Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
5,949 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 B2Children'sFrank Armstrong at QueensA determined newcomer faces down a school bully on his first day at Queen's, navigating new friendships and challenges in a lively boarding school setting.
Level B2AdventureFrank Armstrong at CollegeAs a new college year dawns at Yale, Freshman Frank Armstrong and his friends dive into the spirited chaos of the traditional "rush," navigating rivalries, traditions, and the chal…
Level B1AdventureFrank Allen at Old Moose Lake;Five adventurous boys embark on a camping expedition at Old Moose Lake, armed with rifles and fueled by past daring exploits, including unraveling a jewel theft.
Level B1AdventureFrank Allen at Gold Fork; or, Locating the lost claimUnder cover of night at Rockspur Ranch, Frank Allen and his friend Lanky spot a suspicious stranger hunting for a secret map tied to a lost gold claim.
Level B2AdventureFrank Allen and his motor boat; or, Racing to save a lifeFrank Allen faces a thrilling challenge when a mysterious rival named Cunningham arrives with a speedy motorboat and questionable motives.
Level B2AdventureFrances of the Ranges; Or, The Old Ranchman's TreasureA fearless young rider confronts a fierce mountain lion to save a stranger trapped in the rugged plains, igniting an adventure where courage and survival intertwine under the setti…
Level B2AdventureFoxholme Hall, and Other TalesWinter holidays promise thrilling adventures at Foxholme Hall, where hunting, skating, and mysterious encounters in the New Forest await spirited youngsters and their loyal compani…
Level B2Children'sFourth Down!Three friends face the challenges of a new school year, wrestling with the dread of hard work and the hope for unexpected adventures.
Level B1Children'sFour little Blossoms through the holidaysFour children prepare a special Thanksgiving gift for the poor, learning the joys and challenges of kindness through washing vegetables and gathering treats to share.
Level B2AdventureFour in Camp: A Story of Summer Adventures in the New Hampshire WoodsA city boy arrives at Camp Chicora in the New Hampshire woods, facing his fears and the challenge of joining a new group just as summer adventures begin.
Level B2HistoricalFour girls of forty years agoFour motherless sisters face life’s challenges in a gloomy old house near Washington Square, struggling with their father’s absence in China, the loss of their loyal nurse Lizzie,…
Level C1Children'sFour gatesFour young women, bound by duty and dreams, navigate life’s quiet struggles in a sleepy village where opportunity feels out of reach.
Level C1Children'sFour and Twenty Fairy Tales: Selected from Those of Perrault, and Other Popular WritersA mysterious man with a blue beard, feared for his past and strange appearance, wins the heart of a beautiful young woman.
Level B2AdventureFour Young Explorers; Or, Sight-Seeing in the TropicsFour young companions embark on thrilling river expeditions through Borneo’s jungles, encountering exotic tribes and wildlife before venturing onward to the vibrant cities and cult…
Level C1FantasyFour Winds FarmA boy named Gratian grows up on the wild, windswept Four Winds Farm, where the forces of nature seem alive and mysterious.
Level B2Children'sFour Little Blossoms on Apple Tree IslandFour spirited siblings on Apple Tree Island embark on lively adventures, from rescuing a sick robin to exploring new gardens and riding in their family's shiny new car.
Level B1Children'sFour Little Blossoms at Oak Hill SchoolFour lively siblings turn everyday furniture into imaginative playhouses, sparking cozy adventures and sibling camaraderie on a rainy afternoon in their hometown of Oak Hill.
Level B1AdventureFour Little Blossoms at Brookside FarmFour lively siblings embark on a bustling afternoon adventure through their hometown, where a chance encounter with an injured dog leads them to the kindly family doctor.
Level B1Children'sFour Little Blossoms and Their Winter FunFour lively siblings embrace the first snowstorm of winter with playful banter, mischievous antics, and the promise of cozy adventures—where sledding mishaps and secret plans turn…
Level B2Children'sFour Girls at ChautauquaFour spirited girls plan an adventurous two-week retreat to Chautauqua, eager to escape their daily routines for camping, camaraderie, and a touch of wildness in the woods.
Level B2AdventureFour Girls and a CompactFour young women, bound by friendship and hardship, hatch a daring plan to escape the city's grind for a summer of freedom in the countryside, seeking a simple, affordable haven wh…
Level B1AdventureFour Boy Hunters; Or, The Outing of the Gun ClubFour adventurous boys form the Fairview Gun Club and plan a hunting trip deep into the mountains near Lake Cameron.
Level B2AdventureFour Afoot: Being the Adventures of the Big Four on the HighwayFour adventurous boys set out on a walking journey through the countryside, navigating unknown roads and seeking the elusive town of Jericho.
Level B2AdventureFour Afloat: Being the Adventures of the Big Four on the WaterFour boys and their lively terrier embark on a summer cruise aboard the sleek Vagabond, a shining gasoline launch ready for adventure.
