Are audiobooks beneficial for kids?

Audiobooks are absolutely beneficial for kids, and they’re particularly helpful for children who aren’t yet able to read independently. “The love of reading starts in early childhood, and audiobooks introduce pre-readers to storytelling and help develop a lifelong love for reading,” says Osborne. “Before children can read for themselves, they enjoy stories read by their parents and family, which helps to encourage lifelong readers,” Osborne adds. “Storytelling helps children learn to express their emotions, identifying with characters that pique their curiosity and spark their imaginations—that happens whether the stories are written on the page, heard in an audiobook, or via a family member reading aloud,” she concludes.

Is it OK for kids to fall asleep to audiobooks?

According to Dr. Mannis, it depends on your child’s age and the reason they’re listening to the audiobook. “Bibliotherapy, or using literature for stress, takes various forms,” she says. “This is a fine way to get a child to sleep—sort of a narrative lullaby—as long as the child is not listening to his or her homework or literature where they need to be familiar with it for a class discussion.”

What is the best app for audiobooks?

There are many apps for listening to audiobooks, and the best depends on personal preference and book availability. It’s important to remember that not all books are available in audio form, so keep that in mind when searching for a certain story. Many books are available for download on Amazon and Audible , but you can also download audiobooks through Barnes and Noble , Apple Books , Google Play Books , and Spotify .

What device is best for listening to audiobooks?

Audiobooks can be streamed through any type of smartphone, and if your car is smartphone-compatible, audiobooks can be played aloud through a phone in the car. They can also be played through a tablet, smartwatch, laptop, or MP3 player.

The 50 Best Audiobooks for Kids of 2023

It’s no secret that reading books is a fundamental learning tool for kids of all ages. Reading sparks imagination, increases vocabulary, and improves focus. For kids who aren’t able to read yet, audiobooks are a fantastic tool that can help bridge the gap while offering many of the same learning benefits, just like a parent reading aloud to their child.

“Audiobooks introduce pre-readers to storytelling and help develop a lifelong love for reading,” says Mary Pope Osborne, New York Times bestselling author of the “Magic Tree House” series. “Audiobooks provide an easily accessible way to introduce children to the myriad benefits of storytelling. Through storytelling, kids learn to express their curiosity, emotions, and imagination which are essential building blocks to lifelong learning,” she says. Audiobooks are also an affordable way to keep your child engaged in the car, at home, or before bedtime.

When searching for the best audiobook for kids, first make sure to assess whether or not the subject matter and language level are age-appropriate. There are audiobooks available for infants, toddlers, elementary, and high school-aged children, and by selecting one that is age-appropriate, you’ll ensure that your child remains engaged and interested in the subject matter.

Audiobooks can be purchased individually or as part of a subscription to services such as Audible, Barnes & Noble Audiobooks, or Apple books. Most audiobooks are available in downloadable digital formats (like MP3) and can be played on your smartphone, computer, tablet, or MP3 player. Some books can also be purchased on CDs.

In order to find the best audiobooks for children of all ages, we spoke to learning specialists, librarians, and authors to create a selection of engaging and thoughtful stories. We’ve organized our list according to age groups (toddlers, kindergarteners, school-age kids, teens, and families) to include appealing options for all kids.

Here are the 50 best audiobooks for kids of all ages.

Our Top Picks

For Toddlers: The Wheels on the Bus

For Toddlers: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

For Kindergarteners: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

For Kindergarteners: I Am Enough

For Elementary School-Aged Kids: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

For Elementary School-Aged Kids: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

For Teenagers: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

For Teenagers: The Book Thief

For the Whole Family: The Wizard of Oz

For the Whole Family: Hidden Figures

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Best Audiobooks for Toddlers

Amazon

This collection of family-friendly sing-along songs is packed with classics for the whole family to enjoy and participate in. Featuring 26 songs like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and “I’m a Little Teapot,” it’s an easy way to soothe fussy toddlers while keeping them engaged and excited. This book of songs is perfect for taking on long car rides to help keep young ones happy when in the car seat for long stretches.

