If you’ve ever tried to get a toddler to sit quietly in a car seat for longer than five minutes, you know the struggle is real. Enter: audiobooks—a game-changer for road trips, quiet time, and keeping kids entertained without screens.
I used to think audiobooks were just for older kids, but once I discovered how engaging (and sanity-saving) they could be for all ages, I never looked back. Whether you need a bedtime story, a travel distraction, or just a moment of peace while cooking dinner, this list has you covered.
To make things even easier, I’ve included where you can stream these audiobooks—because nothing is worse than scrambling to download something last-minute while your kid starts melting down in the backseat.
Here’s a breakdown of the best audiobooks for kids, categorized by age and where to listen!
Best Audiobooks for Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
Let’s be honest—toddlers have the attention span of a goldfish. These short, engaging audiobooks feature fun narration, simple stories, and interactive sound effects to keep little ones entertained.
1. “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” – Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle
✔️ Repetitive, rhythmic storytelling
✔️ Engaging animal sounds
✔️ Perfect for early language development
📍 Stream on: Audible, Spotify, Apple Books
2. “Goodnight Moon” – Margaret Wise Brown
✔️ Soothing narration for bedtime
✔️ A gentle, classic story
✔️ Short enough for even the squirmiest toddlers
📍 Stream on: Audible, Hoopla, Google Play Books
3. “Llama Llama Red Pajama” – Anna Dewdney
✔️ Expressive narration that brings the story to life
✔️ A relatable bedtime struggle (for both kids and parents!)
✔️ Rhyming text keeps toddlers engaged
📍 Stream on: Audible, Spotify, Libby
Best Audiobooks for Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Preschoolers love silly stories, fun voices, and interactive tales. These audiobooks have engaging narrators and just enough plot to keep their attention.
4. “The Gruffalo” – Julia Donaldson
✔️ A charming, rhyming adventure
✔️ Fantastic narration with sound effects
✔️ Teaches problem-solving and creativity
📍 Stream on: Audible, Storytel, Hoopla
5. “Pete the Cat” Series – Eric Litwin & James Dean
✔️ Upbeat storytelling with music
✔️ Teaches resilience and a “go-with-the-flow” attitude
✔️ Multiple stories available for endless fun
📍 Stream on: Audible, Spotify, Libby
6. “Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!” Series – Mo Willems
✔️ Hilarious characters and playful storytelling
✔️ Simple enough for preschoolers to follow
✔️ Perfect for car rides or quiet time
📍 Stream on: Audible, Google Play Books, Apple Books
Best Audiobooks for Early Elementary (Ages 5-7)
7. “Charlotte’s Web” – E.B. White
✔️ A timeless classic with deep emotional lessons
✔️ Narrated beautifully by the author himself
✔️ Perfect for family listening
📍 Stream on: Audible, Libby, Google Play Books
8. “Mercy Watson” Series – Kate DiCamillo
✔️ Hilarious pig adventures with lovable characters
✔️ Short chapter books great for new listeners
✔️ A fun introduction to audiobooks
📍 Stream on: Audible, Hoopla, Spotify
9. “The Magic Tree House” Series – Mary Pope Osborne
✔️ Adventure-filled stories with history and science themes
✔️ Great for curious little minds
✔️ Simple chapter book format keeps kids engaged
📍 Stream on: Audible, Storytel, Google Play Books
Best Audiobooks for Middle Grade Kids (Ages 8-12)
10. “Harry Potter” Series – J.K. Rowling (Narrated by Jim Dale or Stephen Fry)
📍 Stream on: Audible, Google Play Books, Apple Books
11. “Percy Jackson & The Olympians” – Rick Riordan
📍 Stream on: Audible, Spotify, Libby
12. “The Wild Robot” – Peter Brown
📍 Stream on: Audible, Storytel, Google Play Books
Best Audiobooks for Family Listening (All Ages)
13. “Winnie-the-Pooh” – A.A. Milne
📍 Stream on: Audible, Spotify, Apple Books
14. “The Chronicles of Narnia” Series – C.S. Lewis
📍 Stream on: Audible, Google Play Books, Hoopla
15. “Matilda” – Roald Dahl
📍 Stream on: Audible, Storytel, Google Play Books
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Audiobooks
Whether your child is a book lover or a reluctant reader, audiobooks can introduce them to magical stories, boost their vocabulary, and make road trips way more enjoyable.
What’s your child’s favorite audiobook? Share in the comments—I’m always looking for new ones to add to our playlist!