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'sLill's Travels in Santa Claus Land, and Other StoriesA curious girl discovers a magical gate to Santa Claus Land, where candy fountains flow and toys grow in gardens, leading to an unforgettable encounter with Santa himself in a whim…
Level B2AdventureLightning ExpressAmid the bustling world of the Lake Shore Railroad, young Tommy Toppleton wields power as president, but his spoiled arrogance sparks rivalry and moral challenges within the studen…
Level B1AdventureLightfoot, the Leaping Goat: His Many AdventuresA daring young goat named Lightfoot dreams of leaping to the high rocks where the sweetest grass grows, despite warnings from the older goats.
Level B2Children'sLight for Little OnesYoung Frankie, eager to explore beyond his yard in new pants, joins his friends for a barefoot adventure to the creek, where childhood joys mix with lessons of patience, temper, an…
Level C1Children'sLight O' the Morning: The Story of an Irish GirlIn a grand but fading Irish estate, young Nora O'Shanaghgan faces the looming loss of her family’s land and legacy, caught between pride, hardship, and the haunting whispers of her…
Level B1Children'sLife-tanglesSeventeen-year-old Rhoda eagerly awaits her mother's return from India, hoping to reclaim her place in the family and find comfort after years apart.
Level C1Children'sLife's little stageA young girl faces the challenge of leaving school and returning to a home where she feels unwanted and isolated, yearning for true friendship and purpose.
Level B2PoetryLife on the Farm; in Amusing RhymeDiscover the charm and humor of rural life brought to life through playful and entertaining verse, capturing the everyday joys and quirks of the farm in amusing rhyme.
Level B2AdventureLife in the Red Brigade: London Fire BrigadeBrave firemen of London’s Red Brigade live and fight amidst smoke and flame, balancing perilous duty with the warmth of home.
RomanceLife and Adventures of Mr. Pig and Miss Crane: A Nursery TaleJoin Mr.
Level B2Children'sLetters from a Son to His Self-Made Father: Being the Replies to Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His SonA young Harvard freshman navigates the clash between his father's business-driven wisdom and the realities of university life, from noisy dorms to costly experiments, all while con…
Level B2Children'sLetters from a Cat: Published by Her Mistress for the Benefit of All Cats and the Amusement of Little ChildrenA mischievous cat who plays hide-and-seek and follows her young mistress everywhere surprises everyone by writing letters during a long journey.
Level B2Children'sLeslie Ross; or, Fond of a LarkLeslie Ross, a spirited boy with a penchant for mischief, faces the challenge of taming his playful nature as his loving parents decide to send him to school, hoping friendship and…
Level B2AdventureLeo the Circus Boy; or, Life under the great white canvasYoung Leo Dunbar, bound to a harsh farmer after his parents' death, faces cruelty and injustice—until a runaway circus lion turns his world upside down, offering a thrilling chance…
Level B2RomanceLena GrahamSeparated from her parents and raised by a devoted aunt, young Lena Graham eagerly awaits the arrival of her sisters and the reunion with her family, stepping into a new life fille…
Level C1Children'sLeila at Home: a continuation of Leila in EnglandLeila returns to the warm, lively household near Richmond, where her cousin Selina has miraculously regained her speech.
Level C1FantasyLegends for Lionel: in pen and pencilDelight in a whimsical collection of sketches and stories born from cozy winter evenings, where legends and art intertwine to spark imagination and joy for readers of all ages.
Level C1Children'sLegends That Every Child Should Know; a Selection of the Great Legends of All Times for Young PeopleExplore the origins and evolution of legends, from ancient oral tales of saints to imaginative stories like Robin Hood, revealing how these timeless narratives connect us through s…
Level B2Children'sLegend-ledThree spirited children defend their cherished beach from rival visitors during a hot July afternoon, dreaming up daring plans to protect their territory.
Level B2Children'sLefty o' the training campIn a world where professional baseball is riddled with corruption and deceit, a determined player grapples with the crooked games and schemes that taint the sport he loves.
Level B2Children'sLefty o' the bushIn a rough-and-tumble northern league town, rival baseball managers clash as the ambitious Kingsbridge team challenges the reigning champions from Bancroft.
Level B2Children'sLefty o' the Blue StockingsIn a tense baseball showdown, the Blue Stockings face relentless rivals and unexpected challenges as star pitcher Grist struggles to maintain his form under pressure.
Level B2Children'sLefty o' the Big LeagueA determined young pitcher battles skepticism and fierce competition to prove his worth to a tough big-league baseball team manager, facing rejection and rivalry in the cutthroat w…
Level B2Children'sLefty Locke, pitcher-managerWhen the loyal pitcher Lefty Locke learns his trusted manager faces betrayal and a crooked replacement, he must navigate team loyalties and power struggles to defend the heart of t…
Level B2Children'sLeft with a trustNine children face challenges and changes as the Grainger family struggles with debt and separation, with the father leaving for Australia to secure their future.
