While I’m an avid user of audiobooks through Audible, discovering new titles, particularly those suitable for children, can be a daunting task when searching for recommendations. One efficient way to overcome this challenge is by utilizing the narrator search feature. Simply enter the name of a skilled narrator like Bahni Turpin, Ramón De Ocampo, or BD Wong in the search box and filter the results by ‘running time’.
This will likely bring up most children’s books early in the list, increasing the chances of finding relevant titles that meet your needs. However, what if you’ve exhausted your options for notable narrators? You can opt to search by author or explore Audible’s ‘Discover’ section, utilizing listener categories like ‘littlest listeners’ and ‘elementary’. While these methods are effective, they can be time-consuming and may not yield the desired results.
If you’re looking for a shortcut or have already tried these approaches, I’ve compiled a list of top-rated Audible books for kids, organized by length to facilitate easy browsing from shortest to longest. Let’s dive in!
The Best Audible Books for Kids Under 1 Hour
The First Music by Dylan Pritchett and Erin Bennett Banks
In just under five minutes, this delightful book whisks young readers away on a charming journey with a group of animals who stumble upon an unexpected revelation: their noise-making antics are, in fact, music. Narrated by Dylan Pritchett, this engaging tale is perfectly suited for the smallest readers, offering a fun and accessible introduction to the world of music.
Tony Baloney by Pam Muñoz Ryan
If you enjoy this five-minute narrative delivered by Ramón De Ocampo, consider exploring more of his work, including additional audiobooks narrated by him. You may also want to check out the impressive catalog of Muñoz Ryan’s books available on Audible.
No Kimchi for Me by Aram Kim
Stone Soup by Heather Forest
The timeless tale of Stone Soup has been delighting audiences for generations, its message of sharing and community resonating deeply with people of all ages. This charming animated short, narrated by the talented Heather Forest, is a mere six minutes long yet packs a powerful punch that’s sure to leave viewers smiling.
Our Favorite Day of the Year by A.E. Ali
This captivating story brings together the collective enthusiasm of an entire classroom as students share their most cherished annual celebrations. From the significance of Rosh Hashana to the joyous festivities of Eid, and even the mathematical merriment of Pi Day, each child’s favorite day is woven into a rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Narrated by Almarie Guerra, this heartwarming tale is a testament to the power of shared experiences and the beauty of embracing our differences.
Lon Po Po by Ed Young
Drawing parallels with the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood, this animated adventure tells the story of a resourceful young protagonist who recognizes the danger posed by the cunning wolf and successfully outwits him. The engaging narrative is brought to life through the voice talents of BD Wong and clocks in at five minutes.
Freedom Soup by Tami Charles
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day, a cherished tradition unfolds in Haiti as generations come together to prepare a beloved soup. The recipe is passed down from grandmother to granddaughter, with Belle learning not only the culinary techniques but also the rich history and cultural significance behind the dish’s name.
Narrated by Bahni Turpin, this 15-minute story weaves a tapestry of love, family, and tradition as it explores the origins of this special soup, making it a heartwarming experience for all who listen.
Kaka and the Mouse
In the heartwarming animated tale, Kaka, a compassionate crow, chances upon a distressed mouse in dire need of assistance. Accompanied by soothing melodies and engaging sound design, this charming story unfolds under the guidance of Karthik Kumar’s warm narration. The entire experience clocks in at approximately eight minutes, making it an effortlessly enjoyable treat.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
In this engaging five-minute narrative, Corey Allen shares a heartwarming story that highlights the profound impact a fresh haircut can have on young black men visiting their local barbershops. The intimate setting provides a unique backdrop to explore themes of identity, self-expression, and community bonding.
The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by Selina Alko
One of the most impactful audiobooks for children is ‘The Case for Loving’, which recounts the courageous battle of Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter to have their union recognized despite their differing racial backgrounds. Narrated by Bahni Turpin, this eight-minute production provides a powerful and concise introduction to the landmark court case known as Loving v. Virginia.
For a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history, listeners may also want to explore additional titles that shed light on the events surrounding the Supreme Court’s historic decision.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
In the heartwarming tale of Goldy Luck, fate seems to be working against our protagonist’s name. On Chinese New Year, she is awoken by her mother and tasked with delivering turnip cakes to their neighbors as a gesture of goodwill. However, as luck would have it, the neighbors are away when Goldy Luck arrives, and in her haste, she ends up making a mess of the offerings. The question on everyone’s mind is: can Goldy Luck redeem herself with her panda neighbors?
