10 Best Kids’ Audiobooks Reviewed in 2024
In the past, purchasing and listening to an audiobook was a bit of a chore. You needed a special device like a CD or cassette player that would have to be carried around or attached to you in order to play your stories. You would also be left with a large library of tapes or discs to store. Modern technology has removed a lot of the external annoyances of audiobooks. Almost every person in the United States today owns some form of computing device, from smartphones to tablets to laptops. Audiobooks can now be downloaded directly to these devices that are always in our pocket from reputable sites such as Audible.com with the click of a button. These amazing audiobooks for kids can be stored directly on your device so there is no need to store any physical copies. Simply click, listen and enjoy the ride.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 32 hrs of research
Author is J.K. Rowling
Narrator is Jim Dale
Has over 34,000 customer reviews
Includes many adventures in this series
Various character voices make it exciting
10 Best Kids’ Audiobooks
1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author is J.K. Rowling
Narrator is Jim Dale
Has over 34,000 customer reviews
Includes many adventures in this series
Various character voices make it exciting
Has distracting long pauses in reading
One character’s voice is bothersome
Book 3 of the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling has Jim Dale as the narrator. This is the most popular audiobook online with kids, as it has over 34,000 reviews. This volume includes the characters of Lord Voldemort, Sirus Black, the Dementors, and Professor Trelawney.
Read moreIt should come as no surprise that any Harry Potter book would be the first on our list! The adventures consist of a bus crash, an escaped mass-murderer, an omen, and the patrolling of the school grounds. It is a fantastic Hogwarts adventure!
Entertainment Value
Rather than just reading the book themselves, children can listen to the various character voices of the story and become quite involved in the fascinating plot. Seems like the plot intensifies with each adventure in this magical word.
Emotional Development
This is an important book for emotional development especially for the fan base, since Harry has really grown following the first and second book, and finds himself faced with totally new challenges that many of his peers can relate too.
Educational Value
Every Harry Potter book is so well written that will teach your children the power of knowledge, companionship, choosing good over evil and never giving up on your dreams. It is filled with lessons about education, family and friendship.
Age Range
Harry Potter is an amazing character that has excited little and older kids since its first book. Book 3 is just as well-written and interesting as any in the series by J.K. Rowling.
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Jim Dale is the narrator
Author is J. K. Rowling
Has over 34,0000 reviews online
First book in the series
Rubeus Hagrid is introduced
Complaints about the narrator’s voice
Some did not like the length of the book
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is one of the top-rated audio books online for kids. As a matter of fact, the three top spots for audiobooks for children all belong to Harry Potter book. J. K. Rowling, the author, knows how to keep children involved in a story and the narrator of these audiobooks is the wonderful Jim Dale. His lively voice brings the Hogwarts characters to life in this audio edition.
Read moreIn this book, Rubeus Hagrid comes to Harry with some surprising news on his eleventh birthday. Harry gets his start at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry too.
Entertainment Value
Audiobooks like this one can be taken anywhere for kids to listen to for entertainment. Whether on a road trip, at home, or away with relatives, these books are much more exciting than just reading a book alone.
Emotional Development
This book will is an iconic piece of creative writing and will definitely create an emotional bond between your child and the characters. The heroes are children with personalities that are quite whimsical and relatable. We dare you not to fall in love with their enchanting adventures.
Educational Value
In this book, Rubeus Hagrid comes to Harry with some surprising news on his eleventh birthday. Harry gets his start at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry too. It shows a different educational system that is quite inspiring and magical.
Age Range
This is the book that began a revolution in children’s books. Since the publication of this first Harry Potter novel, millions of kids and adults around the world have enjoyed the adventures of the famous Harry Potter.
3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Has received over 21,000 reviews online
Jim Dale is the narrator
J. K. Rowling is the author
Introduction of Dobby and Ron Weasley
Harry is in his second year at Hogwarts
Narrator’s voice tone does not change
May not be as good as the first book
Book 2 of the Chamber of Secrets leads us into Harry Potter’s second year at Hogwarts and introduces the characters of Ron Weasley and Dobby. Dobby’s predictions begin to come true and attacks in the school corridors start in this series.
