Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
43 poetry 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 poetry classics to read in English as a learner?
The best poetry classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with The Butterfly's Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast, The Bustān of Sadi and The Bush Fire, and Other Verses. 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 A2PoetryMother Goose's Nursery Rhymes: A Collection of Alphabets, Rhymes, Tales, and JinglesAn old woman’s simple quest to buy a pig leads her through a series of charming encounters with animals and objects, each requiring a clever exchange.
Level A2PoetryMother Goose or the Old Nursery RhymesStep into a whimsical world where nursery rhymes come alive with playful verses and charming characters, from Little Jack Horner’s Christmas pie to Humpty Dumpty’s precarious perch…
Level A2PoetryMore dolliesStep into a whimsical world where dolls come to life with colorful tales, from Saint Nicholas's gifts to playful cowboys and mischievous imps, each verse bringing charming characte…
Level A2AdventureMonkey Jack and Other StoriesWhen Monkey Jack’s daring climb to rescue a cherished ball ends in injury, his friends rally to help him heal and return to the treetops.
Level A2PoetryMarigold GardenStep into a whimsical world where children wander meadows, dance with joyful families, and explore secret doors to mysterious lands—each charming poem invites you to rediscover the…
Level A2PoetryLyrics & Legends of Christmas-TideStep into a festive world where timeless carols and enchanting tales weave together, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life through captivating verse and legendary characters.
Level A2PoetryLove Sonnets of an Office BoyDive into the heartfelt and whimsical world of an office boy's love, captured in a series of sonnets that reveal the charm, longing, and everyday poetry found amidst the humdrum of…
Level A2PoetryLost NellieYoung Nellie’s innocent prayers and wandering spirit lead her into a touching journey of faith and hope, while other heartfelt tales explore kindness, perseverance, and the comfort…
Level A2PoetryLittle peopleExplore a vivid alphabet where each letter introduces a different culture or character from around the world, brought to life through charming verses and colorful illustrations.
Level A2PoetryJourneys Through Bookland, Vol. 5Explore a rich collection of poetry and stories that traverse history, myth, and adventure—from Jonathan Swift's mischievous youth to King Arthur's legendary quests and the daring…
Level A2AdventureJourneys Through Bookland, Vol. 3Embark on a wondrous adventure through enchanted lands where pumpkins grow to surprising sizes, genies grant palaces, and curious creatures tell their tales.
Level A2AdventureJacky Dandy's DelightFollow Jacky Dandy’s lively journey through a bustling fair filled with wild beasts, playful animals, and charming birds, where each encounter reveals a new wonder and delight.
Level A2PoetryIn the Nursery: Happy Hours for the Little OnesWhimsical poems and charming tales bring to life talking animals, playful children, and their joyful adventures on the farm.
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 A2PoetryHesperus: and Other Poems and LyricsExplore a collection of heartfelt poems and lyrics that journey through faith, hope, and the mysteries of life, inviting readers to embrace the sacred fires of music and the gifts…
Level A2PoetryHappy and Gay Marching AwayDelight in charming scenes of childhood wonder and whimsy, where little hearts set a bird free, dance in springtime joy, and navigate the bittersweet moments of growing up with pla…
Level A2PoetryGypsy VersesDiscover the rhythms and emotions of a wandering soul through vivid, heartfelt poems that capture the essence of autumn and the spirit of the gypsy life.
Level A2PoetryFigures in Verse and Simple Rhymes, for Little Learners (Second Series; No. 2)Engage young minds with playful verses that teach numbers and simple rhymes, blending counting and rhythm to make early learning fun and memorable.
Level A2PoetryEric's Book of BeastsWhimsical watercolors and playful jingles bring to life a charming menagerie of beasts, from elephants to crocodiles, blending humor and imagination to delight children and adults…
Level A2PoetryElson Grammar School Literature, book 4Dive into a curated collection of stirring poetry, legendary rides, and timeless American literature, designed to inspire rhythm, patriotism, and appreciation for classic voices fr…
Level A2PoetryElfin songs of sunlandStep into a sunlit world of playful elves, joyful songs, and whimsical adventures where children dance, kite soar, and soap bubbles float, celebrating the magic of nature and imagi…
Level A2AdventureEdward Buttoneye and His AdventuresJoin Edward Buttoneye as he embarks on whimsical adventures filled with charming characters and delightful escapades, perfect for young readers eager to explore a world of imaginat…
Level A2PoetryDeborah Dent and Her Donkey and Madam Fig's Gala: Two Humorous TalesDive into two charmingly illustrated humorous tales that bring to life the quirky adventures of Deborah Dent with her donkey and the whimsical happenings at Madam Fig’s gala.
