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 B1Children'sFifty Famous FablesDiscover timeless lessons through fifty engaging fables where animals teach the values of self-control, kindness, wisdom, and honesty, inviting young readers to find their own mean…![Cover of Fifty Christmas poems for children by Florence B. [Compiler] Hyett](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabnpso9638s73a33fbg.webp)
Level C2PoetryFifty Christmas poems for childrenCelebrate the magic of Christmas through fifty enchanting poems that capture the wonder, joy, and timeless traditions of the holiday season, perfect for children and families to ch…
Level B2AdventureField and Forest; Or, The Fortunes of a FarmerIn the rugged Missouri wilderness, young Phil faces a daring challenge when hostile horse thieves strike his homestead, forcing him to confront danger and test his courage to recla…
Level C1Children'sFestival playsCelebrate the seasons and special days with charming one-act plays featuring personified months and festive legends.
Level B1MysteryFenn Masterson's Discovery; or, The Darewell Chums on a CruiseTwo schoolboys, Fenn and Bart, bond over a shared love of collecting—this time minerals—and a clever scheme to skip a tough algebra exam.
Level B2AdventureFeats on the FiordIn the rugged, mystical fiords of Norway, young Oddo embarks on daring adventures against a backdrop of shimmering waters, towering cliffs, and legendary superstitions that blur th…
Level B2Children'sFeatherland: How the Birds lived at GreenlawnIn a vibrant garden untouched by harm, the birds of Greenlawn awaken to spring’s arrival, singing and feasting in a world where nests are safe and nature thrives.
Level B2Children'sFawn in the woodA princess cursed to transform if she sees daylight before fifteen is confined in a windowless palace—until a jealous lady-in-waiting’s betrayal forces her to flee as a mysterious…
Level B2Children'sFavourite Fables in Prose and VerseCunning animals teach timeless lessons through their clever schemes and misadventures—from a fox trapped in a well to a greedy man’s downfall—each fable revealing wisdom on trust,…
Level B2Children'sFavorite Fairy Tales: The Childhood Choice of Representative Men and WomenStep into a world where timeless fairy tales chosen by celebrated thinkers come alive, weaving magic, wisdom, and imagination into beloved stories like Cinderella, Jack the Giant-K…
Level B1Children'sFavorite Fairy TalesIn a wintery kingdom, a jealous queen’s envy turns deadly when her stepdaughter Snow-White grows more beautiful than her.
Level B2Children'sFather Brighthopes; Or, An Old Clergyman's VacationIn a quaint countryside setting, a stern uncle's household conceals tender struggles and heartfelt hopes as children navigate life's trials and find unexpected joys.
Level A2AdventureFather Bear and Bobby BearIn a sunlit forest, young Bobby Bear longs for friendship beyond his lonely cave and chores, dreaming of joyful days and unexpected encounters that may change his quiet life foreve…
Level B2AdventureFast in the Ice: Adventures in the Polar RegionsA brave crew embarks on a perilous voyage into the uncharted Polar Seas, where icy dangers and unknown wonders await.
Level B2AdventureFast Nine; or, A Challenge from FairfieldFive adventurous boys trek home after a long day fishing along the Sunflower River, sharing camaraderie, challenges, and local legends in their lively journey back to Hickory Ridge…
Level B2Children'sFarmer Bluff's dog BlazerA determined boy defies his father’s orders to explore beyond the common and encounters the lively world of the Lord of the Manor’s estate.
Level C1HistoricalFar Off; Or, Asia and Australia Described: With Anecdotes and IllustrationsExplore distant lands and meet their people through vivid tales of missionaries, sacred places, and real events that inspire young minds to cherish truth and faith over fiction.
Level B2Children'sFanny, the Flower-Girl; or, Honesty Rewarded. To Which are Added Other TalesA young flower-girl sells her blossoms in the bustling market, only to discover a wealthy gentleman has mistakenly given her a valuable gold coin.
Level C1HistoricalFancy's Show-Box (From "Twice Told Tales")An aging man confronts a haunting question: can guilt stain the soul from mere thoughts, without deeds?
Level B2Children'sFanciful talesIn a village where Old Pipes once charmed cattle home with his music, his fading breath silences the hills—until a mysterious dryad steps forth, promising to restore the magic and…
Level B2RomanceFan's silken stringA spirited young wanderer offers his strength and wit to a bustling haymaking farm, promising hard work and unexpected charm amid the rhythms of rural life and the threat of loomin…
Level B2Children'sFamous Tales of Fact and Fancy: Myths and Legends of the Nations of the World Retold for Boys and GirlsAncient myths come alive as Prometheus defies the gods to gift fire to humanity, sparking a new age of progress and joy, while the gods plot to challenge mankind’s newfound power w…
Level C1Children'sFamous Stories Every Child Should KnowJourney through timeless tales that blend everyday life with vivid imagination, inspiring wonder and nurturing the soul’s craving for joy, virtue, and the magic found in stories pa…
Level B2AdventureFamous Islands and Memorable VoyagesIn 1431, a Venetian trading ship embarks on a perilous voyage from the bustling port of Venice to the treacherous northern seas.