Price at time of publication: $7

Courtesy of Amazon

This is an all-time classic for little ones, which is brought to life in audiobook form thanks to special sound effects and music. Perfect for infants and toddlers, the story of the caterpillar who turns into a butterfly is simple, calming, and engaging. Play it aloud while your little one flips the pages and looks at the pictures for extra fun.

Price at time of publication: $6

Amazon

Another classic from the world of Eric Carle, “Brown Bear Brown Bear,” is a great option for infants. “Any audiobook that rhymes is perfect for little ones, which makes ‘Brown Bear Brown Bear’ a classic choice,” says children’s librarian Carol Denby. You might recognize the narrator’s voice—40 years after it was first printed, this audiobook is narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Price at time of publication: $2

Courtesy of Amazon

If your little one struggles with separating at bedtime, this super-cute story might make the process a little more comfortable. Baby llama starts to fret when his mom goes downstairs at bedtime, which is a familiar feeling for both parents and children. Mama llama’s loving, reassuring spirit is a helpful message for little ones who feel the same separation anxiety.

Price at time of publication: $3

Amazon

Accompanied by fun music and silly sounds, this classic children’s tale of mischief and magic is perfect for toddlers. When Max is sent to bed without any dinner, he dreams up a world of wild things that need taming—all before dinnertime. This is a fantastic audiobook to play for children, and the exciting story is a great way to inspire imagination and creativity.

Price at time of publication: $2

Courtesy of Amazon

For a silly book that’s sure to make your little one giggle, you can’t beat “Dragons Love Tacos.” Dragons enjoy tacos, but if they eat spicy salsa, the whole thing turns into a fiery mess. This goofy story is perfect for kids ages 3 to 5 and features exciting background noise and silly sounds.

Price at time of publication: $6

Amazon

Perfect for kids 4 and up, this simple audiobook features calming music and sounds. On the hunt for his missing hat, the bear stops to speak with all the animals on a walk through the woods. Play it for your little one as they flip the pages and look at the detailed illustrations.

Price at time of publication: $9

Amazon

A classic for children of all ages, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” is especially soothing for toddlers. Peter gets into all kinds of mischief while his mother is away, evoking images of silly rabbits playing in a garden. Narrator Pauline Brailsford reads in a calming English accent, which makes for a comforting book for little ones.

Price at time of publication: $1

Barnes & Noble

Clifford is a big dog with an even bigger heart. No matter how hard he tries to do good deeds for others, he manages to fumble his way through and mess it up. That is until he arrives home to find a burning house one day. Clifford comes to the rescue by saving two children in this heartwarming story.

Price at time of publication: $2

Best Audiobooks for Kindergarteners

Amazon

Read by actor James Earl Jones—who has voiced world-famous characters like Darth Vader and Mufasa from “The Lion King”—this African folktale tells the tale of how a story passes from ear to ear. A cautionary tale for kindergarten-aged kids, this book is a great way to teach cause and effect. The book won the coveted Caldecott Medal in 1976.

Price at time of publication: $2

Amazon

From “Empire” actor and activist Grace Byers, this lyrical story promotes confidence, conviction, and respect. It’s the perfect way to instill strength and resilience in young children, especially when facing new challenges like entering kindergarten. Though it’s aimed at kids 4 years old and up, the messages in this story are perfect for younger kids as well.

Price at time of publication: $3

Amazon

Starting kindergarten is a challenge that many kids struggle to overcome. This New York Times bestselling story helps bring some understanding to the differences that make us unique and lets kids know how powerful and joyous individuality can be. The rich, heartfelt story promotes confidence and courage at an age when kids might need it most.

Price at time of publication: $6

Amazon

If you’re looking for a fun way to spark imagination, you can’t beat the timeless classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” A completely unique and creative story, your little one will love diving into the delicious world of Wonka, thoughtfully created by author Roald Dahl. Accompanied by engaging voices and fun sound effects to keep your little one involved, this is a fun story for children of all ages.

