Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
184 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 Milkmaid: R. Caldecott's Picture Books, The Military Adventures of Johnny Newcome: With an Account of his Campaign on the Peninsula and in Pall Mall and The Middle English Poem, Erthe Upon Erthe. 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 B2PoetryFishy-WinkleA mischievous trio of children escape to the seaside, where they meet Fishy-Winkle, a curious mer-baby longing to return to the sea.
Level B2PoetryFeline PhilosophyA once pampered cat faces abandonment, hunger, and despair, navigating the harsh streets and unexpected rescues while reflecting on loyalty, survival, and dignity in a world that n…
Level B2PoetryEight brand new bits of Christmas cheerCelebrate the spirit of the season with heartfelt verses that weave wishes of joy, friendship, and love, capturing the warmth and magic of Christmas through tender poetry and festi…
Level B2PoetryEidolaExplore a collection of evocative poems that delve into love, memory, and the ethereal presence of those who haunt our hearts, inviting readers to reflect on the delicate interplay…
Level B2PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 18, May 3, 1914On a rainy May afternoon, young Francis learns to find joy within himself, inspired by a singing robin and his mother's gentle wisdom.
Level B2PoetryDame Trot and Her CatDame Trot’s gentle cat surprises her by preparing tea, keeping the house spotless, and even teaching the dog to dance—but her fondness for fashionable dress leads to a charming, mi…
Level B2HistoricalCountry Life in the Poetry of John ClareAmid the sweeping enclosures of 18th-century England, rural communities face upheaval as traditional farming lands are consolidated and fenced off, transforming small farmers and l…
Level B2PoetryChristmas Tales and Christmas VerseA young man named Norss sails across mysterious seas guided by a dream to find his bride, encountering magical beings and wondrous adventures that lead to the birth of a remarkable…
Level B2PoetryChristmas Stories: "Jest 'Fore Christmas" and "The Night Before Christmas"On the quiet night before Christmas, a jolly St.
Level B2PoetryChinese Mother Goose RhymesDiscover a vibrant collection of traditional Chinese nursery rhymes, where playful creatures, loving family moments, and everyday wonders come to life through charming verses and i…
Level B2HistoricalChatterbox Stories of Natural HistoryExplore the fascinating lives of animals from the majestic Golden Eagle to the playful American black bear, capturing their instincts, habitats, and tender bonds in vivid, engaging…
Level B2PoetryCanada, My Land; and Other Compositions in VerseCelebrate the vast beauty and resilient spirit of Canada through stirring verses that honor its landscapes, history, and proud heritage.
Level B2PoetryButtercup Gold, and Other StoriesStep into a world where the Little New Year and Mother Nature herself bring blessings, kindness, and the magic of changing seasons to life through heartfelt tales and gentle poems…
Level B2AdventureBrave and True: Short stories for children by G. M. Fenn and OthersAmid the hardships of naval life and old school rivalries, a young sailor recounts his daring rescue of a wounded officer under enemy fire, revealing bravery and unexpected friends…
Level B2PoetryBlottentots, and How to Make ThemDiscover the whimsical world of Blottentots—playful creatures born from inkblots brought to life through simple folds and imagination, each with its own quirky story and personalit…
Level B2PoetryBird Children: The Little Playmates of the Flower ChildrenDiscover the enchanting world where birds become playful companions to the Flower Children, bringing nature’s melodies and magic to life through charming verses and tender reflecti…
Level B2PoetryBarrack-room balladsIn the barracks and battlefields, soldiers confront harsh discipline, bitter truths, and fierce respect for foes, revealing the raw realities of military life with gritty verse and…
Level B2PoetryBallads of Peace in WarAmid the fog of war and the steadfast glow of love, brave hearts face separation and sacrifice.
Level B2PoetryBaby ChatterboxDelight in the charming tales of children’s adventures, playful pets, and unexpected visitors like a curious canary seeking a new home.
Level B2PoetryAtlanta offering: PoemsPowerful poems confront harsh realities and injustice, giving voice to pain and resilience through vivid, poignant reflections inspired by true events.
