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 B1AdventureTom Swift and His AirshipA daring young inventor faces explosive setbacks while perfecting his groundbreaking airship, risking everything to soar above the clouds.
Level B2FantasyTom Swift and His Air Scout; Or, Uncle Sam's Mastery of the SkyA daring young inventor prepares to take his hesitant companion on a thrilling first flight in his speedy, double-winged aeroplane, promising safety and adventure above the clouds.
Level B1FantasyTom Swift and His Air Glider; Or, Seeking the Platinum TreasureA young inventor readies his newly modified airship for a daring flight, despite doubts from friends wary of its untested changes.
Level B2FantasyTom Swift and His Aerial Warship; Or, The Naval Terror of the SeasA young inventor wrestles with the challenges of perfecting an aerial warship—a daring flying machine designed to carry heavy weaponry and redefine naval warfare from the skies.
Level B2FantasyTom Swift Among the Fire Fighters; Or, Battling with Flames from the AirA young inventor and his loyal companions face a sudden, mysterious uproar outside their home, hinting at an urgent crisis that demands their daring skills and inventive genius.
Level B2AdventureTom Swift Among the Diamond Makers; Or, The Secret of Phantom MountainA young inventor finds himself guarding a jewelry store alone when a suspicious man attempts a daring theft, sparking a thrilling adventure filled with mystery and danger.
Level B2AdventureTom Strong, Lincoln's Scout: A Story of the United States in the Times That Tried Men's SoulsIn the tense borderlands of Western Maryland, a father and son ride into a land shadowed by slavery and unexpected danger.
Level B2AdventureTom Slade with the ColorsTom Slade struggles with the call to serve in the army during wartime but is urged by his scoutmaster to find his own way to contribute at home.
Level B2AdventureTom Slade on the RiverAt a lively summer camp by the Hudson, a boy named Raymond, once frail and alone, prepares to welcome troop arrivals and embrace adventure alongside his steadfast companion, Jeb Ru…
Level B2AdventureTom Slade on a TransportTom Slade returns to his hometown after harrowing adventures at sea, reconnecting with old friends and confronting his past as he navigates new challenges and loyalties during wart…
Level B2MysteryTom Slade on Overlook MountainWhen New York City’s thirst swallows the village of West Hurley, old Caleb Dyker becomes a wandering outcast, crossing paths with restless scout Tom Slade.
Level B2MysteryTom Slade in the north woodsWhen Tom Slade returns from his adventurous summer at Temple Camp, the spirit of the wild north woods calls him back into action.
Level B2AdventureTom Slade at Temple CampAt Temple Camp, Tom Slade unexpectedly wins the assistant camp manager election, despite his awkwardness and the political maneuvers behind the scenes.
Level B2AdventureTom Slade at Black LakeAn eighteen-year-old scout, Tom Slade, returns from war to the familiar wilderness of Temple Camp, where scouting skills and adventure beckon him beyond the battlefield.
Level B2AdventureTom Slade at Bear MountainA routine visit to Aunt Martha’s cottage in Kingston turns into a thrilling adventure as Tom Slade stumbles upon outlaws, hidden secrets, and a mysterious treasure in the wilds of…
Level B2Children'sTom Slade Picks a WinnerWhen Wilfred Cowell suddenly collapses, his family anxiously awaits a doctor’s arrival, but an unexpected visitor from Temple Camp brings new hope and mystery.
Level B2AdventureTom Slade : Boy Scout of the Moving PicturesIn a rough neighborhood where mischief is Tom Slade’s daily routine, a chance encounter with a scoutmaster challenges his wild ways and hints at a new path beyond pranks and stone-…
Level B2AdventureTom Newcombe; Or, the Boy of Bad HabitsA wealthy boy with every toy imaginable, Tom Newcombe battles his own bad habits and stubborn pride, spiraling into frustration and chaos despite the comforts around him.
Level B2Children'sTom GilliesOn rugged Norton Island, spirited Tom Gillies struggles between youthful freedom and family expectations as he faces a new chance working for Miss Pringle, who promises to challeng…
Level C1AdventureTom Finch's Monkey: and How he Dined with the AdmiralA jovial naval officer commands the HMS Porpoise during a tense South American conflict, bringing along his beloved monkey, Jocko, whose antics and companionship become a unique pa…
Level B1AdventureTom Fairfield's Schooldays; or, The Chums of Elmwood HallWhen Tom’s motorboat engine stalls, he and his friends set out on a river adventure that leads to unexpected encounters and challenges at Elmwood Hall, where loyalty and courage wi…
Level B2AdventureTom Fairfield's Pluck and Luck; Or, Working to Clear His NameA determined young man returns to Elmwood Hall, ready to face new challenges alongside his loyal friends, while mysterious secrets from their adventurous summer begin to surface.
Level B1AdventureTom Fairfield's Hunting Trip; or, Lost in the WildernessFour adventurous boys set out for a thrilling hunting expedition in the wild Adirondacks, where three remote camps await their exploration.