Price at time of publication: $11

Amazon

The “Frog and Toad” audiobook collection is filled with tales of magic and friendship. This collection features four adventure-filled books, which equals about an hour and a half of listening time. That means this story collection is perfect for car rides or plane rides where kids might have trouble staying engaged.

Price at time of publication: $12

Amazon

Narrated by inspiring women like Alicia Keys, Esperanza Spalding, and Janeane Garofalo, this collection tells the stories of heroic women throughout history. Say goodbye to old-fashioned fairy tales—this empowering story book puts strong women at the forefront with the goal of inspiring confidence, strength, and courage in young ladies.

Price at time of publication: $25

Barnes & Noble

A famous goofball, Amelia Bedelia fumbles her way through everyday tasks in this silly audio collection. Kids will love how the literal-minded housekeeper confuses simple projects in the collection’s five stories. The audiobook spans an hour of listening time, so this is a great option to keep kids’ attention during long car trips.

Price at time of publication: $12

Barnes & Noble

A celebration of identity, this joyous and lyrical book is a fantastic listen for little ones. Though it’s filled with beautiful pictures, too, the story is rich with metaphors about the experiences children of immigrants go through. It’s a story of self-love and acceptance, which is a powerful message for children of all ages.

Price at time of publication: $2

Barnes & Noble

This classic tale of a stuffed bear who finally finds a friend is sure to pull at your heartstrings. Left to wander the department store alone at night, Corduroy dreams of finding a home. One day, a little girl decides to bring him home, forming the friendship that Corduroy always dreamed of. This heartwarming story is perfect for toddlers and kindergarten-aged kids alike.

Price at time of publication: $6

Source: Audrey Penn

Heading off to kindergarten for the first time is one of the biggest adventures in a child’s life, but it can also be a very difficult moment. This sweet audiobook helps kids remember that their parents’ love is always near, even when they’re apart. At just seven minutes long, this is a heartwarming book to listen to on the way to school to prevent difficult drop-offs.

Price at time of publication: $2

Amazon

A rhyming book full of alliteration, this story is as fun to read as it is to listen to. Mr. Fish’s face is permanently in a pout, so all his friends in the sea try to cheer him up. Over time, the pout-pout fish realizes that being happier is more fun. Your little one will love repeating the silly, easy-to-memorize lines.

Price at time of publication: $3

Best Audiobooks for Elementary School Kids

The first installment in the world-renowned series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” kicks off an unforgettable adventure that kids and adults will read time and time again. If your child hasn’t read Harry Potter or seen the movies, the first book is the best place to start. Just be prepared to download all the rest of the stories—after diving into the addicting world of Hogwarts, it’s only a matter of time before your kid finishes the entire series.

Price at time of publication: $30

Amazon

Recommended for readers aged 6 to 12 years old, Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby is a relatable heroine who can’t wait to grow up. This story details her hilarious trials and tribulations when starting kindergarten, avoiding her sister Beezus, and navigating relationships with her classmates.

Price at time of publication: $17

Amazon

With over six hours of listening time, these classic tales are the perfect way to keep your young reader engaged on a long car ride, plane ride, or train trip. Filled with adventures to pique curiosity, this collection follows brother and sister Jack and Annie through eight stories like “Night of the Ninjas,” “Mummies in the Morning,” and “Midnight on the Moon.”

Price at time of publication: $15

Amazon

You may have seen the acclaimed movie adaptation, but the audiobook “How to Train Your Dragon” might be even more hilarious, uplifting, and action-packed. Read by Scottish actor David Tennant, the heartwarming story follows along with Hiccup’s many adventures and misadventures as he tries to make his family proud and makes friends along the way.

Price at time of publication: $17

Amazon

In this action-packed tale, troubled student Percy Jackson turns into a hero as he conquers mythological creatures like gods and minotaurs. Filled with monsters, adventure, and fighting, this audiobook is best suited to kids 10 and up. The audiobook offers 10 hours of listening time, so this is a great book to listen to on the way to school, on long plane rides, or at home over the course of a few days or weeks.

