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 B2AdventureIn the Hands of the Cave-DwellersA young American sailor deserts his brutal ship in 1832 San Diego, only to find himself entangled in local dangers and alliances after rescuing a Mexican nobleman from a midnight a…
Level C1RomanceIn the Garden of the GodsCaught between a tense standoff and a daring rescue, a sharp-witted outsider and a defiant young woman confront danger amid the rugged beauty of the Garden of the Gods, where secre…
Level B2Children'sIn the Forest; Or, Pictures of Life and Scenery in the Woods of Canada: A TaleA curious young girl befriends a timid flying squirrel while discovering the wonders of Canadian wildlife, forests, and Indigenous culture.
Level C1AdventureIn the Eastern SeasA seasoned captain navigates his battered ship through stormy seas, spotting a dismasted vessel in peril.
Level B2AdventureIn the Days of Washington: A Story of the American RevolutionAmid the shadowed streets of occupied Philadelphia, a young student is summoned on a secret night mission that could change the fate of the American Revolution.
Level B2Children'sIn the Days of Giants: A Book of Norse TalesJourney into a world where fiery realms clash with icy giants, and gods forge earth and sky from a colossal giant’s body.
Level B2AdventureIn the Days of Chivalry: A Tale of the Times of the Black PrinceIn the autumnal forests of Gascony, twin brothers born of noble blood but raised humbly dream of reclaiming their birthright amid brewing conflict between England and France.
Level B2FantasyIn the Court of King ArthurIn a realm of legendary knights and chivalry, a young page named Allan faces danger when an arrogant knight demands a perilous message be delivered.
Level B2FantasyIn the Closed RoomIn a sweltering city flat near the thunderous Elevated Railroad, young Judith, a delicate and mysterious child, finds solace in her imagination and a distant aunt’s haunting legacy…
Level B2AdventureIn search of fortune: A tale of the old land and the newOn the eve of his tenth birthday, young Archie dreams of adventure and manhood while his family faces the challenges of life between the old world and the new.
Level B2AdventureIn a new worldTwo American boys forge a new life in Australia’s wild frontiers, facing shipwrecks, treachery, and the thrill of gold mining as they seek fortune and adventure far from home.
Level C1Children'sIn Touch with Nature: Tales and Sketches from the LifeAmid a fierce winter storm, a family bonds over tales and tender care for fragile Maggie May, recovering from a terrifying runaway horse accident; warmth and love fill their cottag…
Level B2AdventureIn Times of Peril: A Tale of IndiaAmid the tranquil British cantonments of 1857 India, young Ned and Dick Warrener navigate the challenges of colonial life just as unrest begins to stir.
Level B2HistoricalIn The Boyhood of Lincoln: A Tale of the Tunker Schoolmaster and the Times of Black HawkIn the rugged Illinois frontier, a dedicated Tunker schoolmaster shapes young Abraham Lincoln’s character amid pioneer hardships, Indian tales, and the trials of early American set…
Level B2AdventureIn Texas with Davy CrockettTwo young men aboard a steamboat on the Mississippi sense danger as suspicious figures watch their every move, hinting at a secret mission linked to the brewing conflict in Texas.
Level C1HistoricalIn Taunton town : a story of the rebellion of James Duke of Monmouth in 1685In 1685 Somerset, a farmer’s son recounts his family's deep ties to Taunton and the brewing inns at the heart of James Duke of Monmouth’s rebellion, revealing a vivid portrait of l…
Level B2Children'sIn Sunny Spain with Pilarica and RafaelA young girl’s embroidery struggles lead her into the enchanting gardens of a faded Moorish palace, where riddles, music, and family tales bring the magic of sunny Spain to life in…
Level B2FantasyIn Story-landA kind-hearted, plain little girl named Beta finds purpose in bringing joy to her village through simple acts of kindness, while a wise but lame giant watches over them all from hi…
Level B2AdventureIn Search of the Okapi: A Story of Adventure in Central AfricaTwo friends embark on a daring expedition into Central Africa's vast, uncharted forest—one chasing the mysterious okapi, the other seeking his missing father's hidden journal and t…
Level B2HistoricalIn Search of a SonIn the serene French countryside, a man receives a mysterious telegram that promises the return of an old friend, sparking hope and anticipation in his quiet château.
Level B2AdventureIn Search of TreasureA bright young man torn between academic success and a thirst for adventure discovers a mysterious chest belonging to his late sailor uncle, sparking a quest that could unveil secr…
Level B2AdventureIn School and Out; or, The Conquest of Richard Grant.Richard Grant, a boy with a troubled past and a noble heart, navigates dangerous scrapes both in school and on the Hudson River.
Level B2AdventureIn Savage Africa: Or, The adventures of Frank Baldwin from the Gold Coast to Zanzibar.A young boy's school days end abruptly when he receives a thrilling invitation to join his father's ship, embarking on a voyage from the Gold Coast to Zanzibar.
