Listening together is quality time well spent. Featuring cherished classics along with new favorites, this collection of audiobooks is sure to captivate the whole family—little kids, big kids, and grown-ups alike.
Remember the magic of having a book read aloud to you as a kid? Sharing stories as a family can leave a lasting impression, and audiobooks offer that same wonderful experience for your own children. Whether you’re looking to boost literacy, inspire creativity, or simply have fun listening together, our list has some of the best audiobooks, from beloved children's classics to newcomer favs, to delight your whole family. Here are our 25+ picks for the best family audiobooks.
Remember getting caught up in a good story when you were a kid? Everything was magical and thrilling, and it was easy to feel like it was all so real. Inkheart takes that sensation a step further and depicts what happens when stories actually do come alive. Cornelia Funke's fantasy follows a father and daughter as one of their books suddenly springs to life in their home, bringing with it an evil ruler. Along with unraveling the mystery of how this happened, they're faced with figuring out how to save the story from turning into a terrible nightmare. Lynn Redgrave’s performance adds excitement to an already exciting plot. The celebrated actress makes us feel the suspense of encroaching villains with growling or whispery tones—Redgrave makes all the characters come alive just as they do in the book. If your family is enthralled, listen on to Book 2, Inkspell, performed by Academy Award-winning actor Brendan Fraser.
This wise, warm, and much-loved listen follows the story of a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox, and a wise horse who find themselves together in sometimes difficult terrain. Along their journey, the four companions share their biggest fears and greatest discoveries about self-worth, vulnerability, belonging, kindness, courage, and hope—and become cherished friends. The author, award-winning English writer and illustrator Charlie Mackesy, lends his voice to this beautiful, heart-tugging tale full of life lessons and reassuring nuggets for all ages. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a gift, especially in times of self-doubt and turmoil, that your family will want to revisit, again and again.
Winner of the Newbery Medal, The One and Only Ivan revolves around a silverback gorilla who lives in a cage at a shopping mall. Despite spending 27 years in the same place, being gawked at by humans, Ivan is pretty happy with his life. His needs are simple, and he keeps himself occupied with television, painting, and his animal friends, Stella and Bob, His world changes forever when he’s given a new purpose—watching out for Ruby, a baby elephant who was taken from her family in the jungle only to be confined with strangers in a room with glass walls. Adam Grupper performs Ivan’s wisdom and unique relationship with Ruby with gentle precision, at a pace that’s easy to follow for younger listeners. His varying character voices and touching delivery send messages of friendship, while offering listeners of all ages fresh insights into the lives of captive animals.
Like most 12-year-old boys, Percy Jackson has a hard time staying out of trouble—especially when his algebra teacher turns into a monster and attempts to kill him. Okay, Percy isn't exactly your typical 'tween. When he ends up at Half-Blood summer camp along with a satyr named Grover and the daughter of Athena, he’s launched into a world of Greek mythology. There, he learns he’s a demigod, the son of a mortal mom and Poseidon, the God of the Seas, with powers of his own to discover and a destiny to fulfill. But when he’s accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, the stakes grow so high that his algebra class incident seems laughable. You’ll be introduced to new gods and monsters right alongside Percy, and Jesse Bernstein’s Earphones Award-winning performance captures what young Percy is experiencing, in all its wonder and complexity. Oh, and if your kids are wondering what Greek gods even sound like, they’ll be pleasantly thrilled.
A Wrinkle in Time has been a childhood classic since it was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1963. Madeleine L’Engle’s tale follows high school student Meg Murry and her little brother, Charles Wallace, after their father—a scientist experimenting with time travel—goes missing. Inspired by a tip from a mysterious stranger, the siblings along with Meg's friend Calvin embark on a dangerous and magic-filled quest through space to find him. The 2018 film adaptation ushered in a revival of the story for a new audience, so it’s only fitting that this audiobook features film director Ava DuVernay performing the introduction. Author Madeleine L’Engle delivers the foreword and her granddaughter, Charlotte Jones Voiklis, performs the afterword, while Tony-nominated actress Hope Davis narrates the story itself. In the story, powerful astral women guide the children on their journey. These stellar narrators do the same for listeners, in a way that's truly magical.
Melody is a young girl with a very special talent—a photographic memory. This incredible gift allows her to remember the tiniest details about her experiences, which most people would completely forget or overlook. She’s also very smart! Despite this, her classmates in school and the adults in her life often try, unwittingly or not, to reduce her to her disability—Melody is unable to walk or talk due to cerebral palsy. Despite this, Melody is determined to prove that she’s a brilliant, complex person who won’t be defined by her limitations. Written by five-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Sharon Draper, Out of My Mind is an incredible story of growth, learning, and acceptance that sets out to change the assumptions that so many grown-ups and kids alike make about people with disabilities. And if your family loves this first installment, be sure to listen to the sequel, Out of My Heart.