Price at time of publication: $15

Amazon

From the fantastic imagination of Roald Dahl comes this classic story adored by kids (and adults!) of all ages. Matilda discovers her superpower after facing the menacing Miss Trunchbull at school. Read by Academy Award-winner Kate Winslet, this audiobook provides just over four hours of listening time to keep your young one entertained.

Price at time of publication: $14

Amazon

Middle school can be a daunting idea for kids, and this funny story leans into all the trials and tribulations that boys go through as they transition into adolescence. Read from the point of view of sixth-grader Greg Heffley, this hilarious coming-of-age story helps younger kids get ready for middle school.

Price at time of publication $8

Barnes & Noble

This Newberry-Award-winning novel tells the tale of Cassie, a young girl growing up at the height of the Great Depression. Through her family’s struggle with social injustice and racism, Cassie learns the meaning of strength, dignity, and self-respect. This moving audiobook is best for kids ages 12 and up.

Price at time of publication: $21

Barnes & Noble

Auggie is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary facial difference in this New York Times bestselling audiobook. It starts out from Auggie’s point of view as he enters fifth grade and expands to include the perspectives of his classmates and family as they struggle to show kindness and compassion instead of judgment and bullying. This uplifting tale is a fantastic way to empower school-aged kids to find courage in kindness.

Price at time of publication: $19

Amazon

Ella has a special gift, but it’s also a curse. At birth, the fairy Lucinda decided that throughout her whole life, Ella would always be obedient. Listen along as Ella seeks to free herself from this destiny to adopt her own personality and conviction. This captivating tale is ideal for kids aged 9 to 12.

Price at time of publication: $18

Best Audiobooks for Teens

Amazon

One of the greatest things about the Harry Potter books is that they’ll grow with your child as they age. The final book in J.K. Rowling’s fantastical series is certainly suited to an older listener, so this installment of the unparalleled adventure is perfect for teens who grew up reading about Harry. Almost 22 hours long, this is a great audiobook for teens who want something to listen to on the way to school every day.

Price at time of publication: $45

Courtesy of Amazon

This critically acclaimed book for teens touches on mature themes and important topics like death and social injustice. The poignant messages of loss and prejudice are tragic, but the story is powerfully riveting. The heavy subject matter in this book is best suited to kids upwards of 13 years old.

Price at time of publication: $17

Amazon

This heart-wrenching audiobook is powerful and thought-provoking. When Mia gets into a terrible car accident, she wakes to find herself watching over her own body in the aftermath of the wreck. The five-hour audiobook details Mia’s choices and the power of family, friendship, and love.

Price at time of publication: $18

Amazon

A perfect story for a romance-obsessed high schooler, this book chronicles the meeting and subsequent love story of two strangers. Layered with complex family relationships, it’s a story that will make your little dreamer believe in fate. This is a young adult novel, so it’s geared toward teens.

Price at time of publication: $25

Courtesy of Amazon

This captivating story is the prequel to “The Hunger Games” we all know and love. Set 64 years before Katniss, this is the tale of Coriolanus Snow, who has been tasked with mentoring a disappointing tribute from District 12 during the 10th annual Hunger Games. Listen along as Coriolanus fights for survival and glory.

Price at time of publication: $18

Amazon

A classic American novel, this book is a mainstay in high school English classes across the country. Fitzgerald’s world-famous antihero, Jay Gatsby, seems larger-than-life yet turns out to be sadly human. This iconic story is read by Academy Award-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal, who makes the masterful story even more distinguished.

Price at time of publication: $13

Amazon

In a layered story about class, prejudice, and race, “The Downstairs Girl” tells the story of a young lady’s maid who moonlights as an advice columnist. After her column becomes wildly popular, Jo must keep her identity secret while addressing some of society’s biggest injustices. This empowering book is great for girls aged 12 to 17.

