The best audiobooks for kids offer a lively and immersive way to enjoy stories, providing an experience as engaging as reading. In 2025, top selections feature captivating narration, high-quality production, and stories that inspire imagination and empathy. These audiobooks are perfect for car rides, bedtime, or quiet moments, and they provide a valuable alternative for children who find print reading challenging. The list below is organized by age and listening needs, with insights on what makes each audiobook worth choosing.
For Young Listeners (Ages 3‑6)
1. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
This popular picture‑book story has a brilliant audio version that uses rhythm, repetition, and a fun narrative voice to draw in younger listeners. The woodland tale of the clever mouse and the scary Gruffalo is perfect for ages three to six as a shared storytime listen. The narration brings out the humour and the slight suspense in a way that keeps children engaged without overwhelming them.
Although specific 2025 reviews for the audio version are limited, the story continues to appear on many “best for kids” audiobook lists thanks to its proven appeal and strong production.
2. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
A playful and silly story about what happens when dragons love tacos—and what happens when they eat spicy salsa by mistake. The audio version capitalises on great comedic timing, sound effects, and a narrator who exaggerates just enough to amuse children. For ages three to six, it works especially well during car trips or as a fun listen before bed. The light‑hearted feel means it can also be repeated many times without losing appeal.
3. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin
This title blends music, rhythm, and a narrative about resilience (when buttons pop) in a fun package. The audiobook invites active listening: children may find themselves singing along or pressing the buttons in sequence. At this early stage, the audio form helps build listening stamina and introduces children to story structure beyond picture books. It is ideal for preschoolers and early elementary listeners.
4. Winnie‑the‑Pooh by A.A. Milne (audio version)
A gentle, warm‑hearted classic told in an audio form that emphasises mood and character voices. At ages around four to eight, listeners can enjoy Pooh’s adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood while developing listening focus. Producing such a familiar story in audio helps children imagine characters and settings beyond the page. The calm pacing makes it especially suitable for winding‑down times or evening listening.
5. The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
Young children often have anxieties about starting school; this audiobook addresses such feelings via humour and expressive narration. The Pigeon’s point of view makes the listening experience lively and relatable. For ages five to seven, it offers both entertainment and a subtle social‑emotional lesson about change and routines. It is frequently listed in children’s audio recommendation lists for back‑to‑school contexts.
6. Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg
A story‑rich audio featuring lyrics, songs, and narrative about the excitement and challenges of beginning kindergarten. Ideal for children on the cusp of entering school, it helps them imagine the day ahead and build confidence. The singing parts and lively narration boost engagement, making this a repeat‑friendly audiobook. Great for transition periods in young children’s lives.
For Elementary‑Age Listeners (Ages 7‑10)
7. The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White (audio adaptation)
A mythic adventure that introduces magical elements, coming‑of‑age themes, and humour. The audio adaptation invites children in the 7‑10 age range to follow longer arcs and richer character development than simpler stories. The narration emphasises the protagonist’s internal growth and the tale’s whimsical elements. It serves as a strong bridge between shorter picture-book-style audiobooks and full-length middle-grade narratives.
8. Matilda by Roald Dahl (audio version)
A beloved story about a clever girl with extraordinary powers, told in a version that highlights imaginative narration and character voices. For ages eight to ten, this audiobook offers more complexity, humour, and themes of resilience. Children hear the mischievousness, the awkwardness, and the triumph through audio, which can enhance comprehension and emotional connection. While print reading is excellent, the audio version makes the story accessible and fun for listeners who prefer listening to reading.
9. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (audio version)
A timeless story of friendship and change, brought to life in audio with a gentle and contemplative tone. Suitable for ages eight to ten, it helps children reflect on themes such as loss, loyalty, and kindness. The audio voice guides the listener through emotional moments in ways that support deeper listening engagement. It also provides an excellent “read‑along” option: children can listen while following a print copy, enhancing literacy skills.
10. The Call of the Wild by Jack London (audio version, adapted)
While originally more advanced, a carefully selected adaptation of this classic is referenced in children’s audio lists for stronger listeners aged 10 or older. The adventurous wolf‑dog tale introduces more complex language, descriptive settings, and survival themes. The audio narration emphasizes tone and atmosphere, enabling young listeners to immerse themselves in the wild settings. It offers a richer, more challenging listening experience in the upper elementary age band.
