stories he brings adven…
Level B2Children'sMisunderstoodTwo young brothers, full of mischief and boundless energy, navigate the challenges of childhood under the watchful eye of their nervous caretaker, Virginie, while their distant fat…
Level C1HistoricalMistress MargeryIn 1395 Lovell Tower bustles with springtime preparations, where the delicate yet accomplished Mistress Margery navigates her noble duties and secret scholarly pursuits, revealing…
Level C1Children'sMissyAt ten years old, Melissa begins to experience a profound, new feeling during Sunday school—a mix of awe, music, and sunlight that stirs her soul and blurs the line between reality…
Level B2Children'sMiss Santa Claus of the PullmanIn a bustling little shop, young William discovers the magic of Christmas and Santa Claus through whispered tales and secret glimpses, while his caretakers prepare for a holiday fi…
Level C1Children'sMiss Prudence: A Story of Two Girls' Lives.Eleven-year-old Marjorie wrestles with the challenges of school, self-doubt, and the longing to be understood beyond her mistakes and absent-mindedness.
Level C1Children'sMiss Primrose: A NovelIn a quaint Devonshire village, the warm-hearted Letitia Primrose charms children and neighbors alike, weaving gentle tales of friendship and childhood wonder beneath grapevines an…
Level C1RomanceMiss PrimroseIn a bleak coastal town, determined Pauline confronts her indecisive father amid financial struggles and looming decisions, challenging family dynamics and the weight of unspoken r…
Level B1Children'sMiss Polly WigglesIn the charming countryside home called The Lilacs, three spirited sisters—Jeannette, Elizabeth (nicknamed Polly Wiggles), and little Evelyn—enjoy summer adventures filled with fri…
Level B2AdventureMiss Peck's Adventures: The Second Part of The Conceited PigMiss Peck sets out alone through a dark, eerie lane on a mission to reach the Queen’s house, battling fearsome shadows and unexpected dangers.
Level B2Children'sMiss Mouse and Her BoysIn a lively nursery filled with five mischievous boys, a quiet, curious little girl dressed in grey arrives, sparking gentle chaos and tender moments as she navigates the boisterou…
Level C1Children'sMiss Minerva and William Green HillA spirited boy from the plantation arrives at his Aunt Minerva’s home, bringing with him lively tales and a colorful family history that challenges her prim ways.
Level C1Children'sMiss Merivale's MistakeIn a cozy Chelsea flat, Miss Merivale and her young companions navigate school life, ambitions, and social intrigues, while discovering unexpected friendships and the charm of simp…
Level B2Children'sMiss Lochinvar: A Story for GirlsA lively family’s orderly life is upended when their cousin Janet arrives from the West to join them for the winter, stirring surprise, tension, and new connections amid the bustle…
Level B2Children'sMiss Grantley's Girls, and the Stories She Told ThemIn a charming suburban school, Miss Grantley nurtures a close-knit group of girls with stories, lessons, and laughter, blending education with warmth and imagination in the cozy Li…
Level B2Children'sMiss Elliot's Girls: Stories of Beasts, Birds, and ButterfliesDiscover the secret lives of tobacco worms and caterpillars as Miss Ruth cares for her unusual tenants, guiding them through transformation from crawling creatures to delicate-wing…
Level C1Children'sMiss ConConstance Conway faces a crossroads as she contemplates becoming a governess, navigating the expectations of family and society while seeking purpose and excitement beyond a monoto…
Level C1Children'sMiss BillyIn a struggling neighborhood, Mrs.
Level B2HistoricalMiss Ashton's New Pupil: A School Girl's StoryA young girl from a remote missionary family arrives late at an esteemed eastern academy for young ladies, facing the challenges of fitting into a world far different from her own.
Level C1Children'sMiscellaneaA mysterious and thrilling account unfolds as Dorothy recounts a strange New Year's Day event, blending everyday life with hints of the supernatural.
Level B1FantasyMinnie; or, The Little Woman: A Fairy StoryIn a charming town touched by fairy magic, a mighty giant named Rodocanachi falls into a deep slumber, giving the fairy queen and her enchanted army a chance to confront his dark r…
Level C1HistoricalMinnie's Pet ParrotA young girl named Minnie finds joy and comfort in the company of her many pets, from a tortoise-shell kitten to a silver-gray parrot, as she learns about kindness and the wonders…
Level B2HistoricalMinnie's Pet MonkeyA lively monkey named Jacko, rescued from a ship's voyage, wins the heart of young Minnie with his playful antics and clever charm.