Read moreHolding the third place in the most reviewed audiobooks for kids, this J K. Rowling novel has over 21,000 online reviews. Jim Dale is the narrator for this audiobook also and does a fine job of doing all of the character voices.
Entertainment Value
With each Harry Potter book, the author introduces a few new characters to take the adventures even further. In this novel, kids hear the trials of Harry being at school another year. More spells, magical obstacles and quirky creatures means more fun for the listeners.
Emotional Development
As we follow our favorite characters through the wondrous plotline we find ourselves strongly attached to their personal backstories, their unique traits and challenging journey which makes this book even more amusing and emotional for the listeners.
Educational Value
Harry Potter not only gives kids a chance at developing their vocabularies and listening skills, but the exciting world of wizardry makes their imaginations soar with new ideas and possibilities. It is a never-ending learning experience.
Age Range
It is quite unfair to say that this is only a children's book, since even adults can relate and connect with each individual character and find a sense of fulfillment when they embark on this whimsical adventure full of secrets and magical creatures.
4. Wonder
Has three narrators for the various characters
Author is R J. Palacio
Made into a major motion picture with
Inspired the Choose Kind movement
Realistic, uplifting, and lively story
Some said it is not realistic about bullying
A few did not like the male narrators
Realistic, uplifting, and lively, Wonder is the story of an ordinary kid with an extraordinary face. The author is R. J. Palacio, and the audiobook has three different narrators for the various characters.
Read moreWonder was made into a major motion picture with stars such as Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson as the main characters. This book inspired the Choose Kind social movement which focuses on spreading positive messages and showing acceptance and respect for our peers by practicing everyday acts of kindness.
Entertainment Value
This popular story that has captured the attention of millions of followers was made into a movie with well-known stars as the characters. Most reviewers claim the book is far more detailed and entertaining than the movie adaptation.
Emotional Development
Wonder tackles the topic of bullying for kids and imparts a positive tone to the problem. Although it is a depressing thing to happen to a child, this story tells a beautiful message that many children can relate to and feel comforted by this challenging journey.
Educational Value
Educating the children about the importance of protecting and embracing their companions rather than bulling them about their differences it one of the most important lessons that needs to be passed down from one generation to another and this book succeeds at delivering that message.
Age Range
This children's book tells the story of a kid who enters fifth grade so it would be a wonderful gift for any middle school student though we strongly recommend it for adults as well since it is quite heartwarming and unique.
5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
Author is Jeff Kinney
Ramon De Ocampo is the narrator
Tells of growing up issues before being ready
Exciting to listen to
Happy, funny, and uplifting book
Not a deep meaning book
May be too simple for target readers
We feature two of the Wimpy Kid books on our list because they are some of the best audiobooks that children are listening to currently. Ramon De Ocampo is the narrator of this one and Jeff Kinney id the author.
Read moreThis is a happy, funny, and uplifting story that tells the problems of growing up before being ready to do so. Reviewers have stated that this book keeps their child entertained with its terrific plot and easy-to-follow storyline.
Entertainment Value
Children must deal with plenty of problems with friends, school, and home life and these issues are brought to life in a funny entertaining way with The Diary of a Wimpy Kid and its series of books.
Emotional Development
Being called a wimpy kid is not easy and many of us can relate to being called a number of names while we were in school. This book will help your child find humor in everyday situations that can be hard yet make us a better human beings at the end of the day.
Educational Value
This story as an audiobook allows children to listen to the book when reading is not the best option. It is perfect for car trips or anytime away from home to give children the chance to learn life lessons as seen from the eyes of a child.
Age Range
This books is an excellent choice for both middle school kids and teenagers since it is told in the form of a diary and it will undeniably entertain and comfort them for hours.
6. The Giver
Written by Lois Lowry
Winner of the 1994 Newbury Medal
One of the most influential books of our era
Has a sequel book called Gathering Blue
First published in 1993 and still very popular
Some did not like the plot
Begins like a novel but reads like a short story
Written by Lois Lowry, The Giver has stood the test of time and has remained a top children’s story since first being published in 1993. It is one of the most influential books of our era and has a sequel book called Gathering Blue.
