When it comes to selecting the best audiobooks for kids, the options can seem overwhelming. Whether you’re embarking on a long family road trip or looking to introduce some engaging stories at home, I’ve got you covered. After careful consideration, I’ve curated a list of top-notch children’s audiobooks that cater to various tastes and age groups. This carefully crafted selection includes timeless classics as well as modern tales that are sure to captivate young listeners. And the best part?
Many of these audiobooks can be accessed for free through your local public library or online platforms that offer public domain works.
25 Of The Best Children’s Audiobooks
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Guy Lockhart’s exceptional narration brings depth and nuance to the story of 13-year-old Castle Crenshaw, aka ‘Ghost’, a young Black kid from an urban background who finds himself drawn into the world of track. What initially appears to be a sports-oriented tale soon reveals itself to be a poignant exploration of trauma, racism, and poverty’s debilitating impact on a youth’s life.
Lockhart shines particularly in his portrayal of the coach, infusing the character with a perfect blend of love and toughness that resonates deeply.
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
David Tennant’s narration of the How to Train Your Dragon series is utterly captivating, exuding an infectious enthusiasm that’s impossible to resist. His Scottish brogue lends a delightful authenticity to the story, as he brings to life the misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III and his quest to catch and train a dragon, injecting the narrative with a playful energy that’s hard not to be swept up in.
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
In the sweltering summer of 1968, ‘One Crazy Summer’ takes us on a journey with three Gaither sisters as they embark on a visit to their estranged mother. However, their reunion soon becomes entwined with the Black Panther movement, thanks to Delphine’s innocent yet pivotal involvement. The narrator, 11-year-old Delphine herself, comes alive through the voice acting of Sisi Aisha Johnson, who masterfully captures the responsible and level-headed spirit of the eldest sister.
Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
The iconic story of Nobody Owens, affectionately known as Bod, took center stage in 2015 with a lavish audiobook production. This captivating tale follows Bod’s journey, raised by ghosts in a graveyard, where he embarks on thrilling adventures. However, venturing outside these sacred grounds comes with a dire consequence: the threat of being murdered by the ruthless man Jack, who has already claimed Bod’s family as victims.
See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng
The story of Alex Petroski, an 11-year-old space enthusiast, and his trusty canine companion Carl Sagan embarks on a captivating audiobook adventure. Five skilled voice actors bring important characters to life, with Kivlighan de Montebello expertly narrating the main tale. This engaging narrative seamlessly blends humor, inspiration, joy, and heartfelt moments, resulting in an unforgettable listening experience that will leave you smiling.
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
The 1991 TV adaptation of this timeless tale, set in the 1800s, was brought to life by Glenn Close’s portrayal of Sarah. Years later, her warm and recognizable voice would bring the same warmth to the audiobook narration of the story that has captured hearts for generations. The tale revolves around Anna and Caleb, two young souls whose lives take a dramatic turn when their widowed father decides to advertise for a mail-order bride to join them on their farm in the US plains.
As the new arrival settles into her new life, listeners are left wondering: will she ultimately choose to stay with this new family or carve out her own path?
Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
The dual perspective narrative is skillfully brought to life through the talents of voice actors Vikas Adam and Josh Hurley, who bring Joe and Ravi to vivid reality respectively. The two protagonists, initially perceived as polar opposites, are revealed to share an unexpected commonality: their shared struggles against a formidable foe in the form of the class bully. Moreover, they discover that each other is all they need – a friend with whom they can share their insecurities and find solace.
Redwall by Brian Jacques
The Redwall audiobook brings this epic tale to life through its full cast production. Voice actors bring the characters’ dialogue to vivid reality, while Brian Jacques himself lends his distinctive voice to the narration. This format masterfully captures the story of Matthias, a brave young mouse who must overcome his fears and lead the charge against Cluny the Scourge, the most notorious rat in Redwall Abbey’s history, to save his friends and the abbey from destruction.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Trini Alvarado’s bilingual talent is meticulously suited for this historical novel, which weaves together the complexities of Mexican-American farmworkers during the Great Depression. The narrative centers around Esperanza’s transformative journey from a young daughter of affluent landowners to a dedicated farm laborer in Mexico.
This captivating book tackles numerous weighty issues, including racism, migrant worker struggles, labor strikes, social class, and sexism, all while maintaining an air of authenticity and fascinating storytelling.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Rob Inglis’s iconic narration of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved classic, ‘The Hobbit’, brings Bilbo Baggins’ thrilling journey to life with his warm and rich voice. As the brave hobbit ventures out of the Shire to encounter a motley crew of dwarves, trolls, dragons, giant spiders, and wizards in Middle Earth, Inglis shines by effortlessly adopting various character voices, infusing the story with infectious enthusiasm.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson’s memoir, read aloud by the author herself, brings to life an unconventional narrative that weaves together two distinct childhood experiences in New York and South Carolina. This rare feat of accessible poetry is brought to vivid life through Woodson’s effortless, dreamy delivery, which perfectly captures her laid-back, carefree essence.
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Listening to A Series of Unfortunate Events read by Tim Curry is an absolute delight. His expressive voice brings out the dry, dark, self-referential humor of the series perfectly. In particular, he’s chilling as the sinister Count Olaf, the arch-nemesis of the Baudelaire children who find creative ways to fight back against his evil plans using books.
The first book, The Bad Beginning, features a full cast version with brooding orchestral music and impressive sound effects, but Curry proves more than capable on his own for the remainder of the series, expertly capturing the tone and atmosphere of each tale.