To find out, listeners will need to tune in and immerse themselves in this charming nine-minute narrative, brought to life by Lauren McCullough.
Counting the Stars by Lesa Cline-Ransome
The story of Katherine Johnson, a NASA mathematician, is another standout Audible book for kids. Known for her exceptional numerical skills, Katherine’s academic career got off to an early start. She began school ahead of schedule, skipping grades and entering high school at just 10 years old. By 15, she had already completed her secondary education, a remarkable feat.
A scholarship then allowed her to pursue higher education, ultimately leading her to become a pioneering ‘human computer’ at NASA. This inspiring tale is not only a testament to her impressive intellect but also her unwavering dedication, diligent work ethic, and innate curiosity. Narrated by Bahni Turpin, this 20-minute audiobook is an engaging listen that showcases Katherine’s remarkable journey.
The Best Audible Books for Kids 1 Hour or Longer
Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Lee
Eight-year-old Mindy Kim’s world has been turned upside down. Her mother’s passing has left her struggling to adjust to life with just her father in Florida, after leaving their home in California behind. The challenges continue as she navigates her new school, where the teasing of classmates over her unique kimchi and seaweed lunch leaves her feeling uncertain about winning them over. But this is only the beginning – there are five more books in the series to explore.
Abby Takes a Stand by Patricia C. McKissack
McKissack’s notable works have garnered a multitude of accolades, including multiple Coretta Scott King awards and a prestigious Newbery Honor. In this particular book, the title character has evolved into a wise grandmother, meticulously preserving childhood mementos in her attic for future generations to discover. Her grandchildren embark on an enriching journey as they explore these treasured items, gaining invaluable insights into what life was like during the tumultuous era of segregation.
This captivating audiobook clocks in at approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes, with the soothing narration provided by Cassandra Morris.
Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants a Forest by Rebel Girls
Dr. Wangari Maathai’s remarkable life story deserves a compelling introduction. For those unfamiliar with her incredible journey, exploring her official bio among other Nobel laureates’ profiles would be a great starting point. Notably, the audiobook version of this title, narrated by Bahni Turpin, spans approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Jordan Banks’ experience at a new private school is marked by feelings of disconnection from his roots, despite being geographically close to where he grew up. The animated film, narrated by Jesus Del Orden and Nile Bullock, offers a 1 hour and 58 minute journey that explores themes of identity and belonging. If you enjoy this story, you may also appreciate the similarly themed Craft’s Class Act.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
Beverly Cleary’s The Mouse and the Motorcycle series kicks off with this first installment, brought to life through a narration by BD Wong, clocking in at two hours and seventeen minutes. Nostalgia strikes as I recall devouring these tales as a child – but what is it about intrepid mice that captivates young readers? Perhaps it’s their plucky spirit or the thrill of exploration, but whatever the allure, fans of this series may also enjoy exploring other mouse-centric stories like The Ralph S.
Mouse audio collection, which includes books one through three, or venturing into Geronimo Stilton’s mouse-driven adventures with his first three books.
The Best Audible Books for Kids 3 Hours or Longer
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Anne Hathaway brings the various characters to life with her engaging narration, making this timeless tale an enjoyable experience for both children and adults. Its compact runtime of approximately three hours and forty-nine minutes makes it an excellent choice for a commute or a relaxing listen.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Twintuition Double Vision by Tia and Tamera Mowry
As Cassie and Caitlyn, twin tweens with a unique gift, navigate their new city, they must confront the typical tribulations of adolescence alongside an extraordinary ability to foresee future events. This captivating tale is brought to life through the narration of Lisa Renee Pitts and Chanie Waitts, spanning 4 hours and 23 minutes of engaging storytelling.
As the first installment in a four-part series, listeners are introduced to a richly developed world with plenty of opportunities for further exploration, making it an excellent choice for both young readers and those seeking a compelling audio experience.
Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff
The audio book, narrated by Jax Jackson and Kyle Lukoff, spans four hours and twenty-eight minutes. To attempt to summarize its essence would be an undertaking of great complexity, but it may prove helpful to note the presence of a haunted house, a grieving child and mother reeling from the loss of their uncle/brother, and the tumultuous changes that precede the onset of middle school.