11. I Am Oliver the Otter by Pam Ayers
A nature‑themed audiobook that focuses on animal life, discovery, and gentle adventure. Young listeners aged 7 to 10 can enjoy the story’s flow and learn about the natural world in a relaxed, engaging way. The narration invites listeners to imagine being in the described environment, hearing animal sounds, and enjoying the descriptive elements. It is a strong choice for children who enjoy nature, animals, and calm yet vivid storytelling.
12. The Hospital Dog by Julia Donaldson (audio version)
A story set in a hospital, featuring friendship, courage, and companionship via a hospital dog. For ages eight to ten, this audiobook balances a comforting environment with meaningful stakes—it’s not too scary, but has emotional resonance. The narration gives characters distinct voices and helps children relate to them in unfamiliar settings (e.g., a hospital, a new environment). It offers both comfort and a little adventure, making it a well‑balanced listen for this age group.
For Tweens and Middle‑Grade Listeners (Ages 10‑13)
13. The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell (audio version narrated by David Tennant)
A magical, action‑packed fantasy that is well-suited to 10‑13-year-olds ready for more dramatic storytelling. The audio narration by David Tennant has been praised for creating distinct character voices, dramatic pacing, and immersive sound effects. It combines humour, adventure, and thoughtful themes of identity, tradition, and choice. Good for young listeners who are comfortable with longer, multi‑hour audiobooks and who enjoy imaginative worlds.
14. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (audio version)
This audiobook features a robot stranded on an island, learning about nature, community, and belonging. For ages 10‑13, the story offers a deeper look at themes like adaptation, friendship, and empathy through unusual characters. The audio version enhances the mood and emotional journey, making listeners reflect on what it means to be “other” or “different.” It works especially well for a tween who is ready to explore more introspective audio narratives.
15. Meet the Maliks – Twin Detectives: The Cookie Culprit by Zanib Mian (audio version)
A fun detective audio story featuring inclusive characters and accessible middle‑grade themes. This title brings energy, mystery, and identity into a lighter audio story suitable for ages 9‑12. Listeners will enjoy the banter, the investigation, and the sibling dynamic in the narration. It encourages children to pay attention to plot twists, listen for clues, and consider character motivations—all good skills for listening development.
16. Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan (audio version)
A historical‑adventure audiobook recommended for ages roughly 9‑12, offering suspense, bravery, and a rich setting. In audio form, the narration helps listeners immerse themselves in the past and invites reflection on courage, change, and moral choices. It is a strong pick for tweens who enjoy history, challenge, and audio stories that feel a little more grown‑up without jumping fully into teen territory.
17. The Sheep‑Pig by Dick King‑Smith (audio version)
While this title is also suitable for younger listeners, it remains a rewarding listen for middle‑grade listeners, especially when enjoyed in audio form. The charming story of the pig who thinks he is a sheepdog resonates with themes of identity, belonging, and surprise success. The audio narration gives voice to the farm animals and helps children visualise characters and the setting. It is a comforting yet meaningful listen for tweens.
18. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney (audio version)
This comedic, highly popular middle‑grade title works well in audio for ages 10‑13. The narrator captures the youthful protagonist’s tone and the humour of everyday school and family life. It is especially appealing for children who enjoy listening to a “kid voice” narrator and who may not yet be ready for more serious themes in audio. Its light-hearted nature makes it ideal for car rides or casual listening at home.
19. The Medway Tales by Santos C.S. Bermejo (audio version)
A lesser‑known but solid middle‑grade audio story, its presence on children’s audio recommendation lists for 2025 shows its growing appeal. For ages roughly 10‑13, it offers engaging storytelling, exploration of adventure themes, and strong listening value. While fewer detailed reviews exist, its placement on curated lists attests to its quality in production and story. It is a worthy addition for a tween looking to expand beyond mainstream titles.
20. Face to Face with the Easter Bunny: A T.J. Gram Interview
Unique in form, this audiobook presents a mock interview with the Easter Bunny himself—whimsical, imaginative, and geared for family listening rather than purely the youngest listeners. The narration by Phillip Freeman and Michelle Ochitwa adds charm and warmth to the holiday-themed story. While suitable for ages 8‑12, the audio format makes it a fun choice for broader family listening occasions. Its originality helps it stand out among middle‑grade audio options.
Choosing the Best Audiobooks for Kids
This list spans a wide range of ages, themes, and listening purposes—from short, fun stories for preschoolers to rich multi‑hour audiobooks for older children and family listening. The key when selecting an audiobook is to match the child’s age, listening stamina, theme preference, and enjoyment of narration. A great audio story is not simply a favourite print read-aloud; it is one where the narrator, pacing, production, and story all come together to create a memorable listening experience.