Read moreThis story was the winner of the 1994 Newbury Medal. The tale is the story of Jonas, a twelve-year-old boy who discovers the dark secrets of his community with the help of the Receiver of Memory.
Entertainment Value
This is one of those books that are just iconic and legendary with a plot that is quite different from all the other books for children. It will give your child a glimpse of the past and keep him intrigued for hours.
Emotional Development
What seems to be an ideal world turns quite flawed when the utopia turns into a dystopia is a plot that can provoke many emotions in your children but it will help them grow and raise their consciousness to another level.
Educational Value
This story is an awarding winning treasure that has remained popular since its first publication in 1993. Children find the plot and characters very interesting and thought-provoking.
Age Range
All children’s books do not have to be happy, funny, and with a nice ending. This one of The Giver discusses some serious topics of darkness for older kids to ponder and discover.
7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
Ramon De Ocampo is the narrator
Jeff Kinney is the author
Part of the popular book series
A truly unforgettable adventure
Full of surprises and interesting
Narrator’s voice was flat for some kids
Story is not very deep in meaning
The second book we highlight of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is about a long car ride the characters take. This story is fun to listen to and is full of surprises and interesting. It is truly an unforgettable adventure narrated by Ramon De Ocampo.
Read moreThe author, Jeff Kinney, takes children on the family road trip with plenty of adventures including crazed seagulls, a fender mishap, several turns gone wrong, and a runaway pig. This is just one of the several books in this popular children’s series.
Entertainment Value
This would be a wonderful book to listen to for a car trip. It is about a car trip, so children will be able to relate to it well if they are traveling to. It will entertain the whole family as they go happily down the road.
Emotional Development
By listening to audiobooks like this one, kids gain a different emotional perspective of the story that when they read it themselves. The get to listen to it come to life rather than just read the words on the pages.
Educational Value
Each book of these series focuses on teaching children valuable life-lessons told in a personal, relatable way, as experienced by the main character. It will educate them about struggles all preteens and teens face but in a fun, joyful manner.
Age Range
If your child is in middle school or high school, this audiobook would be of great benefit since those are the years when they mostly want to connect with their peers and share their personal insecurities.
8. The One and Only Ivan
Winner of the Newbery Medal
A #1 New York Times bestseller
Inspired by a true story
Best book of the year
Blends hope, art, and friendship
Was a sad story
May be too simple for the recommended age level
Katherine Applegate is the author of The One and Only Ivan, which is told from the viewpoint of a captive gorilla named Ivan. It is for the age level of eight to twelve and is inspired by a true story.
Read moreThis audiobook blends hope, art, and friendship in an unforgettable first-person narration. After meeting Ruby, a baby elephant, Ivan sees their captive lives in a different way.
Entertainment Value
It is the winner of the Newbury Medal, a #1 New York Times bestseller, and the best book of the year according to Kirkus School of Library Journal. It will undoutebly entertain the whole family.
Emotional Development
Even though the story is a bit dark in places, it is a wonderful story of friendship that will get children to ponder meaningful relationships and possibly start some of their own that will be as special.
Educational Value
Books that have been inspired by true stories educate children about the many real life adventures this vast universe has to offer and therefore it is of great value for your little ones.
Age Range
This story has plenty of positive reviews and is even the winner of the Newbury Medal. Not only do the critics like it, but so do millions of children from eight to twelve years old can connect to it as well.
9. Charlotte’s Web
Authored by E. B. White
Narrated by E. B. White and George Plimpton
Originally published in 1952 and still very popular
One of the best-loved books in America
Is a 1953 Newbury Honor Book
Not broken up by chapters
Some felt the written book was better
Charlotte’s Web was originally published in 1952 and is still a very popular book with kids today. It is one of the best-loved books in America and was named a 1953 Newbury Honor Book.
Read moreThis audiobook is authored and narrated by E. B. White. George Plimpton joins the writer in voicing some of the characters. Charlotte’s Web is the story of Wilbur the pig, the wise spider named Charlotte, and Fern, the little girl on the farm who cares for Wilbur.
