Get young listeners ready for a new school year with these 30 listens

In the past, our favorite disgruntled pigeon has tried to drive a bus, found a hot dog, stayed up late, and much more. In this story, to his dismay, the pigeon is told that he has to go to school. But good news: He's not buying it. In this fun story narrated by author Mo Willems, kids can echo their own anxieties about going back to school, and their laughter at the pigeon's arguments will lighten the tensions that might come up on a stressful day.

From Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes comes the story of a confident little boy who can’t wait to take on kindergarten. This fun and empowering listen takes little ones through some of the most important moments of the school day: from making friends to learning about the importance of sharing. The hero’s enthusiasm and confidence are contagious, making this a great choice for any soon-to-be kindergartener who could use a boost of encouragement about heading off to school.

Season 2 of Nick Jr.’s Rise and Shine is dishing up even more fun adventures to start your day! Join Josh and Blue on their sunrise safari adventure, help Dora on her royal breakfast quest, steer Blaze across the finish line of the Mega Morning Race, and save the day before it even starts with PAW Patrol! With catchy songs and upbeat stories, we have the morning routine covered, so you can focus on the parts of your day that matter most.

Soccer fans, sports enthusiasts, and middle-grade listeners of all kinds will cheer for Leo K. Doyle, the 12-year-old star soccer player with big dreams. While Leo longs to make the pros one day, he has no idea how to achieve his goal—until a professional scout pays a chance visit to one of Leo's games and extends an invitation to try out for the London Dragons youth squad, known as the Academy. Soon, Leo is off to a whole new country, embarking on the greatest adventure of his life. Narrator James Fouhey is the perfect voice for this inspiring, action-packed, high-stakes series.

They may be too young for Homer—let alone Christopher Nolan's three-hour film epic—but certainly not for the Greek classics, not with Nanny Piggins at the helm! The porcine caregiver, delightfully voiced by Australian author R. A. Spratt herself, leads an action-packed journey through seas and desert islands bursting with shriek-inducing monsters, cake batter-brandishing sirens, and even a forbidden sausage. It's an epically awesome way for kids to enjoy the story of Odysseus and go further into the Greek myths.

Taking a job from Jabba the Hut is always risky business, but this run might prove to be even more risky than usual. When Han and Chewie make a crash landing with the Falcon’s hold filled with stolen Imperial tech, they are reminded again that things rarely go smoothly on a smuggler’s run. Narrated by skilled performer Ron Butler, this action-packed short story also features fun sound effects to keep kids totally immersed.

In this debut middle-grade mystery, 12-year-old Joni Bird returns home from summer camp to find the people of her small town eerily changed. Her head-banging best friend now says playing the drums is “unladylike.” The only flavor in the local ice cream parlor is vanilla. The women and girls have suddenly developed a penchant for pearl earrings and retro dresses. And it all seems to have something to do with creepy neighborhood newcomers, the Gingham family...

Kids are wild about the InvestiGators, John Patrick Green's delightfully goofy animal detective series, and the audiobooks more than live up to the charming graphic novels. Featuring a full cast, immersive sound effects, and catchy music, this one finds our intrepid alligator spies Mango and Brash going undercover to solve an international art crime. The clever acronyms and wordplay will inspire their creativity and appreciation for language, while the audio production is a mini masterpiece of its own.

For students who love the eccentric humor of Lemony Snicket, Roald Dahl, or the Addams Family, the Weirdie triplets—Barnacle, Garlic, and Melancholy—will feel like old friends. After being accidentally abandoned, the Weirdies must learn to fend for themselves in a big, scary world, but at least they have each other. This final chapter of their saga is—as the kids say—everything. The dry wit and sharp one-liners are all brilliantly delivered by Helena Bonham Carter, who is the perfect person to voice the heart and weirdness that this story requires.

At the school depicted here, everyone is welcome. People of different body types, races, religions, and much more are all welcome to enter and find a safe space to exist and learn. This lively, inclusive tale is narrated by Janina Edwards, and it celebrates diversity to inspire kids to go to school equipped with an accepting, caring mindset.

Hello-ee-o-ee-o podcast fans and welcome back to The Sesame Street Podcast with Foley and Friends! Season three of this energetic Audible Original podcast follows Foley and her Sesame Street friends Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby, and Grover as they teach kids about everything from morning routines to dealing with the grouchies—complete with music, jokes, and, of course, games to make the learning lots of fun!

Chester Raccoon is nervous about going to school, an apprehension plenty of young kids will find relatable. Luckily, his mom has a secret that will help him feel supported all day long, even when she isn't there. This classic, narrated by Heather Koren, comes with glowing reviews from teachers and parents alike, and will be an instant hit with young kids who find it hard to go back to school after a summer at home.

As the first day of school approaches, some of Hattie Harmony’s friends are feeling anxious. Not to worry: Hattie is a Worry Detective with a bag full of ways to deal with big emotions! Listen along as Hattie teaches her friends how to calm the jitters by using movement, mindful breathing, and the catchy mantra: “Worry, worry, go away! There’s no time for you today!” This fun, singsong listen introduces little ones to the importance of self-care with warmth and humor.

It's Unhei's first day of school in the United States and not a single kid in her class can pronounce her name. She decides it would be simpler to choose a new, easier name out of a jar, a good "American" girl name like Suzy. But the story doesn't end there. This is an empowering audiobook about being brave enough to be yourself and to support the whole, authentic selves of others—a lesson needed now more than ever.