Price at time of publication: $18

Amazon

This critically acclaimed novel is a number one New York Times bestseller that has since been turned into a motion picture. Set in Nazi Germany, young foster girl Liesel Meminger steals books and shares them with her neighbors and friends, as well as the Jewish man hiding in her basement. It’s an intense and heart-wrenching story that reminds us of the power of books, knowledge, and kindness.

Price at time of publication: $24

Amazon

This series of personal essays is perfect for young adults who are seeking comfort and reassurance in being unique. Written by LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson, the memoir touches on his personal experience growing up Black and queer in New Jersey and Virginia. The powerful story is best suited for kids 14 to 18 years old.

Price at time of publication: $17

Amazon

This classic fable tells the haunting tale of the duality of human nature. Spooky, thrilling, and captivating, your teen will love listening to the story of respected Dr. Jekyll as he unleashes his vicious alter ego, Mr. Hyde. The audiobook spans close to three and a half hours and is suitable for young adults.

Price at time of publication: $13

Best Audiobooks for Families

Amazon

This is the incredible true story of the Black female mathematicians whose masterful intelligence helped bring about some of NASA’s most esteemed achievements in space. Though kept behind the scenes, these women acted as “human computers” to calculate the numbers necessary to launch astronauts into space. This audiobook gives these real-life heroines some long-overdue appreciation for their invaluable contributions to science, society, and our nation’s history.

Price at time of publication: $35

Amazon

“Any classic, like ‘Tuck Everlasting,’ is perfect for the whole family because parents will enjoy it just as much as the kids,” says children’s librarian Carol Denby. At just three and a half hours long, this uplifting and adventurous audiobook is the perfect way to pass the hours on a car trip. Filled with magic and friendship, it’s a timeless tale that is appropriate for all ages.

Price at time of publication: $13

Amazon

Follow along with adventurous siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie in this fantastical story that has been beloved for decades. Perfect for the whole family, stepping through the wardrobe and into the magical world of Narnia sparks imagination and curiosity in kids of any age.

Price at time of publication: $15

Amazon

Another timeless classic, J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterful story follows Bilbo Baggins as he heads out on the adventure of a lifetime with a wizard and a team of dwarves. Listen along as they encounter otherworldly dangers like giant spiders, dragons, and ferocious wolves. It’s an enchanting story that is sure to keep kids of all ages mesmerized from start to finish.

Price at time of publication: $18

Amazon

This riveting tale will keep readers of all ages engaged for over six hours of listening time. Artemis is a young genius and millionaire, but he’s also a criminal. He finds himself in a tricky situation that even he can’t outwit when he kidnaps a dangerous fairy. The magical adventure will keep listeners on their toes with constant twists and turns.

Price at time of publication: $22

Amazon

Roald Dahl’s epic stories are all great for the entire family, but “The Witches” is especially versatile. This story follows a young orphan as he encounters one of the most dangerous things on Earth—a real witch. The witches hate children most of all, which makes this book thrilling, fun, and just a little bit spooky.

Price at time of publication: $17

Amazon

A fantastical tale of courage and friendship, “The Wind in the Willows” follows a group of river animals as they seek adventure and relish in the comfort of home. This timeless story is mature enough for adults, with creative imagery, wild adventures, and talking, driving, and fighting animals that children are bound to love. At nearly seven hours of listening time, it’s perfect to play during bath time or a long car trip.

Price at time of publication: $11

Amazon

Almost everyone has seen “The Wizard of Oz,” but listening to the audiobook brings out a whole other level of adventure. Read by Academy Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway, this truly unique American fairy tale follows Dorothy as she’s swept out of Kansas and into the wonderful world of Oz. It’s a classic that parents will love and children can experience for the first time.

Price at time of publication: $13

Amazon

Pooh is a cute and clumsy bear who spends his days searching for honey. Follow Pooh in the enchanted forest and meet his loyal companions, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Eeyore, Kanga, and baby Roo, as they search for heffalumps in this collection of stories. Though it’s meant for children, parents will love hearing the sweet story of this iconic bear.