At the narrative’s core lies Bug, a protagonist grappling with the pursuit of comfort in a world fraught with uncertainty, as this #OwnVoices story tenderly explores the human experience, offering a much-needed reflection of our collective struggles.
Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender
This remarkable audiobook has earned two prestigious accolades: the Stonewall Book Award and the Lambda Literary award. The narrative follows Caroline Murphy, a 12-year-old African American girl who’s convinced she was born with bad luck. Her perception of her fortunes shifts dramatically with the introduction of new student Kalinda, but as she finds herself developing romantic feelings for her friend, Caroline must navigate the complexities of both her family and school lives.
The audiobook is skillfully narrated by Krystel Roche, featuring a runtime of 4 hours and 37 minutes.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
This historical fiction piece draws inspiration from the remarkable story of the author’s grandmother, who left behind a life of privilege in Mexico to find work on a farm in California during the tumultuous 1930s. The audiobook, narrated by Trini Alvarado in English, offers a captivating four hours and forty-two minutes of storytelling. For those who prefer to immerse themselves in the narrative in their native language, it’s also available in Spanish, skillfully brought to life by Ruth Livier.
The Best Audible Books for Kids 5 Hours or Longer
The Golden Orchard by Flora Ahn
The story revolves around the lives of Maya, her mother, and her halmoni – a term that translates to ‘grandmother’ in Korean. This heartwarming tale is narrated by Kathleen Choe, spanning 5 hours and 15 minutes. The culinary journey through time is so engaging that I’m left hoping for more installments like this one.
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
The narrative revolves around Virgil Salinas, an 11-year-old Filipino American boy who is characterized by his introverted nature and reserved demeanor. At the heart of the story are his connections with his friends and his Lola, or grandmother, whose influence plays a significant role in shaping his experiences. This poignant tale is brought to life through the storytelling of Ramón de Ocampo and Amielynn Abellera, who lend their voices to the 5 hour and 17 minute production.
Fans of Kelly’s work may also enjoy exploring other titles, such as You Go First, which shares similar themes and emotional depth.
Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim
Yumi, an 11-year-old with a big dream to become a stand-up comedian, navigates the challenges of pursuing her passion amidst her immigrant family’s more practical expectations. The story, narrated by Greta Chung and spanning 6 hours and 3 minutes, effortlessly blends humor and poignancy as Yumi’s quest for laughter and validation unfolds.
To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer
Immersive storytelling takes center stage in this captivating novel, which weaves together a narrative through email exchanges between two young girls, Avery and Bett. Their unique bond forms as their fathers fall head over heels in love, all while the protagonists themselves are sent away to summer camp to foster a stronger connection.
The audiobook version of this heartwarming tale is skillfully brought to life by the voices of Imani Parks, Cassandra Morris, and the entire cast, spanning an impressive 6 hours and 13 minutes.
Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles
In the midst of wrapping up their unbridled summer at Grandma’s, cousins Otto and Sheed, the dynamic duo of this kids’ adventure mystery book, are ready to embark on one final escapade before facing the realities of alarm clocks, homework, and school. Their sharp wit and adventurous spirits make for an entertaining read. For instance, one of them proudly sports a ‘Stand Back! I’m Going to Deduce’ shirt – a quirk that’s impossible not to love.
Narrated by Ruffin Prentiss, the audiobook version of this title clocks in at 6 hours and 47 minutes, offering listeners a thrilling experience.
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
The Newbery Medal-winning book tells the poignant story of Lily, her sister, and their widowed mother as they navigate life’s challenges together. The biracial sisters, with Korean and white heritage, are forced to confront a significant change when their mother decides to relocate them closer to their grandmother.
As Lily adjusts to this new environment, she begins to uncover a deeper truth about her grandmother’s health and her own unique connection to a magical tiger that she can converse with. The audiobook, narrated by Greta Jung, spans 7 hours and 22 minutes, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the heartwarming tale.
The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds
For those unfamiliar with Jason Reynolds’ work, this is an excellent starting point. A recommended reading pathway suggests commencing with ‘The Boy in the Black Suit’, which is also available as a captivating Audible children’s book. The story revolves around Matthew, a boy grappling with his mother’s passing and seeking solace by taking on a job at a funeral parlor. Narrated by Corey Allen, this title spans 7 hours and 48 minutes of engaging storytelling.
For further recommendations, explore the best audiobooks for kids here.