Level B2Children'sForward Pass: A Story of the "New Football"A determined boy leaves home for the first time, embarking on a thrilling journey to boarding school where new challenges and the excitement of the "new football" await him.
Level C1AdventureFort Desolation: Red Indians and Fur Traders of Rupert's LandCaught between the wild frontier and the encroaching civilization of Canada, Jack Robinson endures solitude and hardship with quiet strength and a fierce spirit.
Level B2Children'sForge of FoxenbyIn the fierce County Schools' Cup final, under a biting wind and against a heavier, formidable team, spirited Foxenby faces St.
Level B2AdventureForests of Maine: Marco Paul's Adventures in Pursuit of KnowledgeEmbark on a summer journey up Maine’s Kennebec River with young Marco Paul, as he explores the natural world and learns about tides, river life, and fortifications on the way to Qu…
Level B2AdventureForest and Frontiers; Or, Adventures Among the IndiansEmbark on a daring journey through the African interior, where a fearless hunter confronts majestic lions and wild beasts in thrilling, close-quarters battles.
Level C1AdventureForest Glen; or, The Mohawk's FriendshipAmid the tense frontier of Pennsylvania, young settlers train in marksmanship and tomahawk throwing, preparing to defend their homes against looming Indian war threats.
Level B2Children'sFor the good of the teamTwo old friends reunite on the train, gearing up for a football season full of rivalry, new coaching challenges, and fresh plays that could change the game.
Level B2AdventureFor the freedom of the seasCaught in the stillness of an autumn Atlantic, a seasoned captain and his son navigate the challenges of a slow journey home on their aging schooner, where patience and perseveranc…
Level C1AdventureFor the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of JerusalemAmid the tranquil beauty of Galilee, young John dreams by the Sea of Tiberias, unaware that the rich land and its people stand on the brink of devastating conflict as Roman forces…
Level B1HistoricalFor the School ColoursWhen a rival school closes, its students flood into Silverside, upending traditions and threatening the established order among the boarders.
Level B2HistoricalFor the Sake of the SchoolSeventeen schoolgirls embark on a lively train journey to The Woodlands, where friendships bloom and surprises await—like the arrival of a mysterious new student from New Zealand.
Level B2Children'sFor the Honor of the School: A Story of School Life and Interscholastic SportIn a tense cross-country race between rival schools, a determined team faces fierce competition, harsh weather, and the pressure to win for their academy’s honor.
Level C1RomanceFor the Faith: A Story of the Young Pioneers of Reformation in OxfordIn turbulent Oxford, young reformers grapple with faith, truth, and persecution, challenging church authority to read Scriptures freely and seek greater liberty of thought amid ris…
Level B2Children'sFor Yardley: A Story of Track and FieldOn a gloomy Saturday at Yardley Hall, two friends wrestle with restless boredom and looming exams, longing for the thrill of track, football, and spring sports to chase away the ra…
Level C1AdventureFor The AdmiralIn a France torn by religious war, a wounded messenger bearing a secret warning arrives at a castle where loyalties and danger collide.
Level B2AdventureFor Name and Fame; Or, Through Afghan PassesAmidst the rugged terrain and tribal alliances of Afghanistan, a British officer confronts suspicion and theft near his estate, unraveling tensions between local gypsies and imperi…
Level C1RomanceFor Love of Country: A Story of Land and Sea in the Days of the RevolutionAmid the turmoil of the American Revolution, a young patriot navigates love, loyalty, and fierce naval battles that test the spirit of a nation.
Level B2Children'sFor His Country, and Grandmother and the CrowA homesick young American studies abroad in France, longing for home and grappling with patriotism and identity.
PoetryFootsteps on the Road to Learning; Or, The Alphabet in RhymeDiscover the alphabet brought to life through charming rhymes and playful repetition, creating an engaging and memorable way for children to learn their ABCs with moral and enterta…
Level C1HistoricalFootprints on the Sea-Shore (From "Twice Told Tales")A solitary wanderer escapes the bustle of society to find peace along a rugged sea-shore, where the waves, sand, and fleeting encounters with nature inspire deep reflection and qui…
Level B2AdventureFootprints in the ForestCaptured by Sauk Indians, two young friends embark on a perilous quest through the wilderness to rescue a kidnapped companion, guided by the brave Shawanoe warrior Deerfoot and the…
Level B2Children'sFootprintsChildren discover the magic of an extraordinary snowstorm in mild Devonshire, where a rare winter transforms their quiet farm life into a playground of frosty adventures, snowmen,…
Level C1PoetryFood for the Mind: Or, A New Riddle-bookDive into a world where riddles unlock hidden truths and sharpen the mind, blending ancient wisdom with playful challenges that reveal the art of disguise and discovery in everyday…
Level B2Children'sFollowing heavenwardA young man haunted by his late sister’s unfulfilled mission struggles to carry on her work helping neglected boys, seeking new ways to make a difference in a world that seems indi…