Level B2FantasyAn Entertaining History of Tom ThumbDiscover the whimsical tale of Tom Thumb, a tiny hero navigating a world much larger than himself, filled with adventure and enchantment that captivates readers of all ages.
Level B2PoetryAn Elegy on the Death of a Mad DogA darkly comic poem recounts the unexpected demise of a mad dog, blending humor and tragedy in a quirky elegy that challenges the boundaries between man and beast.
Level B2PoetryAesop, in Rhyme: Old Friends in a New DressTimeless fables come alive in witty verse, revealing sharp lessons through the cunning wolf, clever fox, and other memorable characters—each tale blending humor and wisdom to explo…
Level B2PoetryA teacher's giftA poor boy’s desperate search for work tests his courage and faith, while a devoted mother’s love offers warmth amid hardship.
Level B2PoetryA horse bookDiscover the lively world of horses through playful foals, clever circus ponies, and hardworking ploughhorses, each revealing unique traits from schooling and intelligence to wilfu…
Level B2PoetryA bold bad butterflyStep into a whimsical world where animals debate night and day, and fables come alive with humor and charm.
Level B2PoetryA Tale of Two Monkeys, and other storiesTwo playful Brazilian monkeys escape their cage, wreaking charming havoc in a kindly doctor's home until their mischief leads to an unexpected fate.
Level B2PoetryA Little Present for a Good ChildDiscover a charming collection of nature-inspired verses that celebrate animals, seasons, and simple joys, inviting young readers into a world of gentle lessons and playful imagery…
Level B2PoetryA Little Girl to her Flowers in VerseA young girl celebrates the beauty and charm of flowers through heartfelt verses, inviting readers to explore nature’s colorful wonders and the divine artistry behind them.
Level B2PoetryA Little Book of BoresDive into a whimsical collection of humorous verses and lively illustrations that bring playful animal antics to life, blending simple fun with irresistible charm on every page.
Level B2PoetryA Life's Story, In Poetry. Other PoemsA journey through a lifetime unfolds in heartfelt verse, tracing the growth from childhood wonder to skilled tradesman and family man amid the changing American landscape.
Level B2RomanceA Frog He Would A-Wooing GoA determined frog sets out on a whimsical wooing adventure, joined by a rat and a mouse, but their merry-making is soon interrupted by unexpected dangers in this lively animal fabl…
Level B2PoetryA Complete Edition of the Works of Nancy LuceA heartfelt collection of poems reveals a tender soul’s plea for kindness to all creatures, human and animal alike, while sharing intimate moments of love and loss with a cherished…
Level B2PoetryA Christmas prayerA heartfelt Christmas prayer unfolds, seeking blessings, comfort, and love for friends near and far during the season of warmth and reflection.
Level B2PoetryA Christmas Hamper: A Volume of Pictures and Stories for Little FolksChildren’s holiday adventures unfold with mysteries and heartwarming surprises—from a lost uncle’s return after ten years on an island to daring seaside escapades and lively tales…
Level B2PoetryA Child's Dream of the ZooA feverish child slips into a dream where the animals of the zoo come alive, unlocking their enclosures to host a magical midnight picnic filled with laughter, dances, races, and e…
Level B2PoetryA Book of NonsenseWhimsical verses introduce a parade of eccentric characters, each with peculiar habits and amusing adventures, blending playful language and charming illustrations for a delightful…
Level B2PoetryA Book for KidsWhimsical poems invite young readers on lively adventures—from dancing birds at dawn to wandering explorers and the musings of a charming old gentleman urging the love of books.
Level B2PoetryA Apple Pie and Other Nursery TalesWhiskered friends gather for a charming tea party filled with lively songs, mischievous antics, and unexpected quarrels in a whimsical world where cats and their companions bring n…
Level B2Poetry"Horse Sense" in Verses TenseSharp-witted verses unveil the everyday struggles and ironies of life, from a tireless hen to the weary milkman’s dawn duties.