Level A2PoetryDeath and Burial of Poor Cock RobinDiscover the delicate art of remembrance as the sorrowful tale of poor Cock Robin unfolds through heartfelt poetry, capturing the rituals of death and burial with tender grace and…
Level A2PoetryDame Duck's First Lecture on EducationFollow Dame Duck as she teaches her lively ducklings how to waddle, swim, and thrive in their new world, blending gentle guidance with charming lessons in this delightful poetic ta…
Level A2PoetryCurious CreaturesWhimsical poems bring animals to life, from a talented giraffe musician to mischievous dogs and adventurous pigs, capturing their playful antics and charming personalities in a del…
Level A2PoetryCousin Hatty's Hymns and Twilight StoriesGentle hymns and tender tales guide children through lessons of kindness, obedience, and gratitude, blending heartfelt prayers with simple stories that celebrate family, faith, and…
Level A2PoetryChristmas RosesDelight in a charming collection of heartwarming poems that celebrate the magic of Christmas, childhood innocence, and the simple joys of life, from hopeful wishes to playful tales…
Level A2PoetryCecily Parsley's Nursery RhymesStep into a whimsical world where mischievous animals and charming characters come alive through playful nursery rhymes and enchanting illustrations, perfect for young readers and…
Level A2PoetryBy Still Waters: Lyrical Poems Old and NewImmerse yourself in lyrical poems that weave nature, spirit, and human experience into a serene and reflective journey, inviting quiet contemplation by still waters.
Level A2PoetryBritish Sports, for the Amusement of ChildrenExplore vivid scenes of traditional British sports and rural pastimes, from pheasant shooting to fox chasing, brought to life with colorful illustrations designed to entertain and…
Level A2AdventureBallad of the Lost HareA mischievous hare flees his scolding family, racing through fields and forests to escape capture and find freedom.
Level A2PoetryBab Ballads and Savoy SongsDive into a whimsical collection of witty and charming verses that cleverly blend satire and humor, offering sharp social commentary through lively ballads and songs.
Level A2PoetryAunt Friendly's Picture Book.: Containing Thirty-six Pages of Pictures Printed in Colours by KronheimDelight in vivid, colorful tales where clever pigs outwit a hungry wolf and a resourceful cat in boots transforms the fortunes of his poor master through wit and charm.
Level A2PoetryAunt Affable's Story of Old Mother Bantry and Her CatOld Mother Bantry’s mischievous cat, Grip, causes playful chaos from stealing fish to unexpected adventures, until a mysterious disappearance and return reveal a tale of loyalty an…
Level A2PoetryAt the Sign of the Sphinx. Second seriesStep into a world of enigmatic verses where each poem unfolds like a riddle, inviting you to unlock hidden meanings beneath the mysterious sign of the Sphinx.
Level A2PoetryAn Elegy on the Glory of Her Sex, Mrs. Mary BlaizeDelve into a poetic tribute that reflects on the virtues and complexities of womanhood, blending wit and elegance to celebrate the enduring spirit of Mrs.
Level A2PoetryAn Alphabet of Old FriendsDelight in a whimsical journey through familiar nursery rhymes and playful verses, where crows, black sheep, and merry old souls come to life in charming, rhythmic tales that capti…
Level A2PoetryAdvice: A Book of PoemsDive into a vibrant collection of poems that explore modern life and emotion with bold, stirring imagery and a fresh, unapologetic voice.
Level A2HistoricalA poem on the earthquake at LisbonExplore the haunting aftermath of Lisbon's devastating earthquake through vivid poetic reflection, capturing the shock and profound impact on a city forever changed by nature's fur…
Level A2Poetry1914, and Other PoemsExplore a collection of evocative poems that capture the spirit and turmoil of the early 20th century, blending personal reflection with the profound impact of a world on the brink…
Level A2Poetry"Smiles": A Book of Recitations for GirlsA charming collection of recitations designed especially for girls, offering delightful pieces to speak from early childhood through the joys of growing up.
Level A2PoetryA Child's Garden of VersesStevenson's beloved collection of short, musical poems about childhood — swings, shadows, ships, and bedtime.