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Best kids audiobooks

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Want to make reading more fun for your kids? Check out our list of the best audiobooks for children of all ages.

Best kids audio books

Reading is a vital skill for children. It helps them develop comprehension skills, learn new words, and expand their imaginations. However, not all children enjoy reading. For kids who love stories but don’t like reading books, audiobooks can be a great way to get them interested in reading.

Audiobooks can help improve reading comprehension because they allow kids to hear the stories read aloud. They can also be enjoyed no matter what else kids are doing. This makes them a great option for kids who are reluctant readers or who struggle to focus.

The best audiobooks for kids can range from nonfiction titles like kid-friendly biographies or events based on a true story, or they can range from many of the fiction genres like fairy tales or adventure stories. It all depends on a child’s age, reading level, and their personal interests.

Here are some of the best kids audiobooks.

Amazing audiobooks for young readers

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Narrated by David Tennant, this heartwarming and action-packed series follows the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who aspires to be a great dragon trainer just like his father. But when he actually gets the chance to capture and train his own dragon, he quickly discovers that they may not be as fearsome as he thought.

With charming British accents and character voices that bring dragons to life, this audiobook is sure to be a hit with 8- to 12-year-olds.

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

No list of amazing audiobooks would be complete without the Harry Potter series.

Narrated by Jim Dale and Stephen Fry, these books follow the story of young wizard Harry Potter as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, makes close friends and powerful enemies, and struggles against the evil Lord Voldemort.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a little girl with big dreams and even bigger powers. Unfortunately, her parents are too busy watching TV to pay her much attention, and her cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, makes school a living nightmare.

But when Matilda discovers she can move things with her mind, she starts to fight back against the grownups who don't understand her.

This classic book has been delighting middle-school readers for decades, and its audiobook version is sure to be just as popular.

The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan

The Percy Jackson series is a set of five young adult novels by Rick Riordan.

The series follows the adventures of half-human, half-god Percy Jackson as he travels across America and Europe, battling monsters and completing quests.

Along the way, he meets various colorful characters including Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena; Grover Underwood, a satyr; and Thalia Grace, daughter of Zeus.

The series has been praised for its mix of humor and action and its exploration of Greek mythology. It has been a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into more than 30 languages. It's sure to keep the whole family entertained.

The Saga of Erik the Viking by Terry Jones

This hilarious audiobook tells the tale of Erik, a young Viking who sets off on a quest to find the legendary Land of Glass. Along the way, Erik and his friends encounter dragons, trolls, giants, and an array of other fantastical creatures.

This riotous adventure is perfect for second graders and up. It's also one of our favorite Terry Jones books for kids.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Journey back to Middle-Earth with Bilbo Baggins in this classic audiobook from J.R.R. Tolkien. Follow Bilbo as he joins a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their lost treasure from the dragon Smaug.

With its captivating story and rich world-building, The Hobbit is perfect for kids of all ages. It would be a great choice for you and your kids on your next road trip.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Dorothy Gale lives an idyllic life on her family's Kansas farm—until a tornado comes along and sweeps her away to the Land of Oz.

Join Dorothy as she embarks on a journey down the Yellow Brick Road in search of the Wizard who can help her get back home. Along the way, she'll make new friends (and enemies) in this beloved children's classic.

The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic series of children's books by C.S. Lewis. The series follows the adventures of the four Pevensie children—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—as they travel through the magical land of Narnia.

During their journey, they meet various fascinating characters, including the wise lion Aslan, the evil White Witch, and the faun Mr. Tumnus.

The books are filled with action, adventure, and suspense, making them irresistible to middle-grade readers. They also deal with important themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and faith.

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

Winnie-the-Pooh, written by A.A. Milne and first published in 1926, is one of the most beloved children's books of all time. The story follows the adventures of Pooh Bear, a lovable teddy bear who lives in the Hundred Acre Wood with his animal friends.

Though it was first published over 90 years ago, the book's appeal is timeless, and it continues to charm readers of all ages.

Whether it's the first book your kid reads or the hundredth, Winnie-the-Pooh is sure to bring a smile to their face.

Honorable mentions

This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning the following classics:

  • The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
  • A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Magic Tree House (picture book) series by Mary Pope Osborne
  • The Ramona books by Beverly Cleary
  • Charlotte's Web by E. B. White

Speechify—Create text to speech for children

Speechify is one of the most popular text to speech (TTS) apps available today. If you want to turn any text into speech for your child to hear, then Speechify can help. It can be a great resources to help children listen to e-learning materials and for children learning a new language.

The app also has a variety of features that make it perfect for kids, including:

  • A simple and easy-to-use interface
  • Great audio quality
  • Kid-friendly design
  • A large selection of voices

Speechify is free to download and try, so be sure to check it out today.

FAQ

Where can I find audiobooks for kids?

One option is to check with your local library to see if they offer e-books or audiobooks that can be downloaded onto a device such as a phone or tablet. Another option is to sign up for a service like Audible, which offers some free audiobooks and a 30-day free trial.

Is listening to audio books good for kids?

Listening to audiobooks is a great way to help kids learn and develop a love for reading. Audiobooks can help improve vocabulary, reading skills, and comprehension.

Is there a kids version of Audible?

Yes, there is a kids version of Audible. Through Amazon Household Sharing, parents can share Audible books and other content with their children.

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.