It’s hard to overstate how quickly Wonder become one of the most revered and impactful YA titles in recent memory. In addition to being a New York Times bestseller, it was adapted into an award-winning feature film, featuring Jacob Tremblay of Room fame, and inspired a graphic novel. And with its standout, heart-tugging story, it’s easy to understand why. Wonder centers on August Pullman, who was born with a facial difference that creates a plethora of challenges for him. He’s been looking forward to starting fifth grade and stepping into a traditional school setting for the very first time, but his classmates aren’t as accepting as he hoped. The audiobook shifts perspectives throughout, from Pullman to his classmates and even his family members, leaving listeners with a unique, multi-cast type experience. Ultimately a story of empathy and acceptance, Wonder has been called "meditation on kindness" by its author, R. J. Palacio. Touching on very real themes such as bullying, disability, and coming-of-age, Wonder takes listeners on an unforgettable journey while showcasing the power of compassion and friendship.
Desperaux is another tale of courage for fans who like to explore accounts from different points of view. Despereaux Tilling is on a mission to save Princess Pea from a troupe of rats. He might be a classic fairy tale hero, but Despereaux isn’t your typical protagonist—not just because he’s a mouse but also because his is not the only perspective on the situation. Kate DiCamillo composed the story in four parts, the first three following the three main characters—Desperaux, a rat called Roscuro, and a simple serving girl named Miggery Sow—individually and then bringing them all together in one final book. Prolific actor and narrator Graeme Malcolm performs this tale of whimsy and adventure with deft precision, giving each character their own voice and truth. As a result, the whole family can enjoy the unique experience of listening to three stories in one and then talking about their differences and lessons.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe kicks off C. S. Lewis's well-loved Chronicles of Narnia fantasy series. Evacuated from London during World War II, four adventurous young siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—step through a wardrobe door and discover Narnia, a magical land battling the forces of evil, where, unlike back home, they have the chance to make a difference. Of course, they'll need the help of extraordinary beings like the Great Lion, Aslan. Acclaimed British actor Michael York draws listeners into the conflict and all of its players. By differentiating character voices, intonation, and accents, he conveys the children’s complex emotions and introduces us to assorted fantastical creatures. Simply put, York leads listeners into Narnia right along with the Pevensies, while capturing the story's themes of discovery, difficult choices, sacrifice, and the importance of family.
Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, live together with their trusty dog, Nugget, in a cottage on the cliffs above a dark and stormy sea. They are gifted, as all children are, and well-loved by their noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But when the venomous Fangs of Dang set out across the sea to conquer the land, the three young Igibys will need all their gifts and everything they hold dear—including the secret to a lost legend and a good king's precious jewels—to survive the threat of evil. Written and performed by the gifted musician and producer Andrew Peterson, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a wildly imaginative tale of adventure, bravery, and heart to thrill the whole family. And it's just the start of the exciting Wingfeather Saga.
It’s only appropriate that author E.B. White narrated his own 1953 Newbery Honor 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 or flair, and each character is portrayed exactly as he intended.
This Earphones Award-winning rendition is the first audio version of Charlotte's Web, and it stands the test of time. It tells children a timeless story of kindness and compassion, and parents will value the lessons it instills. Even more than 50 years after its debut, this endearing classic holds the same gentle magic that parents will remember from their own childhood.
Growing up is marked by transitions, some empowering and others painful. Pax tells the story of a young boy and his pet fox—they've been together, besties, ever since Peter rescued Pax as a kit. Peter can't imagine his life without Pax. Then, abruptly, his father enlists in the military and demands that Peter return the fox to the wild. After depicting their heart-wrenching separation, author Sara Pennybacker follows the journeys of both Peter and Pax—journeys of growth, discovery, and finding their way back to each other. Michael Curran-Dorsano’s Earphones Award-winning performance will tug at your emotions. He depicts feelings many of us are familiar with—growing pains, missing a best friend, loss, and finding yourself. At times a tearjerker, Pax will surely remind everyone in your family of the important bond we can make with our pets.