The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary by Laura Shovan
In its audiobook iteration, The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary truly comes alive. This unique narrative, comprised of 18 poems written from the perspectives of students in a single grade five class during a pivotal year, is expertly brought to life by seven skilled voice actors.
As they breathe life into these everyday stories, we’re not only privy to the personal struggles and triumphs of individual students but also witness the collective impact of the impending closure of their beloved school on the entire class.
Hidden Figures Young Readers Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly
Bahni Turpin’s voice may not be immediately recognizable to everyone, but her impressive body of work in audiobook narration is likely to change that soon. As a masterful and prolific voice actor, she brings Shetterly’s non-fiction book to life, making it an engaging and remarkable true story accessible to younger readers. The book tells the inspiring tale of four African American female mathematicians who played pivotal roles in NASA’s most significant space program milestones.
Ramona Quimby Collection Beverly Cleary
Stockard Channing’s iconic narration brings to life the beloved Ramona Quimby book series by Beverly Cleary. In this comprehensive audiobook edition, he masterfully captures the whimsical spirit of the books, weaving together over 19 hours of unabridged storytelling that spans all eight titles: Ramona and Beezus, Ramona Forever, Ramona Age 8, and more!
As listeners follow Ramona’s mischievous escapades, they’re treated to a rich tapestry of growing-up experiences, from navigating the ups and downs of childhood friendships to grappling with the challenges of adolescence.
Listen, Slowly Thanhha Lai
As you read through the narrative, it’s crucial to pinpoint where our protagonist is situated. Voice actor Lulu Lam masterfully clears up any ambiguity with her iconic California twang. However, there’s more to Mai’s story than just a sunny disposition. Her journey with her grandma to Vietnam is a poignant exploration of family ties and cultural identity, as she uncovers the truth about her grandfather’s experiences during the Vietnam War.
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
While printed books may not typically include musical elements, the full cast edition of The Princess Academy series shines with an abundance of singing. Narrated by Laura Credido, this fantasy series follows Miri as her mountain home is transformed into a prestigious ‘princess academy’ where all girls must attend to increase their chances of becoming the prince’s chosen one.
The audio rendition brings the story to life with character voices provided by multiple actors, immersing listeners in a world of magic and wonder.
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Ada’s life is forever altered when she decides to follow her brother away from London as a result of the war. As the voice of nine-year-old Ada, Jayne Entwhistle brings the story to life with her compelling narration. Prior to this, Ada had been confined by her cruel mother due to her disability. However, the opportunity to break free and embark on thrilling adventures proves too enticing for Ada.
But as the war draws to a close, will Ada and her brother be forced to return to their overbearing mother?
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Mirron Willis shines in this poignant narrative, bringing to life the remarkable tale of 11-year-old Elijah, who holds a special significance in the history of Buxton, Canada’s Black community. As the first child born into freedom within this tight-knit community during the mid-1800s, Elijah’s story is expertly woven by Willis, who masterfully captures the cultural and historical nuances of his world.
Through Elijah’s journey, we witness his gradual understanding of the atrocities of slavery, as revealed through the experiences of those around him.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
One of the most enjoyable aspects of re-reading Anne of Green Gables is discovering the numerous audiobook versions available, including free options. Among these, the rendition by Rachel McAdams stands out for its exceptional quality. Her soothing voice brings to life the endearing personality of Anne Shirley and the distinct traits of each character, as she navigates her journey from orphaned outsider to beloved member of the community.
McAdams’ effortless delivery perfectly captures the humorous mishaps that punctuate this timeless tale of self-discovery and growth.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
In the captivating audiobook rendition of Roald Dahl’s timeless tale, Kate Winslet shines as the voice of six-year-old Matilda – a precocious and endearing young girl whose cruel and neglectful parents are rivaled only by the tyrannical Headmistress Trunchbull. As Matilda navigates the challenges of her school, she must harness her extraordinary abilities and find solace in the kindness of her beloved teacher, Miss Honey, in order to exact a well-deserved comeuppance on the despotic Trunchbull.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Imagine a literary experience that combines the thrill of the basketball court with the rhythm of poetry. Corey Allen’s narration of The Crossover is just such an adventure, weaving together diverse poetic styles to create a unique reading experience. At its heart is 12-year-old Josh Bell, a gifted baller who shares his passion for hoops with his twin brother Jordan. But what sets Josh apart is his hidden talent – he’s also got the ‘mad beats’ of a budding musician.
As the Bell brothers navigate the highs and lows of growing up on and off the court, they learn that bending the rules can have devastating consequences.
Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones
Jenny Sterlin’s rendition of this beloved fantasy novel is nothing short of exceptional, bringing to life a captivating tale of self-discovery and adventure. The narrative centers around Sophie, a young girl who finds herself transformed into an elderly woman by a mysterious witch’s spell.
As she embarks on a perilous journey to the enigmatic, ever-shifting castle in the hills – the very same title that has captured readers’ imaginations for generations – Sophie uncovers profound insights about herself and her mysterious companion, Howl, as she battles to break free from the mystifying enchantment.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
While it may have been an oversight, I’m happy to rectify the omission of J. K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series from this list of top-notch children’s audiobooks. The iconic tale of the Boy Who Lived has captivated readers of all ages with its richly woven world and memorable characters. In recognition of this, I’ve included both the Stephen Fry and Jim Dale narrated versions.
While each has its strengths and weaknesses – Dale’s vocal range, for instance, is often praised as more engaging, whereas some listeners have noted that his female character voices can be less convincing (Hermione, in particular, may come across as a bit whiny) – they are both widely regarded as excellent adaptations of the original text. What do you consider to be the most enchanting children’s audiobooks? Share your cherished favorites with our community by leaving a comment below.