Price at time of publication: $10

What to Look For

Age-Appropriateness

To make sure that kids stay engaged and excited about a book, it has to be age-appropriate. If a book is geared toward a young child, older children will be bored or disinterested. If a book is geared toward an older child, a young child will be distracted and unable to grasp the concepts. By selecting a book that is within your child’s age range, you’ll ensure that they stay interested in the story and are capable of following the language. Age-appropriateness is particularly important when dealing with heavier topics like death, sex, or offensive language.

Educational Value

Books are a fantastic way to help children continue learning at home, and audiobooks are just as beneficial as written texts. “Audiobooks are a terrific way to engage with ideas through language, just as parents’ reading to a child enables kids to process words and concepts along with gaining meaning through reading written text. These are all various forms of advanced language reasoning,” says learning specialist Rebecca Mannis, Ph.D.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are audiobooks beneficial for kids?

Audiobooks are absolutely beneficial for kids, and they’re particularly helpful for children who aren’t yet able to read independently. “The love of reading starts in early childhood, and audiobooks introduce pre-readers to storytelling and help develop a lifelong love for reading,” says Osborne. “Before children can read for themselves, they enjoy stories read by their parents and family, which helps to encourage lifelong readers,” Osborne adds. “Storytelling helps children learn to express their emotions, identifying with characters that pique their curiosity and spark their imaginations—that happens whether the stories are written on the page, heard in an audiobook, or via a family member reading aloud,” she concludes.
Is it OK for kids to fall asleep to audiobooks?

According to Dr. Mannis, it depends on your child’s age and the reason they’re listening to the audiobook. “Bibliotherapy, or using literature for stress, takes various forms,” she says. “This is a fine way to get a child to sleep—sort of a narrative lullaby—as long as the child is not listening to his or her homework or literature where they need to be familiar with it for a class discussion.”
What is the best app for audiobooks?

There are many apps for listening to audiobooks, and the best depends on personal preference and book availability. It’s important to remember that not all books are available in audio form, so keep that in mind when searching for a certain story. Many books are available for download on Amazon and Audible, but you can also download audiobooks through Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Spotify.
What device is best for listening to audiobooks?

Audiobooks can be streamed through any type of smartphone, and if your car is smartphone-compatible, audiobooks can be played aloud through a phone in the car. They can also be played through a tablet, smartwatch, laptop, or MP3 player.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Laura Denby is a freelance product reviewer and food, home, and lifestyle writer. She has been testing and reviewing products for the past five years and creates thoroughly tested, comprehensive product reviews for sites like Food & Wine, Verywell Family, Real Simple, and Forbes Vetted. She is also the mother of an active one-year-old girl.

Mary Pope Osborne is the author of the New York Times bestselling Magic Tree House series. She is an advocate and supporter of child literacy and the award-winning author of more than 100 books for children and young adults. Osborne is a dedicated partner with Teddy Graham’s Save the Children’s annual 100 Days of Reading Summer’s Better with Books Campaign, underscoring her commitment to helping children develop a lifelong love for reading. From 1993 to 1997, Ms. Osborne served as president of the Authors Guild, the country’s leading organization for published authors. She has traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad, visiting schools and speaking on issues related to children’s literacy, including at the United Nations.

Dr. Rebecca Mannis is a learning specialist and founder of Ivy Prep. Dr. Mannis holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology with a specialization in Neuroscience and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Master’s degree in Reading, Language, and Learning Disabilities from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She regularly provides consulting services to schools and corporations about the neuroscience of learning, remediation, learning disabilities, individualized instruction, and adaptive technology.

Carol Denby is a children’s librarian with over 25 years of experience. She holds a Master of Library Science degree from Long Island University and has worked as a children’s librarian in elementary schools and public libraries. She is also a mother of two and grandmother of two.