Level A2Children'sFamiliar AnimalsMeet Molly the cow, a gentle farm friend who shares her story from playful calf to milk-giver, while learning kindness and care in a lively farmyard filled with animals and childre…
Level B2HistoricalFame and Fortune; or, The Progress of Richard HunterTwo determined boys escape their harsh street lives by securing a modest boarding-room and honest work, striving to rise above poverty through hard study, courage, and unexpected k…
Level C1Children'sFalse Friends, and The Sailor's ResolveA young man struggles between his mother's loving warnings and the tempting influence of two dubious companions, risking his honor and future in a world shadowed by debt and deceit…
Level B2AdventureFalling in with Fortune; Or, The Experiences of a Young SecretaryA determined young man, recently dismissed from his job, becomes the private secretary to a wealthy lady and faces challenges from her unscrupulous nephew.
Level C1HistoricalFallen FortunesAmid the thunder of battle at Ramillies, a young traveler and his servant witness the clash of armies and the rise and fall of fortunes, drawn into the sweep of war and the stirrin…
Level C1Children'sFaith Gartney's GirlhoodIn a time of financial strain, young Faith Gartney wrestles with the delicate balance between family pride and simple desires, navigating the challenges of growing up amid hopes, s…
PoetryFairy's Album: With Rhymes of FairylandStep into a whimsical world where fairies and their friends come to life through enchanting rhymes and delicate verses.
Level B2Children'sFairy tales from far and nearA baby girl is taken by eagles and raised in a magical iron house high in a tree, but when her caretakers leave on a quest, she faces hunger and danger alone—venturing into forbidd…
Level B2Children'sFairy tales from South AfricaStep into the enchanting world of South African tribes, where fireside storytellers bring to life ancient fairy tales filled with kings, warriors, magical creatures, and timeless c…
Level B2FantasyFairy dreamsA prince embarks on a quest to find a mysterious flower from his dreams, armed with a magical veil and spear to test its truth and break enchantments.
Level B2Children'sFairy Tales of the Slav Peasants and HerdsmenIn a land where kindness and cruelty shape fate, a poor man discovers a magical fire atop a crystal mountain that transforms embers into gold—while his greedy brother’s envy leads…
Level B1Children'sFairy Tales of Hans Christian AndersenStep into a world where blooming gardens and cheerful birds contrast with fiery sermons of eternal damnation, as a pastor grapples with faith, mercy, and the mysteries beyond life…
Level B2FantasyFairy Tales from the German ForestsIn a humble village near the great forest, young Hansi Herzchen, the seventh child, longs for the magic of a Christmas tree despite her family's strict thriftiness.![Cover of Fairy Tales from the Arabian Nights by E. [Editor] Dixon](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daghg3rsskss73ch9bb0.webp)
Level B2AdventureFairy Tales from the Arabian NightsA king of Persia marries a mysterious, silent slave whose beauty captivates him, yet she refuses to speak for an entire year.
Level B2Children'sFairy Tales from SpainIn a vibrant tale set in ancient China, a clever young Spaniard named Pinchauvas finds himself caught in palace intrigues after being mistaken for a criminal for climbing through a…
Level B2Children'sFairy Tales from Many LandsA king’s golden apple tree yields mystery as its fruit vanishes nightly despite guards.
Level C1Children'sFairy Tales from Gold LandsIn a rain-soaked San Francisco, a restless child finds comfort in the timeless tale of the Christ-child’s birth in Bethlehem, where humble gifts and heavenly blessings intertwine i…
Level B1Children'sFairy Tales Told in the BushIn the Australian bush, a clever boy sets out to make his fortune and encounters a mysterious little man in brown who offers a curious job—one that requires a boy who cannot read o…
Level C1Children'sFairy Tales From All NationsTwo royal children, surrounded by every earthly delight, find themselves inexplicably unhappy—until a majestic queen and a dazzling, otherworldly bird arrive to awaken their imagin…
Level C1Children'sFairy Tales Every Child Should KnowStep into a realm where imagination transforms harsh realities into magical adventures, where fairies and giants empower humanity to conquer darkness and achieve true happiness.
Level C1PoetryFairy Realm: A Collection of the Favourite Old Tales Told in VerseIn a kingdom where silence suddenly falls, a royal christening sparks a tense encounter with an uninvited, spiteful fairy whose unpredictable gift threatens the fate of a newborn p…
Level C1FantasyFairy Circles: Tales and Legends of Giants, Dwarfs, Fairies, Water-Sprites, and HobgoblinsIn a land of ancient castles and enchanted forests, a young prince hides a secret love for a humble maiden, weaving a tale of romance and mystery amid whispers of giants, fairies,…
Level B2Children'sFairy BookA young girl, tormented by relentless mosquito bites, finds comfort in a collection of whimsical fairy stories shared by her family.
Level B1MysteryFairview Boys at Lighthouse Cove; or, Carried out to SeaThree adventurous boys celebrate the last day of school and dream of summer fun, but when one heads to a mysterious lighthouse cove, unexpected challenges and secrets await by the…