The Best Audiobooks for Kids: Fun and Educational Stories.
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Toddlers and kids love audiobooks. They’re great for long car rides or rainy days at home. In this article, we share 20 of our favorite audiobooks for toddlers and kids. Audiobooks are often recommended for children because they are easier to listen to than books. Children can also enjoy listening to stories without having to read them. Here are some of our favorite children’s Audiobooks.
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
The Pigeon is about to go to school, despite already knowing everything. He wonders if he’ll like it, if the teacher doesn’t like him, or if he learns too much.
Kindergarten, Here I Come!
This audiobook celebrates kindergarten milestones with light and funny poems, introducing every aspect of the experience. It includes an original song titled “Kindergarten, Here I Come!”, ensuring a memorable start to school.
The Day You Begin
Jacqueline Woodson, the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, has written a heartfelt book about connecting with others, even when feeling scared and alone. The book explores the courage to connect even in unfamiliar environments, highlighting the importance of being brave and sharing stories to find support and understanding.
The Book with No Pictures
The Book with No Pictures is a humorous read-aloud by B.J. Novak, highlighting the importance of reading aloud, even if it means uttering nonsense words. The lyrical prose and warm narration by Jacqueline Woodson remind us that we all feel like outsiders, but when we share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.
The Big Cheese
The seventh book in the Food Group series by Jory John and Pete Oswald follows the Big Cheese, the best at everything, as he prepares for the annual Cheese-cathlon. The story explores the importance of humility and the lessons it offers.
Red: A Crayon’s Story
“Red: A Crayon’s Story” by Michael Hall is a heartwarming and insightful tale about self-acceptance and embracing one’s unique qualities. The story follows a red crayon who struggles with the pressure to color everything red, even when it doesn’t seem to fit. Through a series of adventures, Red discovers that it’s okay to be different and that their unique color can bring joy and creativity to the world. With vibrant illustrations and a relatable message, this book is a wonderful choice for young readers.
Be You!
Peter H. Reynolds, creator of The Dot, Happy Dreamer, and The Word Collector, encourages listeners to be their own work of art, be patient, persistent, and true.
Llama Llama Red Pajama
This rhyming book transforms bedtime into a llama drama, with Baby Llama’s worry and whimpers turning into hollers when his mama goes downstairs, capturing children’s and parents’ reassurance.
The Sour Grape
The sixth book in the Food Group series, titled “The Sour Grape,” follows the Sour Grape as he learns the power of forgiveness and compassion in overcoming unfair grudges. This empowering, witty, and charming addition to the series offers laughs and lessons.
Mother Bruce
Bruce, a bear, eats goose eggs, which turn out to be live goslings. They mistake him for their mother, and Bruce struggles to escape.
School’s First Day of School
On the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary, everyone is nervous, but the day progresses smoothly as the protagonist realizes they are not alone in their initial jitters.
I Promise
NBA champion and superstar LeBron James has written an audiobook inspired by his foundation’s I Promise program, encouraging children to #StriveForGreatness. The book, read by James’s mother and I Promise School supporter Gloria James, emphasizes the importance of excelling in school, doing your best, and maintaining family ties for a better future.
The Cool Bean
Jory John’s third book, “Too-cool-for-school,” explores the complexities of being cool and being kind. The story follows a bean who tries to fit in with the cool beans, ultimately learning to be kind.
The Lion Inside
The Lion Inside is a rhyming story about a meek mouse who seeks his roar. Living in a dusty, dusty place, he wishes he could roar like a lion. The story explores the power of fear and the heart of even the smallest creatures.
Sulwe
Lupita Nyong’o’s picture book, a New York Times best seller, explores colorism, self-esteem, and the importance of true beauty. The story follows Sulwe, a darker child, as she embarks on a magical journey to discover her own unique beauty, inspiring children to embrace their own uniqueness.
What Pet Should I Get?
Dr. Seuss’s book, “Pets,” tells the story of a brother and sister’s struggle to choose a pet, highlighting the importance of making up one’s mind. The story, told in Seuss’ signature rhyming style, is perfect for holidays and happy occasions.
The Day the Crayons Came Home
The Day the Crayons Quit! is a popular children’s book that follows Duncan, a kid who discovers a group of colorful crayons who are asking for rescue. The story follows Maroon Crayon, Turquoise, and Pea Green, each with a unique story and plea to be brought home to the crayon box. The book has been praised by various publications.
Change Sings
Change Sings is an audiobook by Amanda Gorman, a presidential inaugural poet and activist, that encourages people to use their abilities to make a difference in the world, their communities, and themselves.
The Serious Goose
Jimmy Kimmel’s audio edition of “The Serious Goose” features a humorous picture book that encourages young listeners to bring the silly out of a no-nonsense goose. Inspired by Kimmel’s nickname for his kids, the book encourages being silly in a serious way and will donate proceeds to CHLA and other children’s hospitals.
I Am Every Good Thing
The audiobook, created by the team behind Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, features a confident narrator who is a go-getter, difference maker, and leader. The story encourages readers to appreciate and listen to others’ true selves, as there are superheroes in our midst.
Fry Bread
Fry bread is a warm, delicious food that brings families together, celebrates tradition and modernity, and is shared across the nation. It is a powerful and evocative depiction of a modern Native American family.
The King of Kindergarten
Derrick Barnes’ empowering story about a confident little boy taking pride in his first day of kindergarten is a testament to the importance of a child’s confidence and readiness to make a mark in a new world. The story serves as a reminder for new kindergartners to take new experiences with enthusiasm and confidence.
Uni the Unicorn
In this magical story by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Uni the unicorn believes that little girls are real. Despite being told there are no such things, Uni believes there must be a smart, strong, wonderful, magical girl waiting to be her best friend. This magical story reminds believers and nonbelievers that sometimes wishes can come true.
Mixed: A Colorful Story
Arree Chung’s picture book explores the concept of color, tolerance, and embracing differences. The story begins with three colors, reds, yellows, and blues, living in harmony. When a red declares themselves the best, a Yellow, a Blue, or a unique color may save the day.
The Name Jar
Unhei, a Korean girl new to school, struggles to fit in and chooses an American name from a glass jar. With the help of a new friend, she discovers that her best name is her own. Yangsook Choi’s bestselling classic explores courage and pride in one’s background.
Just Ask!
Just Ask is a book by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and artist Rafael Lopez, celebrating the unique abilities of children and people of all ages. Drawing on her own experience as a child diagnosed with diabetes, Sotomayor encourages readers to Just Ask when encountering someone different, reminding them to ask questions and appreciate their uniqueness.
Bonus: A Squash and a Squeeze
A Squash and a Squeeze is a charming story by Imelda Staunton, based on Julia Donaldson’s children’s book. The story follows a small old lady who seeks help from a wise old man, who introduces farm animals, only to realize her home’s spaciousness. The story emphasizes perspective, gratitude, and reframes situations, making it a delightful addition to any storytime collection.
If Animals Kissed Good Night
If Animals Kissed Good Night by Ann Whitford Paul is a delightful book that captures the imagination of young readers with its whimsical exploration of how various animals might express affection at bedtime. This charming book not only entertains but also encourages a love for reading and nature, making it a perfect addition to any child’s nighttime routine.