Level B2AdventureIn Paths of Peril: A Boy's Adventures in Nova ScotiaA resilient boy and his devoted aunt escape war-torn France to begin anew in wild Nova Scotia, where adventure and new alliances await amid untamed lands and indigenous tribes.
Level B2AdventureIn New Granada; Or, Heroes and PatriotsAmidst the lush landscapes of New Granada, a naval surgeon and his young ward face capture and peril after a hunting expedition turns deadly, sparking a daring struggle for freedom…
Level A2PoetryIn My NurseryDelight in a charming collection of playful and tender rhymes that capture the whimsy and wonder of childhood moments, from first teeth to bedtime songs, inviting young readers int…
Level B2AdventureIn Honour's Cause: A Tale of the Days of George the FirstTwo young courtiers navigate the stiff, formal life of the royal palace amid whispers of loyalty and power in the days of George the First, craving freedom beyond the heavy Dutch e…
Level B2Children'sIn HomespunIn a quiet English village, a spirited young girl takes on the task of caring for her cantankerous Aunt Maria, whose sprained ankle sets the stage for family secrets, rivalries, an…
Level B2AdventureIn Greek Waters: A Story of the Grecian War of IndependenceA young scholar, captivated by his Greek heritage and fueled by a passion for his ancestral land, embarks on a journey into the turbulent early years of the Greek War of Independen…
Level C1AdventureIn Freedom's Cause : A Story of Wallace and BruceIn a wild Scottish valley torn by feuds and shifting power, young Archie Forbes grows up under his mother's cautious care, learning to navigate the dangers that threaten their ance…
Level B2AdventureIn Far Bolivia: A Story of a Strange Wild LandDeep in the uncharted wilderness of Bolivia, explorers face mysterious tribes and untamed landscapes beyond civilization’s reach.
Level C1AdventureIn Doublet and Hose: A Story for GirlsIn the heart of the ancient New Forest, spirited Francis Stafford defies expectations with her daring hunts and sharp wit, challenging the old ways while navigating the perils of t…
Level C1AdventureIn Desert and WildernessTwo children, Nell and Stas, navigate the tense mysteries of colonial Egypt, caught between family ties, political intrigue, and the looming threat of the Mahdi’s uprising, as they…
Level B1AdventureIn Camp on the Big SunflowerDeep in the wilderness by the restless river, a group of boys on a camping adventure face eerie sights and mysterious sounds—could it be a wildcat, a panther, or something far stra…
Level B2FantasyIn Camp With A Tin SoldierA curious boy hears the distant beat of soldiers' drums and discovers his favorite picture—a quiet country lane—beginning to come alive with mysterious movement.
Level B2Children'sIn Blue Creek CañonIn a smoky mountain town, a lively group of children race across a frozen pond, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their mysterious cousin Charlie MacGregor, whose presence promises t…
Level C1RomanceImprudenceIn the shadow of Wortheton’s towering chimneys, a young woman burdened by premature sorrow seeks refuge in nature’s embrace, while a powerful family navigates wealth, duty, and soc…
Level C1Children'sIdols in the Heart: A TaleWhen their father marries a young, inexperienced woman from a humble background, three motherless siblings brace themselves for a new stepmother who threatens their carefully guard…
Level B2Children'sIda's new shoesA lively little girl named Ida struggles with her temper while showing off her new shoes, all under the watchful eyes of her ailing mother and caring family.
Level C1Children'sIda NicolariIn a Chelsea artist’s studio, young Ida Nicolari embodies the grace and beauty of the mythic Psyche as her father, a dedicated sculptor, balances his passion for art with the chall…
Level C1PoetryHymns, Songs, and Fables, for Young PeopleDelight in a collection of hymns, songs, and fables crafted to inspire and entertain children, blending joyous and thoughtful themes that nurture young minds with lessons of faith,…
Level B2AdventureHurrah for New England!: Or, The Virginia Boy's VacationA reluctant Virginian sets sail on a rugged New England fishing schooner to cure his health, accompanied by his adventurous cousin who discovers the charm and independence of coast…
Level B2AdventureHunting the Skipper: The Cruise of the "Seafowl" SloopTwo young midshipmen aboard H.
Level C1AdventureHunting the LionsTom Brown, a settler’s son from Cape Town, embarks on daring adventures into Africa’s wild interior, driven by an irresistible urge to explore unknown lands and encounter the untam…
Level B1MysteryHunting for hidden goldTwo brothers dream of joining their detective father on a thrilling case involving stolen gold hidden deep in a Montana mining camp.
Level B2Children'sHunter's MarjoryA lonely girl burdened by secrets and denial finds an unexpected friendship in new neighbors who offer kindness and understanding.
Level C1AdventureHunted and HarriedA determined troop of dragoons hunts a mysterious man rumored to aid rebels, navigating rugged Scottish moors and treacherous paths.
Level B1Children'sHumpty Dumpty's Little SonAfter his father’s great fall, Little Dumpty navigates school, friendship, and a bustling household filled with pets and surprises.