Winnie-the-Pooh has been a cherished fixture of nearly everyone’s life for decades, and it’s likely this tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff and his friends have become part of your family as well. This collection of stories follows Pooh and the crew around the Hundred Acre Wood—Eeyore gets a house, Tigger bounces in, Piglet is very brave, and the game of Poohsticks is invented. To add to the enchantment, these memorable happenings and more are brought to listeners by a cast of outstanding narrators, featuring the notable voices of Judi Dench as motherly Kanga and Stephen Fry as the lovable Pooh. With their theatrical backgrounds, the cast members all embody their respective roles perfectly, making kids of all ages instant fans. It's a nostalgic treat for grown-ups, and the shorter sections are great for listening to with little ones during daily car rides or winding down before bed time.
In 2017, former Blue’s Clues host Steve Burns joined forces with Grammy Award-winning musician Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips to create an album of children’s songs. Inspired by its success, writer Gabe Soria helped the pair adapt their album into a one-of-a-kind listening experience of the same name. An Audible Original that really rocks, Foreverywhere follows a young unicorn on his quest to start the best band in the universe with the help of a giant, a spider, and a guitar-shredding princess. Whether drawn by nostalgia from their own childhood days of watching Blue’s Clues or the fun of hearing a member of their favorite band do something new, parents will want to listen to this delightful tale along with their kids. It's performed by Carly Ciarrocchi, Stephanie Mayers, and, yes, the iconic Steve.
For many parents who never had a nanny growing up, Mary Poppins was a delightful surrogate. When she arrives on a gust of wind and lands on the doorstep of Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane, the home of the Banks family, young Jane and Michael quickly realize—she’s no ordinary nanny. While sometimes stern and a bit prickly, Mary undeniably possesses magic, from her bottomless carpet bag of surprises to her ability to slide up the banister. She even transforms a dreaded spoonful of medicine into a treat. You may have watched the classic Disney movie as a family, and perhaps seen the stage musical or the 2018 film starring Emily Blunt as well. P.L. Travers's Mary Poppins makes for a refreshingly different but equally enchanting audiobook and the first in a series of imaginative adventures that can be enjoyed in any order. Sophie Thompson’s delivery is pitch perfect. Your little ones will be charmed and so will your fur babies—Mary Poppins is an Audible pick proven to soothe dogs.
Treasure Island is a coming-of-age story, a tropical adventure, and a piece so influential it’s been referenced in a variety of other works from J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan to The Shawshank Redemption. This listen is a reimagined, full-cast rendition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic to enthrall the whole family. It follows young Jim Hawkins as he and his mother (played by the incomparable Catherine Tate) are unwittingly caught up in a hunt for buried pirate treasure, and wind up among the ranks of the iconic Long John Silver and his crew. There have been a number of adaptations of this story, but this audiobook stands out as remaining remarkably close to the original text in its interpretation. The incredibly gifted narrators—Philip Glenister, Daniel Mays, Owen Teale, and Ed Harrison, among others—don’t rely on outlandish, over-the-top performances but instead allow the grimy realities of pirate life to shine through on their own.
J. R. R. Tolkien is widely recognized as one of the most masterful fantasy world-builders of all time. In The Hobbit, Tolkien tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins, chronicling his transition from a life of solitude and leisure to one filled with grand adventures, giant spiders, dwarves, and a dragon. Originally published in 1937, The Hobbit has stood the test of time with film adaptations and generation after generation of new fans. While delivering such an immense tale to listeners is no easy feat, Rob Inglis is uniquely qualified to take on the challenge. During the ‘70s and ‘80s, Inglis wrote, produced, and performed his own one-man dramatizations of not only The Hobbit but also The Lord of the Rings trilogy to audience raves. His distinct voices for all the different characters enliven the action, fully immersing listeners in the audio experience of this unabridged classic.
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is tasked with far more than growing up with a mouthful of a name. To become fully initiated into his Viking tribe, the Hairy Hooligans, he has to catch and train his own dragon. Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon follows Hiccup on his path to "becoming a hero, the hard way," providing listeners of all ages with a gentle reminder of the importance and payoff of diligence and perseverance. Scottish actor David Tennant (of Doctor Who and Good Omens fame) narrates Hiccup's challenges and adventures with engaging humor and impressive dexterity. He not only gives distinct voices to all the characters with his trove of nuanced Old Norse-ish accents but also breathes life into the dragons with a collection of booming voices, snorts, and snarls.
Winner of the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Author Award, New Kid was also a 2020 Audie Awards Finalist and named an Audible Book of the Year. A cast of all-star narrators tell the story of Jordan, who loves drawing cartoons and dreams of being a professional artist some day. But instead of appreciating his talents and sending him to art school, Jordan's parents send him to an elite middle school with a focus on academics. It's not easy being the new kid at this school, even more so when he's the only kid of color and has to travel to a different neighborhood for school. Somehow, Jordan has to figure out how to succeed in his new school while also maintaining his friendships at home—and, of course, his beloved artwork. Not only is this audiobook a full-cast production, but it also includes sound effects and original music! And if your family can't wait to hear how the rest of Jordan's story turns out, there's a sequel, Class Act.