Level B1MysteryTom Fairfield in Camp; or, The Secret of the Old MillTom Fairfield battles a stubborn motorboat and unravels mysteries along Pine River, where a loose wire and unexpected encounters hint at secrets lurking near the old mill.
Level B1AdventureTom Fairfield at Sea; or, The Wreck of the Silver StarFour daring schoolboys sneak out past curfew for a night in town, but their forbidden adventure soon spirals into a thrilling maritime mystery when Tom Fairfield confronts the peri…
Level B2AdventureTom Burnaby: A Story of Uganda and the Great Congo ForestIn the heart of Central Africa, a fierce struggle unfolds as oppressed slaves and their white officers revolt against ruthless Arab overlords.
Level C1Children'sTom Brown's School DaysA vivid tale of schoolboy life in Victorian England, exploring friendship, honor, and the trials of growing up at Rugby School.
Level C1Children'sTom Brown at RugbyAt Rugby School, young Tom Brown confronts the trials of boyhood, from bullying nicknames to mastering courage and character under the guidance of the inspiring Dr.
Level B2Children'sTolstoi for the young: Select tales from TolstoiIn a peasant family, Ivan the Fool’s simple kindness contrasts with his ambitious brothers’ greed and folly, while mischievous devils conspire to sow discord and ruin their lives.
PoetryTold in the twilightStep into a world where twilight weaves stories of dreams, sorrows, and gentle lessons through poetic reflections on life, nature, and the quiet moments between day and night.
Level C1Children'sTold in the gardens of Araby (untranslated until now)Step into a lush Arabian garden where a spirited young hostess, fluent in many tongues, invites a visitor on a wild donkey ride through sunlit paths, blending vibrant culture, play…
Level C1HistoricalTold in gallant deedsAmid the upheaval of the Great War, children face a world forever changed by loss and courage as England honors its promise to protect Belgium from invasion.
Level B2Children'sTold by Uncle Remus: New Stories of the Old PlantationIn a return to the plantation, an elderly storyteller finds his tales enchanting a new, delicate child whose refined nature sparks curiosity and gentle concern.
Level B2AdventureToby Tyler; Or, Ten Weeks with a CircusA hungry, spirited boy named Toby longs to escape his strict guardian and the hardships of small-town life by joining the vibrant circus that has come to town, promising adventure…
Level C1RomanceTo the Last ManIn the rugged wilderness of the Arizona frontier, a deadly feud between cattlemen and sheepmen unfolds, revealing the fierce struggles and untamed spirit of pioneer life.
Level B2AdventureTo Win or to Die: A Tale of the Klondike Gold CrazeA lone adventurer braves the brutal winter wilderness, hauling his sledge through treacherous mountains in search of the Klondike’s elusive gold.
Level B2AdventureTo The WestA young clerk haunted by loss and hardship faces a grim future in London’s unforgiving cityscape, while mysterious visitors stir memories and hopes of escape.
Level C1AdventureTo Herat and Cabul: A Story of the First Afghan WarA young clerk embarks on a perilous mission to counter Persian and Russian ambitions in Afghanistan during the tense buildup to the First Afghan War.
Level B2AdventureTo Alaska for Gold; Or, The Fortune Hunters of the YukonTwo determined Maine brothers, orphaned and struggling after a lumber company's collapse, embark on a daring journey to Alaska’s Klondike goldfields, facing grueling wilderness and…
Level B2Children'sTip Lewis and His LampIn a lively Sabbath school, a shy young teacher takes on a mischievous class of ragged boys with no lessons and wild spirits.
Level B1AdventureTinkle, the Trick Pony: His Many AdventuresA curious little pony named Tinkle dreams of escaping his quiet meadow to explore the bustling city and experience thrilling adventures like the fire engine stories told by older h…
Level B2FantasyTing-a-lingIn an enchanted Eastern kingdom, a sheltered princess encounters a mysterious, dignified stranger while out walking—sparking a thrilling adventure filled with danger, unexpected br…
Level C1AdventureTimothy's Quest: A Story for Anybody, Young or Old, Who Cares to Read ItIn the bleak confines of Minerva Court, a harsh world of poverty and despair, a young boy named Timothy embarks on a quest for love and belonging amid the shadows of hardship and l…
Level C1MysteryTimothy Crump's Ward: A Story of American LifeIn the harsh winter of 1836, Timothy Crump, a struggling cooper, faces the crushing weight of poverty and family tensions in a humble New York tenement, where hope is scarce and ev…
Level B2AdventureTimmy WhoofA curious cinnamon bear cub named Timmy explores the vast plains and faces the dangers of wolves and coyotes under the watchful eye of his protective mother.
Level B2Children'sTimid LucyTimid Lucy faces her fears in a quiet village where even the moonlit orchard seems mysterious.
Level B2AdventureTim and TipAn eleven-year-old boy and his quirky dog escape an abusive guardian who wants to reclaim them for his own gain.
Level B1FantasyTik-Tok of OzIn a tiny, sleepy kingdom on the edge of Oz, young Queen Ann Soforth grows restless and dreams of greater power.