Entertainment Value
The author, E. B. White is one of the narrators himself in this audiobook version of the story. Not only do kids get to hear the story, but they can enjoy it directly from the mouth of the person who wrote it.
Emotional Development
Every child should know the story of Charlotte’s Web to know how special true friendship really is. The timeless characters come to life as the story is read aloud to be enjoyed.
Educational Value
Charlotte's Web is one of our favorite books of all time since it teaches children than no matter how different we are from one another, a deep and unbreakable bond can be created if we just give friendship a chance.
Age Range
This children's book is meant for middle school students however we strongly believe that not matter what age you are, you will be deeply moved by its emotional plotline.
10. The Indian in the Cupboard
Authored and narrated by Lynne Reid Banks
Story of a toy Indian gift and an old cupboard
Educated about the 18th century Wild West
Audio version released in 2003
Teaches kids of a different culture
Words and sounds may be mismatched
British accent was bothersome for a few kids
The Indian in the Cupboard is an old-time classic that parents will remember from their childhood reading days. It is about a toy Indian gift and an old cupboard made of wood.
Read moreThe toy comes to life for the little boy owner, Omri, and sets him off on an adventure of the 18th century Wild West. It is authored and narrated by the same person, Lynne Reid Banks. The audio version was released in 2003.
Entertainment Value
A journey to the Wild West is anything but boring especially when you get to hear it from the person who created this magical adventure. You children will love be greatly by this unforgettable journey.
Emotional Development
Lynne Reid Banks is both the author and the narrator of this audiobook. Children can hear the story directly from the person who wrote it and relate to the characters on a more personal level.
Educational Value
This story exposes kids to a different century and a different culture. It is a fun way to immerse children in cultures other than their own and let them explore how things were in the past.
Age Range
Since this book tells us about the birthday adventure of a nine year old, it would be a great gift for any middle school child who dreams of a magical gift for his special day.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Entertainment Value
Audiobooks are a great choice if you are looking for a fun and unconventional way to entertain your children and get them away from the computer and the TV. They represent a lovely way to calm and amuse your little ones while driving on a long trip or during summer vacations. Each product we feature on every page is one of the best-rated and mostly reviewed items of that category. Customers have left overwhelmingly positive feedback that says they would certainly purchase these products again. They are happy with their items, and we are happy to bring them to you for your own great shopping experience. Each book features a well-known story or movie plot that kids know and adore. These all have good plots that are interesting to children, and ones they can follow easily in the narration. Some may have been shortened from the movie content, but they are still great stories to listen to in audio.
Emotional Development
Audiobooks have greatly impacted the children's emotional development since not only is the narrator's voice calming and enchanting, but the stories are filled with characters that go through different adventures that help them grow as a human being. These audiobooks have all been carefully selected and highly praised for the moral lessons they share in a fun and amusing way so kids can relate to them more easily. When a story is told in a unique and interesting way through a new and modern medium, the greater the chances are that children will understand the book's theme, purpose and the message of the author. They will get a glimpse in the minds of the characters and connect with them emotionally which could undoubtedly inspire them to be their own heroes and make the right choices in life, no matter what obstacles they might encounter. Books teach us that no matter our differences, we still face the same struggles, therefore we do belong in this world. And audiobooks just let us experience those emotions in a more amusing way!
Educational Value
Reading has been a favorite pastime of human beings since the beginnings of time. It is more important than ever for your child to learn how to read. Reading can help improve your little one’s cognitive growth, spur their imagination and creativity, and create opportunities for positive adult-child interactions and familial bonding. Audiobooks are a newer style of reading that first become popularized during the era of cassette tapes. Since then it has grown to an industry that rivals the printed word. Despite many early misconceptions about audiobooks, listening rather than reading a story is not "cheating." It also does not deter your child from learning how to read. In fact, it can actually improve their reading comprehension skills over time by providing a multisensory reading experience. It is also a great way to encourage children who suffer from learning disabilities such as dyslexia or those who struggle with finding interest in reading.
