While Jill and Amanda may get asked for book recommendations, one category/genre that we talk about together often and get asked about more than probably any other is audiobooks for kids. So here is our list of 40+ audiobooks we love for young kids.
Audiobooks are fantastic for children especially, and both of us use this form of reading in our homes daily. There are stories podcasts as well, but there are some definite advantages to listening to audiobooks instead – like no advertisements, and a guarantee for quality and volume consistency – that make them great for in the car, falling asleep or background noise while fingers are busy. They can help entice reluctant readers and struggling readers. Audiobooks teach vocabulary and storyline processing, engage the left sphere of the brain just as if you were reading, and allow a better option than screentime.
Really, we can’t say enough good things about audiobooks for kids. But finding books for younger kids can seem challenging, especially the children who are too young to be reading themselves and are in the age range for picture books. We promise, though, there are plenty of great options out there for just this age.
Here are 40+ audiobooks we love for young kids.
Ages 0+
These have been great books for our youngest kids, and still interesting as they get older. And for the first couple hundred times you hear them, you’ll probably like them as well! We didn’t include any single picture books on here, but if you have a favorite picture book that’s newer or in a series, look for an audiobook version. Pete the Cat, Mo Willems, etc have quite a few good ones that are quick to listen to and your child can read along.
Mercy Watson (series)
Though really, you can’t go wrong with any Kate DiCamillo, in our opinion!
Tales From Decawoo Drive (series)
By Kate DiCamillo
Princess in Black (series)
By Shannon Hale
Nate the Great (series)
By Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Disney Princess Beginnings (series)
Disney Princess Storybook Collection (series)
Princess Posey (series)
By Stephanie Greene
Princess Pulverizer (series)
By Nancy Krulik
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle (series)
By Betty MacDonald
The Mouse and the Motorcycle (series)
By Beverly Cleary
Frog and Toad (series)
By Arnold Lobel
Alvin Ho (series)
By Lenore Look
Bunnicula (series)
By Deborah and James Howe — this one is less spooky than the cover leads you to believe, but it is slightly spooky. Read reviews first!
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
By Florence and Richard Atwater
Fortunately, the Milk
By Neil Gaiman
Amelia Bedelia (series)
By Peggy Parish
Hamster Princess (series)
By Ursula Vernon
Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken
By Kate DiCamillo and Harry Bliss
Anna and Elsa (series)
By Erica David
Magic Kitten (series)
By Sue Bentley
Llama Llama Collection
By Anna Dewdney (many read by her as well)
Olivia Collection
By Ian Falconer
Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa Collection
By Betsy Lewin
Narwhal and Jelly (series)
By Ben Clanton – these are full-cast and very dynamic, in case you’re worried about a graphic novel-turned-audiobook. VERY fun
Ages 6+
These books range a bit – younger kids may enjoy some, but the storylines, vocabulary, or themes may be a bit beyond them. We recommend waiting for some of these until your kids are even a tad older than 6, but use your discretion as a parent and your child’s personality!
Upside Down Magic (series)
The Great Treehouse War
By Lisa Graff – this was one of Jill’s top picks for her 2020 reads
A Boy Called Bat (series)
By Elana K Arnold – this is one of Amanda’s family’s current favorites and is about a boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Flora and Ulysses
By Kate DiCamillo – most superhero books are to be avoided for young kids, but this one is alright!
Tale of Desperaux
By Kate DiCamillo
How to Train Your Dragon (series)
By Cressida Cowell – Not like the movies, and one you may want to prescreen before younger kids listen
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (series)
By Chris Grabenstein
Front Desk (series)
By Kelly Yang — particularly poignant right now
Pip Bartlett’s Guide to Magical Creatures (series)
By Jackson Pearce and Maggie Stiefvater
Sideways Stories from Wayside School (series)
By Lois Sachar
The Great Brain (series)
By John D Fitzgerald – this is a fun one about days gone by. This may give some sneaky ideas to the more wily kids out there, so if you have a prankster proceed with caution 😉
The Wild Robot (sequel)
By Peter Brown
Boxcar Children (series)
By various authors
The One and Only Ivan (sequel)
By Katherine Applegate
The Willoughbys
By Lois Lowry
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (series)
By Judy Blume
Frindle
By Andrew Clements
Humphrey the Hamster (series)
By Betty G Birney
National Geographic for Kids (series)
These are chapters of real stories of people interacting with animals. Great for the nonfiction loving kids. This picture isn’t accurate, so do a search wherever you listen to audiobooks and see if you can find any.
Flat Stanley (series)
By Jeff Brown
Zoe and Sassafras (series)
By Asia Citro
Ivy and Bean (series)
By Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall
