Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
35 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 Ægle and the elf, a fantasy, Zophiel and Zephyrs. 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.
- 35
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Level B1PoetryWhat Became of Them? and, The Conceited Little PigFollow the curious adventures and misadventures of six little pigs, including one conceited brother whose pride leads him into trouble, in a charming blend of playful verse and poi…
Level B1PoetryUnder the TreeDelight in a collection of vivid, tender poems that explore childhood wonder, nature’s quiet moments, and the everyday magic found under the sky, in cornfields, and beneath the but…
Level B1PoetryTwas the Night before Christmas: A Visit from St. NicholasOn Christmas Eve, a hush falls over the house as stockings are hung and children dream sweetly—until the sudden arrival of St.
Level B1AdventureThe Nine Lives of A Cat: A Tale of WonderFollow the extraordinary adventures of Kitty, a cat who narrowly escapes death time and again, using her nine lives to outwit danger from hanging ropes to drowning attempts.
Level B1PoetryThe National Nursery Book: With 120 illustrationsStep into a world of timeless nursery tales where Little Red Riding-Hood ventures through the forest to visit her grandmother, encountering a cunning wolf along the way.
Level B1AdventureThe Kipling Reader: Selections from the Books of Rudyard KiplingA fearless mongoose named Rikki-tikki-tavi embarks on a daring adventure within a bustling bungalow, where curious exploration leads him into a fierce battle for survival against h…
Level B1PoetryThe House That Jack Built: One of R. Caldecott's Picture BooksDive into a rhythmic chain of characters and events, each linked to the house that Jack built, weaving a playful and memorable tale through repetitive, charming verse.
Level B1PoetryThe House That Jack Built, a Game of Forfeits: To Which is Added, the Entertaining Fable of "The Magpie"Follow the whimsical chain of events in a cumulative rhyme where each character builds upon the last, culminating in the quirky tale of a crafty magpie teaching—and outsmarting—oth…
Level B1RomanceThe Fox Jumps Over the Parson's GateA lively hunt unfolds with a mischievous fox leaping over the parson’s gate, while the heart of the story beats for Nancy, weaving humor and romance through spirited songs and char…
Level B1PoetryThe Death and Burial of Cock RobinA whimsical assembly of birds takes part in the funeral of Cock Robin, each stepping forward to claim a role in his burial.
Level B1PoetryThe Child's Story-Book. Second Series—No. 4Gentle tales and poems explore kindness, nature, and simple joys through children’s eyes—a compassionate boy questions cruelty, a girl cherishes robins, and a little rabbit brings…
Level B1PoetryThe Birthday Party: A Story for Little FolksA kind-hearted girl plans a grand birthday party, inviting friends and curious neighbors in hopes of spreading joy and kindness, even to those who might seem difficult.
Level B1PoetryStories for children: A book for all little girls and boysFollow Corinne as she discovers the enchanting Fairy of the Rose, who rewards her innocence with magical gifts and sweet songs, teaching the joys of kindness and obedience in a wor…
Level B1PoetrySing-songDelight in a charming collection of whimsical nursery rhymes and gentle poems, each evoking tender moments, nature’s wonders, and childhood innocence through vivid imagery and soot…
Level B1PoetryShining HoursStep into a world where childhood imagination and simple wonders come alive—from a little girl’s loyal love for her old doll to a curious cat’s baffling encounter with a mysterious…
Level B1PoetryRose of AffectionPlayful verses capture the innocent joys and everyday wonders of childhood, from choosing toys to learning lessons.
Level B1PoetryRiley Child-RhymesWhimsical rhymes and charming tales bring to life children’s adventures, mischievous goblins, and the lovable Raggedy Man, inviting readers into a world of heartfelt humor and time…
Level B1PoetryPunky Dunk and the Spotted PupA curious cat named Punky Dunk meets a lively spotted pup who arrives to join the family, sparking playful rivalry and unexpected friendship in this charming, rhymed tale of pets a…
Level B1PoetryOur Boys, and Other PoemsPoignant poems penned by a young boy before his tenth birthday capture the spirit of patriotism and childhood wonder during wartime.
Level B1PoetryNonsense for old and youngDive into a whimsical world where playful poems and quirky illustrations bring to life mischievous antics, witty social satire, and delightfully absurd tales that charm both young…
Level B1PoetryMy First Picture Book: With Thirty-six Pages of Pictures Printed in Colours by KronheimEnter a colorful world where a resourceful Little Old Woman and her many children transform a giant shoe into their home, embarking on a daring quest to rescue their father from a…
Level B1PoetryMother Earth's Children: The Frolics of the Fruits and VegetablesDiscover the enchanting world of Mother Earth's children, where fruits and vegetables come alive as playful friends in gardens, fields, and forests, inviting young readers to explo…
Level B1PoetryLittle SongsDelight in charming rhymes and gentle melodies that invite children into a world of gardens, moons, lullabies, and playful creatures, blending whimsical verses with tender lessons…
Level B1PoetryLaugh and playSibling rivalry and childhood creativity collide as Dulcie struggles between her budding poetic ambitions and the simple joy of play, while her brother Harold invites her into a wo…![Cover of Fun and Frolic by E. T. [Editor] Roe](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da6ib52pmtvc73csn0b0.webp)
Level B1PoetryFun and FrolicDelight in charming tales of childhood mishaps, playful pets, and tender family moments, where kindness and humor bring joy to everyday adventures and surprises.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 34, August 23, 1914A young boy experiences the joy of his first store-bought suit and a mischievous kitten that mysteriously lights up the house, while a lonely girl faces the sting of exclusion at a…
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 17, April 26, 1914Twins Toby and Nancy discover a mysterious boat stranded among the rocks at low tide, only to find a frightened kitten hiding inside—sparking a heartfelt adventure of kindness and…
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 16, April 19, 1914Children's wonder blooms as ten fluffy chicks hatch unexpectedly on a warm engine room shelf, sparking delight and inventive care at home.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 10, March 8, 1914A young boy longs to bring a new friend to Sunday school, where each newcomer is celebrated like a fish caught in a shining river.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 07, February 15, 1914A young boy discovers the joy of painting and creating homemade valentines, planning thoughtful gifts for friends and family while learning about kindness and creativity.
Level B1PoetryBye-a Baby Bunting, and Other RhymesDiscover a charming collection of nursery rhymes and playful verses that bring joy and rhythm to childhood moments, capturing the simple wonders of early life with warmth and whims…
Level B1PoetryAnimal Children: The Friends of the Forest and the PlainDiscover a charming world where playful animal children of the forest and plain come to life with wit and whimsy, inviting young readers to meet their furry, feathered, and finned…
Level B1PoetryA Present for Infants; or, Pictures for the NurseryGentle verses paired with charming illustrations introduce young minds to everyday scenes and simple lessons—from farm animals and gardening to acts of kindness—inviting children t…![Cover of A Jolly Jingle-Book by Laura [Compiler] Chandler](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daeoveoe1ofc73dh7kpg.webp)
Level B1PoetryA Jolly Jingle-BookDelight in whimsical poems that capture the playful imagination and bedtime adventures of childhood, where dolls quarrel, dreams dance, and simple joys like a rubber ball spark end…
Level B1PoetryA Defective Santa ClausWhen Pa must leave on Christmas Eve, Uncle Sidney steps in with stories, popcorn, and warm hearthside magic, promising a visit from Santa Claus himself—sparking hope and wonder in…