National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson does not disappoint with this heartfelt story centered around finding connection by gaining the courage to reach out to others. Narrated by the author herself, this uplifting audiobook is worth returning to again and again to show kids that we are all uniquely wonderful.

The Baby-Sitters Club series was a staple for many ‘90s kids. Kristy's Great Idea comes from the original group of novels, published in 1986. These stories are listener favorites, and it’s no wonder why: They follow a dynamic group of preteen girls as they live out lessons of self-discovery, true friendship, and changing family dynamics. Whether you were a BSC member in the past and want to connect your tween-aged kids with an enduring fave, or you're discovering these classics for the first time, these listens are sure to keep your whole family entertained, while learning a lesson or two along the way.

This hilarious and heartwarming audiobook is sure to keep kids entertained while getting them excited for their first day back at school. The particular ninja telling his story, Chase Cooper, is starting the year at a brand new school. But he doesn't skip a beat as he chronicles his journey from a scrawny fourth grader to a full-fledged sixth grade ninja. Narrator Josh Hurley’s energetic tone perfectly matches the thrilling adventure our hero takes us on.

Imagine taking on Latin America's version of the boogeyman! In this much-anticipated sequel from award-winning author Kaela Rivera, follow Cece Rios as she saves her sister Juana from the dreaded criatura king, El Cucuy. Cece Rios and the King of Fears contains action, cathartic humor, emotional consequence, and joyous triumphs. Performed by Almarie Guerra and Karla Serrato, this middle-grade listen is perfect for young fans of action-packed fantasy adventure inspired by fascinating folklore.

Ellie is headed to a new school, and she's not thrilled about it. It was already hard enough being the girl in a wheelchair—now she has to begin anew, introducing herself to a whole new class of students and proving that she's a nuanced person with a bold attitude and dreams of being a pro baker. This excellent audiobook centering a disabled main character is an inspiring, engaging listen, and Candace Thaxton's skilled narration brings it all to life.

Root Magic is a unique ghost story abounding with local folklore and traditions. A young Gullah girl in 1960s South Carolina grows into the legacy from her ancestors—her rootworker heritage. She learns to conjure small charms through potions and elixirs, while grappling with big changes like school integration and her grandmother’s death. The spine-chilling encounters with spirits—and lessons in Gullah history and culture—make for a perfect middle-grade listen.

From Caldecott Honor illustrator Dav Pilkey, this outrageously funny series revolves around two class clowns and their brainchild: Captain Underpants! Bored with the usual comic book heroes, fourth-graders George Beard and Harold Hutchins set out to create the greatest superhero in the history of elementary school. (His true identity is so secret, even he doesn’t know who he is.) In a flash, Captain Underpants takes on a life of his own, doing battle with nasty villains from Bionic Booger Boy to the Purple Potty People. Len Forgione, Dazjon Freeman, and Ben D’Amico will keep the entire family laughing with their hilarious performances.

Switching schools is always hard. But when aspiring young artist and cartoonist Jordan Banks is forced by his parents to attend a ritzy private school, he finds that he's one of only a few Black kids who attends. What follows is a tale that will be relatable to kids of color and eye-opening for all listeners. This book is fun and lighthearted, even as it deals with tough topics of difference, privilege, and microaggressions. A full cast of narrators brings this multi-award-winning book to life.

Cartoonist Jeff Kinney became a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World on the strength of creating a middle-school weakling named Greg Heffley. In the newest installment of the listener favorite Wimpy Kid series, Greg is up to his eyeballs in stress. His homework is overdue, and his study partners are proving to be very flaky. Listeners will laugh along with No Brainer as Greg hilariously navigates middle school.

This Earphones Award-winning rendition is the first audio version of the beloved classic, and it's only appropriate that author E.B. White narrated his own 1953 Newbery Medal Book. He tells the story of Wilbur, a pig who befriends a spider named Charlotte who helps him avoid slaughter. White wrote the story with care and compassion, and performs it as such—there’s no added drama, and each character is portrayed exactly as he intended. Children will be swept up in this tale of kindness and compassion, and parents will value the lessons it instills. Even 70 years after its debut, Charlotte’s Web still holds the same gentle magic that parents and grandparents will remember from their own childhoods.

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor writes and narrates this touching audiobook about the differences that make each of us unique and special. Sotomayor remembers her own experience as a child who felt different, and she celebrates the different abilities—and special powers—all kids are born with. As the characters work together to build a community garden, they ask each other questions with kindness, and the author encourages listeners to do the same. Sotomayor’s thoughtful prose and soothing voice make for a relaxing and educational listen for the entire family.

This story of a smart, silly, friendly boy starting fifth grade while looking decidedly different from the other kids in his class has captured the hearts of millions. Author R. J. Palacio has called Wonder a meditation on kindness and, to be sure, listeners of any age will gain empathy and compassion from this powerful story about a young boy who looks different—but is brave enough to stand out.

At first, Mila isn't sure why what the boys are doing bothers her so much. It starts with one unwanted hug, and it grows into more uncomfortable and unwelcome interactions. Mila isn't sure if she's overreacting. Through a personal growth journey, a new friend, and the confidence of karate class, Mila starts to realize that what the boys are doing isn't okay—and that she has the courage to stand up and say something about it. This is a deeply important book about gendered bullying that will encourage young girls to stand up for themselves.