For many of us, feeling misunderstood is a part of growing up, and that's what makes Matilda Wormwood so relatable. A bright girl, she resorts to pranks to fight back against her mean parents. But how she was treated at home pales in comparison to what she endures at boarding school under the rule of the horrid Miss Trunchbull. Before long, Matilda's pranks are no longer just little-girl tricks on terrible grown-ups. With the added discovery of telekinetic abilities, she begins to use her powers to fight against injustice. In the process, Matilda finds an adult who recognizes what truly makes her exceptional. Academy Award winner Kate Winslet’s Audie-winning performance brings Matilda to fully life. Backed by an extensive repertoire of film, television, and stage performances, the actress embodies a vast cast of distinct characters with ease. From Matilda’s childhood discoveries to the warmth of Miss Honey, Winslet is a joy to listen to. And so is Roald Dahl's beloved 1988 novel, which has gone on to inspire a 1996 movie, a 2011 stage musical, and a 2022 musical film.
From The Bad Beginning, Lemony Snicket sets the stage that A Series of Unfortunate Events is going to be a miserable story. Following the lives of new orphans Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, listeners will be subject to insufferable incidents, atrocious adopters, and miserable manipulation. But those who soldier through these trials will be rewarded with gripping tales of adventure. Smarter than their circumstances and captors, the Baudelaire children use the power of innovation, intelligence, and sharp baby teeth to remain a family—and keep fans rooting for them. English icon Tim Curry’s Grammy-nominated performance perfectly complements this tale of woe. His extensive history of vocal performances, particularly as cartoonish villains, qualifies him for such a vile venture. Curry and a full cast of characters will have you shivering with anticipation over what misery the Baudelaires will experience next.
If your family enjoys the darkly funny twists and turns of A Series of Unfortunate Events, the subversive humor of Roald Dahl, or the eccentricities of 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. Their story will capture you right from the start—it's hilarious, sometimes sad, and delightfully weird. Oh, and it's narrated by the brilliant, copious award-winning Kate Winslet, so the listening experience is extra amazing.
If you have budding foodies at home, don’t miss this irresistible time-travel journey. A great choice for kids ages nine and up, The Golden Orchard follows Maya, a young girl who loves nothing more than cooking alongside her grandmother, learning the secrets to the rich, flavorful Korean dishes that offer a glimpse into her culture and heritage. But one day, Maya finds that a single bite of her beloved Halmunee’s dishes has the power to transport her back in time to different moments in her family history. That journey soon brings her to the Golden Orchard, a garden sprouting with memories. An enchanting Audible Original brimming with depth, this listen will impress the true significance of food as a symbol of shared history and culture on young listeners—and just might have your kids asking to you to teach them your family's cherished recipes.
Jazz occupies an indelible place in Black American history, with roots in New Orleans. Celebrating that legacy, this witty, family-friendly mystery is one of the best-loved listens in Audible Plus, and it’s easy to hear why. Viva Durant and the Secret of the Silver Buttons has it all—an irresistible young detective, an incredible original score from creator Ashli St. Armant, another epic performance from award-winning narrator Bahni Turpin, and Big Easy ambience so real you can smell the beignets. Full of heart, soul, and hijinks, this listen delights from the first note to the last.
Though she hasn't aged a bit since her 2004 small-screen debut, Peppa Pig has been delighting kids for decades. So, don't be suprised if teens and tweens will want to listen in with little ones and experience the fun of Peppa Pig’s Play-Along Podcast. Joined by her whole family—George, Mummy, Daddy, Granny, and Grandpa—plus familiar old friends like Suzy Sheep, Peppa guides us on an exploration of everything from how to wind down and get a good night's sleep even when you're not ready for bedtime to how to handle very big feelings, including nervousness and fear, and make sense of the confusing world of grown-ups. Broken down into six short episodes, it's all performed by a lively full cast and full to the brim with catchy songs, silly sound-based games, and fantastical stories.
Sibling dynamics are complicated, to say the least—and the relationship between Ramona Quimby and her big sister, Beezus, is no exception. Beverly Cleary’s series follows Ramona as she grows through elementary school and navigates childhood. While she’s often a pest to Beezus, the two are together through some pretty notable life changes. Many parents (and grandparents) are familiar with the bestselling series, with the first book released in 1955 and the latest in 1999. Emmy Award winner Stockard Channing’s performance takes you back to your own childhood—when you started kindergarten, when you were getting a new baby sister or brother, when you had to be brave ... or any of the many relatable situations Ramona experiences. Kids will love listening to a character they can see themselves in while parents will appreciate the reminders of their childhood. This collection includes eight titles, so it’s perfect to listen to in pieces or straight through on a road trip or a rainy weekend in.
The Baby-Sitters Club was a staple for many parents who were just babies themselves in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls comes from the original group of novels, published in 1986. This Audible exclusive follows Claudia, vice president of the club, as she and other members try to solve the case of mysterious phone calls they keep receiving on the job. The story is narrated by Elle Fanning, an endearing young star who's familiar to kids of all ages. Unfortunately, this audiobook doesn’t come with matching scrunchies, but maybe you can get your family a stash after they become fans of this series.
Being a big sister is not easy. From the fights to the favoritism to the shared everything, it can be difficult to navigate the lifelong responsibility. But it's even harder for Jilly when her sister, Emma, is born deaf. Realizing she has a lot to learn about her little sister's disability, Jilly reaches out to a deaf boy for advice. But since her new friend Derek is both deaf and Black, she doesn't always know the best way to ask for it. Though determined to be an ally, a sister, and a friend to people whose life experiences are very different from her own, Jilly makes some mistakes ... and learns a lot about herself along the way. Lambda Literary Award winner Alex Gino's heartfelt story touches on many issues that affect us today, from diversity to intersectionality and allyship. Listeners of all ages will be sure to take some life lessons away from Jilly's journey, which is narrated by a full cast.
Winner of the Newbery Medal and a National Book Award, Holes is a classic that will keep your kids riveted, rooting for its 14-year-old underdog hero, and thinking long after about courage, justice, and redemption. Stanley Yelnats is under a curse that began with his dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. There is no lake at Camp Green Lake. But there are an awful lot of holes. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. But what could be buried under a dried-up lake? Kerry Beyer narrates this darkly humorous tale, with a foreword and special feature for grown-up fans read by the author, Louis Sachar.
For 11-year-old Riley, the whispers are the key to happiness. These tiny fairies, mentioned by Riley’s mother during story time on many nights, grant wishes to anyone who leaves them tributes. Here’s the problem—Riley has a ton of wishes. He wishes that bullies at school would stop making his life miserable. He wishes that his eighth-grade crush would like him back. He wishes that his embarrassing struggle with bed-wetting would vanish. Needless to say, he wants to ask the whispers for a lot. Most of all, he wishes his mother would come back home after she went missing without a trace. Now, he’s forging ahead on his own, determined to find his mom with the help of the whispers. Performed by Audible Hall of Fame narrator Robin Miles with Kivlighan de Montebello, The Whispers is a tender fantastical tale of loss, longing, self-acceptance, and, ultimately love that will resonate with young and older listeners alike.
First published in 1943, The Little Prince is an enchanting fable rich in wisdom about what matters most in life. It's told by a pilot stranded in the Sahara desert, who awakens one morning to meet an extraordinary little boy—a prince who left his home on an asteroid to explore the universe. As the pilot attempts to repair his plane, the young prince shares tales of his visits to six different planets, each inhabitated by one adult. Along with the pilot, listeners will gain insights into the folly of greed, pride, and selfishness, and grow to appreciate the power of friendship, laughter, and human connections. Humphrey Bower's narration of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's enduring classic has been described by listeners as "perfection."
If you haven't yet experienced the magic of the legendary boy wizard, allow bestselling author .K. Rowling to introduce you with the help of Jim Dale’s award-winning performance. On his 11th birthday, Harry Potter learns that he’s a wizard and leaves the muggle (non-magic) world he’s always known to take his place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Dale—winner of two Grammy Awards and 10 Audie Awards—is a bona fide audio expert. When you listen to him skillfully embody each character, fully visualizing the unique world, there’s no mistaking the crucial role he plays in bringing this wondrous fantasy to life. Even better, he performs all seven novels in the Harry Potter series, keeping the progression of the plot consistent and helping listeners better understand Harry’s world.
In a world filled with revivals, a creative reinterpretation of a childhood staple is a welcome breath of fresh air. Peter and the Starcatchers takes the beloved character of Peter Pan and reimagines his world and counterparts. With familiar characters, terms, and plot lines in a retelling that’s full of adventure, we have the opportunity to fly with Peter once again, made all the better by Jim Dale’s award-winning performance. In 2005, Dale won the Audie Awards for both Male Narrator and Children’s Narrator of the Year for this listen, and it’s quite likely that his performance will have everyone in your family hooked. Parents who’ve known the classic story their whole lives will enjoy a new rendition, while younger kids can let their imaginations soar.
