More free sources · external links
More to read and hear, elsewhere.
Hand-picked illustrated editions at Project Gutenberg and chaptered audiobooks at LibriVox. These open on their sites, not ours. They are not part of our hosted shelf, and nothing here needs an account or payment on our site.
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Public domain in the US
These sources describe their works as public domain in the United States. Copyright differs by country, so check the rules where you live before reading, downloading or sharing.
Preview with a grown-up
These are older books with older attitudes and real peril. Each card lists what to look out for. A grown-up should preview first.
Audio is separate
LibriVox recordings are independent volunteer readings. They are not matched to any illustrated edition and do not turn pages or sync with pictures.
9 of 9 sources
- Illustrated textShare with little ones
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Beatrix Potter · via Project Gutenberg
For grown-ups: Share the pictures and read aloud with a grown-up. Includes a chase and a reference to Peter's father's death; preview first.
- Illustrated textShare with little ones
The Story of the Three Little Pigs
L. Leslie Brooke · via Project Gutenberg
For grown-ups: A traditional illustrated version, not a softened modern retelling. Includes animals being eaten and the wolf's death; a grown-up should preview it.
- Illustrated textGrowing readers
The Velveteen Rabbit
Margery Williams Bianco · via Project Gutenberg
For grown-ups: Read together and discuss belonging and change. Includes illness and the planned burning of a treasured toy.
- Illustrated textGrowing readers
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll · via Project Gutenberg
For grown-ups: This illustrated 1916 abridged edition has fantasy peril and old-fashioned language. Talk about wordplay together.
- Illustrated textOlder readers, including 10–12
The Secret Garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett · via Project Gutenberg
For grown-ups: An older-reader discussion pick, including ages 10–12. Contains bereavement, racist colonial language and outdated disability attitudes; preview and discuss with a grown-up.
- Illustrated textOlder readers, including 10–12
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
L. Frank Baum · via Project Gutenberg
For grown-ups: An illustrated older-reader adventure, including ages 10–12. Contains danger, death and animal violence; discuss courage, friendship and the difference between appearance and evidence.
- Chaptered audioOlder readers, including 10–12
The Secret Garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett · via LibriVox
For grown-ups: A separate chaptered audiobook read by Kara Shallenberg. Preview the historic language, bereavement and disability themes. Not checked for synchronization with our illustrated picks.
- Chaptered audioOlder readers, including 10–12
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
L. Frank Baum · via LibriVox
For grown-ups: A separate chaptered audiobook read by J. Hall. Includes fantasy peril and violence. Not a synchronized soundtrack for the illustrated edition.
- Chaptered audioOlder readers, including 10–12
The Railway Children
E. Nesbit · via LibriVox
For grown-ups: A chaptered audiobook read by Karen Savage for older readers, including ages 10–12. Includes family separation, wrongful imprisonment and dangerous railway situations; preview with a grown-up.
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