Level C1AdventureLeft to Themselves: Being the Ordeal of Philip and GeraldTwo boys forge a deep and lasting friendship while navigating the challenges of youth and character in a rugged summer landscape, where nature and human nature intertwine in a stor…
Level B2AdventureLeft on the PrairieA young boy grows up on the harsh American prairie, learning to care for his family and their horses while longing for his father’s safe return from long freighting journeys.
Level B2AdventureLeft on the Labrador: A Tale of Adventure Down NorthStranded on a cold, remote mail boat along the bleak Labrador coast, young Charley Norton craves adventure beyond the cramped decks and stale cabins.
Level B2AdventureLeft on Labrador; or, The cruise of the Schooner-yacht "Curlew": As Recorded by "Wash"A daring yacht cruise ventures into the icy, treacherous waters of Hudson Straits, where a crew faces fog, icebergs, polar bears, and encounters with indigenous peoples, all while…
Level B2Children'sLeft at homeA young boy waits anxiously by the fire, forbidden to see his ailing baby sister whose sudden illness casts a shadow over their once-bright home.
Level B2Children'sLeft Tackle ThayerA homesick Virginia boy arrives at a Northern prep school, feeling out of place and lonely as he explores the unfamiliar campus and athletic fields.
Level B2Children'sLeft End EdwardsA young boy prepares for college at Brimfield Academy, balancing his father's strict expectations for serious study with his own curiosity about the school's athletic opportunities…
Level B2AdventureLeft Behind; Or, Ten Days a NewsboyA young boy is accidentally left behind in bustling New York City while his family sails to Europe.
Level B2AdventureLeaves from a middy's logA midshipman aboard a British frigate in the Caribbean faces sudden peril when a mutiny aboard an English merchant ship threatens chaos.
Level C1PoetryLeaves for a Christmas Bough: Love, Truth, and HopeCelebrate the joys and lessons of childhood through heartfelt letters, sketches, and reminiscences that capture the spirit of Christmas and the warmth of friendship, kindness, and…
Level C1Children'sLe Petit Chose (Histoire d'un Enfant)A delicate and determined boy faces hardship and ridicule as he leaves provincial life for Paris, carrying only a dream to restore his family's fortune and a small sum in his pocke…
Level B1Children'sLazy Robert; or, The Colonel's servantA mischievous boy struggles with his studies and temper while trying to mend his bond with his loyal dog, Major.
PoetryLazy Matilda, and Other TalesDive into whimsical poems that bring to life mischievous children, magical creatures, and timeless tales, inviting readers to explore lessons and laughter through vivid, playful st…
PoetryLays of Ancient Babyland: to which are added Small Divers Histories not known to the AncientsStep into a world of enchanting tales and whimsical poetry, where beloved fables like Little Red Riding Hood and Jack the Giant-Killer come to life alongside curious histories and…
Level B1AdventureLaunch the lifeboat!As storm waves crash and sea birds warn of danger, an old fisherman shares thrilling tales of coastal rescue and the brave lifeboat crews who answer the call to save lives from shi…
Level C1PoetryLaughable LyricsWhimsical creatures and curious adventures abound in a world where a forlorn Dong wanders with a glowing nose, searching for his lost love, while two old bachelors embark on a hila…
Level B1PoetryLaugh and playSibling rivalry and childhood creativity collide as Dulcie struggles between her budding poetic ambitions and the simple joy of play, while her brother Harold invites her into a wo…
Level C1Children'sLast Words: A Final Collection of StoriesChildren navigate neighborly disputes and the challenges of sharing in a tale where friendship, nature, and the mysterious Old Squire’s watchful dog intertwine in a garden full of…
Level B2MysteryLarry Barlow's ambitionA young machinist and volunteer fireman dreams of joining New York’s fire department and inventing a revolutionary extension ladder to fight towering infernos.
Level C1Children'sLandseer's Dogs and Their StoriesDiscover the heartfelt stories behind Sir Edwin Landseer’s paintings, where dogs embody not just animal traits but deep human emotions, revealing the unique bond between man and hi…
Level C1PoetryLandscape and SongImmerse yourself in a collection of evocative poems that celebrate nature's beauty, from blooming flowers and babbling brooks to changing seasons, weaving themes of love, loss, and…![Cover of Land of play: Verses, rhymes, stories by Sara Tawney [Compiler] Lefferts](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabnh109638s73a328i0.webp)
Level B2PoetryLand of play: Verses, rhymes, storiesStep into a whimsical world of verses, rhymes, and stories where beloved characters and timeless tales come alive—from a quaint barge home to playful animals and enchanting poems,…
Level C1AdventureLand and Sea Tales for Boys and GirlsExplore gripping tales of courage and adventure as soldiers from diverse lands face brutal battles, daring escapes, and relentless sieges, all striving to earn the prestigious Vict…