Age Range
We wanted to make a list with timeless classics and unique stories that would entertain and educate kids of all ages, and possibly even adults who crave a whimsical audio experience. These wonderful stories are all those loved by children and even parents and grandparents. Some of these are old classics that never go out of style with little ones. The storylines are interesting and the characters are fantastic for entertaining kids for hours of listening to their most beloved personalities. We have gathered a selection of audiobooks from across the internet in a variety of titles to apply to a wide age and interest group. Perhaps your pre-reader wants to know what these Harry Potter books are that mom and dad are always talking about. Or maybe your 2nd grader needs a little encouragement to improve their reading comprehension in school. Whatever the need, we hope that one of our 10 Best Kids Audiobooks will help transport your child into their own personal literary world of wonder!
Scientific studies confirm that both reading and listening books can result in with the equal level of comprehension of the material. In fact, since we live in a fast-paced society and children’s attention spans are shortened it could be more effective when the book is in an audio format. It has been said that it is wired into our DNA to be prone to listening rather than reading stories since passing information from one generation to another was done in the same particular way for a long period of time.
Listening to audiobooks as a sensory stimulation activity can greatly improve the brain function to the point that it is even used as a rehabilitation technique by scientists with patients who have suffered brain damage. The positive results of the facilitating brain repair studies show that this type of therapy enhanced brain activity and improved the echoic memory due to the fact that audio stimuli may increase the healing processes that take place in the brain after it’s been damaged.
Other Factors to Consider
Sound Quality
The voice for an audiobook must be clear and distinguished for kids to understand the words and the meaning of the story. They cannot be distracted by accents, word slurs, or long pauses in between sentences and words. All of these books have great narrators who speak clearly and audibly so children can enjoy the story content. They overall sound quality is very enjoyable so children can drift off into another world filled with wondrous adventures and truly connect with their heroes. After all, audiobooks are meant to be entertaining and relaxing, not a boring chore that one needs to endure during his/her free time. With these captivating compositions, you can rest assure your child's hearing sensors are stimulated in a positive and healthy manner.
Creativity
Books are known to greatly impact the child's creativity and imagination by letting them envision how fantasy worlds look like and teaching them that nothing is impossible if you dream big enough. Many artworks including movies and music originated as a product of the vast universe of literature and all its knowledgeable glory. Even scientific inventions have been sparked by the philosophical nature of creative writings. The advantage of listening to an audiobook as instead of a traditional book format is that your children can actually do it while drawing, painting, playing with play-doh and other arts and crafts activities. This way they can be inspired by their favorite characters and unleash their imagination by being productive and educated at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What equipment is needed for my child to listen to these audiobooks?
Depending on the format of your audiobook, your child will need either a CD player or some type of MP3 player in order to listen to these stories. A smartphone or tablet device can take the place of a standard MP3 player but may leave your child open to access the Internet so parental controls are highly recommended. We also recommend purchasing a pair of volume-limiting headphones to allow your little one to listen to their stories in private without the concern that they will damage their hearing.
q: Will audiobooks aid my child in learning how to read?
Despite past concerns that listening to audiobooks can slow your child’s reading development, more recent studies suggest that listening to books before your little one is capable of reading can actually improve their desire and ability to read. Audiobooks allow your child to experience multisensory reading where they can follow along with words on the page as they hear the words spoken aloud. This can greatly improve their decoding and reading comprehension skills over time but should never be a replacement for traditional reading.
q: What are the top three books online?
The top three books online are all Harry Potter books in the series of 1, 2, and 3.
q: Are any of these particularly for girls or boys?
No, all of these audiobooks are for both boys and girls alike.
q: What is the age range for these audiobooks?
Considering that some of the buyers were adults to use for themselves, we would have to say that there is no age limit to enjoy any of these.
q: Which of these had the best overall ratings from buyers?
The audiobooks with the best ratings are Wonder and The Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns.
q: Which stories are the oldest and most treasured?
The oldest stories are The Giver, Charlotte’s Web, The Indian in the Cupboard, Mary Poppins, The Neverending Story, Pippi Longstocking, and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle.