Let me paint a picture for you: It’s the school holidays. You’re feeling hopeful, thinking of all the creative activities you’re going to do with the kids—baking, crafts, maybe even a day trip or two. But somehow, every plan ends up being met with, “Mum, can I just watch one more episode?” or, “Can I have my tablet now?” Sigh.
That was me, Liz—mum of two screen-obsessed girls, Layla (9) and Lily (5). Despite my best efforts, screens seemed to be the answer to everything. And let’s be honest—sometimes it’s just easier to say yes than face the inevitable “But why not?!” But deep down, I knew I needed a better solution, something that would keep them entertained without turning them into little screen zombies.
One day, after another failed attempt at getting them to enjoy a good old-fashioned board game (seriously, why do they always end in arguments?), I had a lightbulb moment. Audiobooks.
Yes, I know. It seemed like a long shot at first. But I thought, why not give it a try? So, I found a few recommended titles, and we started with The Gruffalo. It was like magic. As soon as the narrator began, both Layla and Lily were spellbound. They giggled at the silly voices, mimicked the animal sounds, and by the end, Layla said something I hadn’t expected to hear: “Mum, can we listen to another one?”
Now, instead of wrestling with screen time limits, we’re exploring new audiobooks together. Layla loves listening to adventures like Magic Tree house series, and Lily adores anything with playful characters and sound effects. And the best part? I get to relax, knowing they’re engaged and learning something, all without a screen in sight.
I genuinely wish I’d discovered this little trick earlier. If you’re in the same boat, constantly battling screens, I’d highly recommend giving audiobooks a go. It’s been a total game-changer in our house, and it might just save your sanity too.
Curious to try it out? Here are some of the best audiobooks for kids that we’ve fallen in love with—check them out, and let me know if they work for your family!
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and think you will too. Thank you for your support!
Best Audiobooks for Pre-Schoolers (Ages 3-5)
Where the Wild Things Are – Maurice Sendak
If your child has a wild imagination (and let’s face it, whose doesn’t?), then Where the Wild Things Are is an absolute must-listen! The moment Lily heard the wild rumpus beginning, she was up and dancing like one of the Wild Things herself. Maurice Sendak’s classic tale about little Max, who sails away to an island full of strange and magical creatures, is brought to life with vibrant narration and playful sound effects that truly capture the spirit of adventure.
Layla, ever the big sister, used it as a chance to play “Mommy,” saying, “Lily, don’t let the Wild Things eat you!” (to which Lily promptly roared back, “I’m the king of the Wild Things!”). It’s the perfect audiobook for unleashing your child’s inner Wild Thing and teaching them about the power of imagination, all while keeping them entertained. Just be prepared—there may be some impromptu “wild rumpus” moments around the house after listening!
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Winnie the Pooh – A.A. Milne
Oh, Winnie the Pooh! This story always makes me feel like I’ve stepped into my childhood again. With his adorable, honey-obsessed antics and big, squishy heart, Pooh is every child’s best friend. My 5-year-old, Lily, loves pretending to be Piglet (she insists she’s “smaller but still brave!”). We’ll snuggle up and listen to the adventures of Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore while sipping hot chocolate, and suddenly, the whole house feels like the Hundred Acre Wood. Dame Judi Dench and Stephen Fry bring each character’s quirks to life in the most delightful way possible — a true family favourite!
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Strega Nona – Tomie de Paola

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The House at Pooh Corner – A.A. Milne

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Owl Moon – Jane Yolen

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The Tale of Peter Rabbit – Beatrix Potter

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Frog and Toad Are Friends – Arnold Lobel

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The Snowy Day – Ezra Jack Keats

Lily was particularly taken by Peter’s adventures—making tracks, smacking snow off branches, and carefully tucking a snowball in his pocket (though she totally called out, “It’s going to melt, silly!”). Layla, being older, was all about the quiet reflection and daydreaminess of it. She even pulled out her art supplies and drew our own snow day, despite it being mid-summer! The narration feels like a warm, soothing lullaby that’s perfect for nap time or cozy evenings snuggled under a blanket.
This audiobook reminds us all to pause and appreciate the simple beauty of nature and childhood. It’s ideal for stirring up that sense of wonder in your little ones—even if you live in a place where snow days are more myth than reality. After all, who doesn’t want to drift off into dreams of crunching through fresh snow and creating snow angels under a pastel sky?
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Little Red Riding Hood – Trina Schart Hyman

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The Invisible String – Patrice Karst

The first time we listened to it, Layla was having one of those “big feeling” days. I suggested we pop on this audiobook, and as the narrator spoke about the invisible string that connects us to the people we care about, I watched Layla’s expression soften. “Mum, does that mean we have an invisible string with Dad and Grandma too, even when they’re far away?” she asked, and before I could answer, Lily jumped in with, “And with Nana’s dog, because I miss him!” (Cue a lump in my throat and a few shared snuggles.)
By the end, both girls were lying quietly, each holding one end of a makeshift “invisible string” made of yarn. Now, whenever one of them is having a tough day, all I need to say is, “Remember the invisible string?” and they know they’re never truly alone. It’s more than just a story—it’s a tool for nurturing empathy and emotional resilience in kids (and yes, parents too!).
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Best Audiobooks for Elementary School Kids and Young Readers (Ages 6-9)
How to Train Your Dragon – Cressida Cowell

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The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis

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The Invention of Hugo Cabret – Brian Selznick

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Magic Tree House Series – Mary Pope Osborne

With each new book, we’ve “visited” ninjas, castles, and even the Titanic—places I never thought my girls would be so excited to learn about. I loved how the series sparked Layla’s curiosity and sent her down rabbit holes of research about everything from pirates to the Amazon rainforest (thanks, Google). As for Lily, she’s all about the magic and the way each story ends with Jack and Annie’s next big mission. Each story is like a bite-sized history lesson wrapped in a thrilling, easy-to-listen adventure that leaves them saying, “One more chapter, please!” Perfect for sneaking in a little learning while they’re completely captivated.
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Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson

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The BFG – Roald Dahl

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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane – Kate DiCamillo

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Mary Poppins – P.L. Travers

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Sideways Stories from Wayside School – Louis Sachar
Sideways Stories from Wayside School is the kind of audiobook that has my girls laughing so hard, I have to hit pause just so we can all catch our breath! Imagine a school built 30 stories tall, but with only one classroom on each floor. That’s just the start of the wackiness that ensues at Wayside School. From a teacher who hypnotizes her students to a girl who can read minds, each chapter introduces a new, delightfully oddball character that will have your kids giggling, gasping, and begging for more.
When I first played this for Layla and Lily, it was meant to be just a quick listen before bed. But then came Mrs. Gorf, the teacher who turns kids into apples (yes, apples!), and suddenly Lily was squealing, “Mum, is that even allowed?!” Layla, on the other hand, was all-in, convinced that somewhere, there’s a real school that crazy and insisting we listen to “just one more” story. Before I knew it, bedtime had stretched an hour longer, and we were all too invested to stop!
The absurd humour and nonsensical plot twists kept them enthralled—Layla loved trying to predict the next outrageous scenario, while Lily would invent her own wacky stories inspired by the book’s silly logic. The narration makes each character jump off the page, with distinct voices that capture their hilariously bizarre personalities. Whether your kids are die-hard fans of silliness or need something to shake up the usual bedtime routine, this audiobook is a surefire way to get everyone giggling. Just be prepared for the “Mum, what if my teacher has a third ear too?” questions that follow!
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A Wrinkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle

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Best Audiobooks for Tweens and Pre-teens (Ages 10-12)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Rick Riordan
I introduced Layla to Percy Jackson during a rainy weekend, and she devoured the entire trilogy like it was her own personal ambrosia! Its action-packed plot, combined with Jesse Bernstein’s engaging narration, kept her hooked. Layla loved imagining herself wielding a sword, going on quests, and talking to mythical gods. She even made us “Camp Half-Blood” T-shirts, declaring herself the daughter of Athena. If your kiddo is a fan of mythology or just loves a good underdog story, Percy’s adventures are a fantastic way to immerse them in a world of gods, monsters, and sassy demigods.
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Coraline – Neil Gaiman

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Harry Potter Series – J.K. Rowling
I remember the wide-eyed wonder on Layla’s face when she first heard the magical opening theme of the Harry Potter audiobooks. Jim Dale’s voice seemed to swirl the air around us, transporting us straight to Hogwarts. Layla adored the world-building, the friendships, and of course, the magic! She’d pause the audiobook just to explain her theories on which house each character belonged to or to argue why Hermione was clearly the best. The books might be longer, but the adventures are so thrilling that Layla hardly noticed the time passing. This has become her all-time favorites.
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The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien
“Are we really going to listen to a book about a hobbit?” Layla asked skeptically. But a few chapters in, she was eagerly asking, “What’s going to happen to Bilbo next?” Rob Inglis’s narration captures the humour, danger, and whimsy of Middle Earth perfectly. It’s a bit more complex, but it had Layla perched at the edge of her seat as we listened to Bilbo face trolls, goblins, and a dragon! By the end, she was begging to start The Lord of the Rings — I call that a win.
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Anne of Green Gables – L.M. Montgomery
I introduced Layla to Anne Shirley when she was feeling down one day, and it was like magic. Anne’s quirky nature and fierce imagination lit up her face. I’ll never forget the way Layla’s eyes sparkled when Anne turned her ordinary chores into extraordinary adventures or declared herself “in the depths of despair” over a broken slate. This story, narrated by Rachel McAdams, is a beautiful coming-of-age story about being true to yourself, even if you’re a little different — something I want Layla to hold onto as she grows up.
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Artemis Fowl – Eoin Colfer

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The Mysterious Benedict Society – Trenton Lee Stewart
This is one of those audiobooks that had Layla and me sharing theories and shouting out, “I knew it!” at the twists and turns. It’s about four kids with very unique skills who are recruited to stop an evil genius — an idea that’s both thrilling and empowering for young minds. The puzzles and wordplay had Layla pausing the book just to figure them out for herself. It’s like a book of riddles wrapped up in a heartwarming story of friendship, bravery, and cleverness.
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The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis
Layla loved stepping into the wardrobe and discovering Narnia all over again — the majestic creatures, the epic battles, and the deeper themes of good vs. evil. She particularly adored The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, dreaming up her own quests on the high seas. Each book stands alone, but together they weave a rich tapestry of lessons and magical escapism. It’s one of those series where, once you’re in, you never really want to leave.
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The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
The quiet, transformative beauty of The Secret Garden captivated Layla. This audiobook felt like taking a journey through an overgrown garden and watching it blossom with hope. Layla was fascinated by Mary’s growth from a sullen, spoiled girl to someone who nurtured both the garden and her friendships. She actually started her own little “secret garden” in our backyard — just a few pots with flowers, but it was her way of keeping the magic alive long after the audiobook ended.
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Matilda – Roald Dahl

What I adore most about Matilda is the way it celebrates the joy and power of books, and how it champions the underdog. By the end, my girls were begging to listen to more Roald Dahl stories (Layla even wrote a note to her teacher, telling her she had to read this book). For parents who want to inspire their kids to be brave, curious, and unapologetically themselves, this audiobook is a must. And if your kids start referring to themselves as ‘magnificently clever’, just smile and enjoy the Dahl-induced confidence boost!
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Bonus: Tips for Getting your Children into Audiobooks
1. Start with Stories They Already Love
I made the rookie mistake of starting with A Wrinkle in Time for Layla and Lily’s first audiobook experience. I was excited, thinking the mind-bending science and adventure would grip them instantly. But ten minutes in, Layla groaned, “Mum, what’s a tesseract? Can we listen to something else?” So, I quickly switched gears and put on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe instead—something they were already familiar with from movie night. It was a total game-changer! Their imaginations took off, and soon they were arguing over who would be the White Witch in their backyard playtime. Lesson learned: start with characters or stories they already love, and then introduce new ones once they’re hooked on the audiobook experience.
2. Make It a Routine Activity
Let’s face it—life’s hectic! But making audiobooks part of your daily routine can be as simple as hitting play during bedtime or while driving to school. My girls and I have our own little tradition: “Audiobook Afternoon Tea.” We pick a book, curl up with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate (extra marshmallows for Layla!), and press play. No screens, no interruptions—just us and the story. Having a dedicated time makes audiobooks something they actually look forward to—and a sneaky way to get them to wind down!
3. Use Audiobooks During Screen-Free Time
When I introduced the Yoto Player, it was like handing my girls a magical box of adventures. With its colourful, story-filled cards, Layla and Lily could pop in a card and listen without needing my help (bless those moments of peace!). Devices like the Yoto Player or the Tonies Toniebox make listening interactive and fun, especially for little fingers that love being in control. The first night, Layla even whispered, “I’m taking this to bed. Don’t worry, I won’t stay up too late,” and winked! Audiobooks are now part of our screen-free Sundays, turning potential meltdowns into calm, book-filled afternoons.
4. Pair Audiobooks with Activities
One rainy Saturday, I tried playing How to Train Your Dragon while the girls coloured in dragon-themed pages I’d printed out (yes, I’m that mum). To my surprise, they spent nearly an hour crafting dragons that looked like they’d flown right out of the story. Combining listening with hands-on activities like drawing, building, or even crafting scenes from the story keeps their hands busy and imaginations engaged. It’s our secret weapon during long car rides—Lily will listen and build castles with her Legos at the same time! Talk about multi-tasking.
5. Choose Books with Great Narrators and Sound Effects
My girls are huge fans of anything narrated by David Tennant. The moment he growled “Dragon!” in How to Train Your Dragon, Layla sat bolt upright, her eyes wide as saucers. The right narrator can make or break a book, especially if they add unique character voices or sound effects. We once tried an audiobook with flat, monotonous narration, and the girls practically staged a mutiny. Now, we look for ones with rich soundscapes—creaking doors, whispering winds, and the sound of clinking teacups. If it feels like you’re right there with the characters, you know you’ve found a winner.
6. Create Listening Challenges and Rewards
If your kids are anything like mine, they love a good challenge. So, I set up an “Audiobook Treasure Hunt.” Each time Layla finishes a book, she gets to add a sticker to our treasure map. When the map’s full, we have a “Book Party”—complete with themed snacks and a new download! She’s listened to more books this way than I ever thought possible. Challenges and small rewards not only keep them motivated, but also create a sense of accomplishment, making them eager to start the next story.
7. Let Kids Choose the Audiobooks
One evening, I tried sneaking on The Secret Garden. “Muuum, that’s boring!” Layla protested. Lesson learned. Now, I let the girls browse our audiobook library and pick their own books. Since Layla discovered Percy Jackson and the Olympians on her own, she’s become a self-proclaimed “demigod expert” and happily rattles off Greek myths at dinner. Giving them the power to choose means they’re more invested in listening. It’s also a great way to discover new favourites together.
8. Use Audiobooks for Family Listening Sessions
Our family listens to The Chronicles of Narnia together, and every session ends in a full-on discussion about what will happen next. My husband chimes in with theories, Layla cross-examines him like a lawyer, and Lily tries to imitate Aslan’s roar (adorably off-key, of course). Family listening time isn’t just about the books—it’s about sharing experiences and creating memories. The best part? It opens up space for conversations that don’t just revolve around the daily grind. Plus, no “Are we there yet?” on road trips! Everyone’s too busy trying to solve the latest plot twist.
Here’s Your Next Step!
Don’t just take my word for it—pick one of the audiobooks above, press play, and watch your kids’ imaginations light up. And if you have a favourite one or if any of these suggestions worked for your family, drop me a comment below! I’d love to know what’s playing in your home and if your kiddos have become mini-audiobook fans too.














