Free children's e-books for Kindle, Nook, Kobo etc; stories to read online or download; kids' bedtime stories

Abridged Children's Classics

New for 2025 - a series of classic novels which have been slightly abridged, and edited to make them more accessible to today's children.

Children's classic novels often use a style and vocabulary unfamiliar to modern readers. These adaptations cut the books by about a quarter: they aim to keep the character of the original works, whilst making them easier to read and understand.

The Wind in the Willows, abridged

The famous adventures of Mole, the Water Rat, Badger and Mr Toad: Kenneth Grahame's book has been loved since its first publication in 1908.

Download the free ebook:
pdf file
epub file (for most e-readers)
Mobi file (for Kindle)

The Princess and the Goblin, abridged

George MacDonald's book of 1872 was one of the first great children's fantasy novels. 8 year old Princess Irene and Curdie the miner-boy defend themselves against the goblins - with the help of another, mysterious princess.

Download the free ebook:
pdf file
epub file (for most e-readers)
Mobi file (for Kindle)

The Princess and Curdie, abridged

George MacDonald's 1883 sequel to The Princess and the Goblin: Curdie the miner-boy has his faith and courage tested, when he sets out on an eventful journey to rescue the King and Princess Irene.

Download the free ebook:
pdf file
epub file (for most e-readers)
Mobi file (for Kindle)

King Solomon's Mines, abridged

Rider Haggard's adventure story about a perilous journey to a lost African kingdom has enthralled both adults and children since its publication in 1885.

Download the free ebook:
pdf file
epub file (for most e-readers)
Mobi file (for Kindle)

Go to the list of free books by Emma Laybourn.