Level B2HistoricalMinnie's Pet LambA tender bond forms between Minnie and Nannie, a South Down lamb who finds comfort and friendship in a gentle Shetland pony named Star.
Level B2HistoricalMinnie's Pet HorseA young girl’s gentle bond with her Shetland pony, Star, unfolds amidst pastoral charm, where loyalty and affection bloom alongside tales of remarkable animal friendships.
Level B2HistoricalMinnie's Pet DogA gentle spaniel named Tiney navigates friendship, mischief, and loyalty in a cozy household, revealing the tender bonds between a girl and her beloved dog amid summer frolics and…
Level B2HistoricalMinnie's Pet CatA tender tale unfolds as Minnie shares a deep bond with her graceful tortoise-shell cat, Fidelle, whose loyalty and affection brighten the child's days and adventures amid the gent…
Level B2Children'sMinnie Brown; or, The Gentle GirlA gentle girl named Minnie faces life's trials with patience and a loving heart, learning how challenges, like storms testing a young tree, shape her spirit and teach her the true…
Level B2MysteryMinkieWhen a mysterious guest named Schwartz arrives unexpectedly at Dale End on Christmas Eve, Minkie and her quirky gang—led by Bobby, the horse—set out to uncover his secrets, blendin…
Level C1Children'sMingo, and Other Sketches in Black and WhiteIn post-Civil War Georgia, Mingo, once a lively slave known for his humor and storytelling, now faces the heavy burdens of freedom and change.
Level B2AdventureMilly's errandTwo determined brothers gather seaweed to help their bedridden mother, while a mysterious, tormented doctor battles inner demons near their storm-threatened coastal village.
Level B2Children'sMilly and OllyTwo young siblings, Milly and Olly, learn they’re headed for a summer adventure not by the sea, but in the sparkling mountain valleys their mother loves—where nature, family, and p…
Level A2Children'sMillions of catsAn elderly couple longs for a single cat but returns home followed by millions, sparking a chaotic contest of vanity among the cats.
Level C1Children'sMiles LawsonIn a secluded mountain valley, the old Lawson homestead, known as "The Yews," shelters a family bound by faith, tradition, and the enduring strength of nature’s ancient guardians.
Level B2Children'sMildred's New DaughterFour young siblings navigate the tender challenges of illness and hope as their father battles sickness, while their devoted mother cares for him and they find comfort in family lo…
Level B2Children'sMildred's Married Life, and a Winter with Elsie Dinsmore: A sequel to Mildred and ElsieA newly married couple navigates the joys and small trials of domestic life, where love deepens amid charming routines and playful challenges.
Level B2Children'sMildred at Roselands: A Sequel to Mildred KeithA young girl’s health falters after devoted nursing, stirring her family’s hopes for a healing journey to a milder climate.
Level B2Children'sMildred at Home: With Something About Her Relatives and Friends.: A sequel to Mildred's married life.A young girl named Elsie navigates life at home with her loving father and devoted nurse, finding comfort amid quiet rooms and tender care.
Level B2Children'sMildred and ElsieAmidst a breathtaking mountain landscape, Mildred faces a heart-wrenching decision that could shape her entire future and beyond.
Level C1Children'sMildred KeithAs the Keith family prepares to leave their beloved village of Lansdale for Indiana, young Mildred faces the bittersweet challenge of new beginnings, unexpected adventures, and the…
Level C1Children'sMildredA stormy evening brings a mysterious letter to Judge Howell, offering him a baby girl to adopt, just as his son returns home burdened by love and loss.
Level B2Children'sMike Marble: His Crotchets and Oddities.Discover the curious world of whims and peculiar fancies through lively tales that celebrate the quirky turns of the mind, inviting readers to embrace the odd and delightful crotch…
Level B2Children'sMignon; or, Bootles' BabyA cavalry captain’s quiet night is shattered when he discovers a mysterious baby alone in his quarters, setting off a heartfelt tale of unexpected responsibility and compassion ami…
Level C1Children'sMighty Mikko: A Book of Finnish Fairy Tales and Folk TalesDive into enchanting Finnish folklore where clever animals and mystical figures weave tales filled with charm, humor, and the rich spirit of lakes and forests.
Level B2Children'sMidsummer at Hay-LodgeA boy returns home for midsummer, bringing joy and gifts to his family, while an unexpected invitation from their eccentric Uncle Paul promises haymaking, fishing, gardens, and new…
Level B2AdventureMidshipman MerrillA determined young midshipman crafts a perfect model ship to raise funds for his ailing mother, but faces ridicule and challenges from local youths in a rugged Maine seaport.