Audio books can be even more exciting than reading the book itself! Here are 10 picks for you and your kids.
If a regular book doesn’t hold your attention, and you’re sick of staring at a screen – find your next favorite read in audio form! Here are some of the top-rated audio books gathered all in one place. For your kids, for your teens, for you…dial up and listen in!
Best Audio Books for Mom
Dare to Lead
Written and narrated by Brenè Brown
Reviewers say this book changed their life, and while it may not be what they wanted, it was what they needed.
Summary
“Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead… Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas and has the courage to develop that potential. ”
The Woman in White
By Wilkie Collins, narrated by Ian Holm
Reviewers say they love the narration of this book, and you won’t be able to put it down (or press pause)!
Summary
“Late one moonlit night, Walter Hartright encounters a solitary and terrified woman dressed all in white. He saves her from capture by her pursuers and determines to solve the mystery of her distress and terror.”
The Help
By Kathryn Stockett, narrated by Jenna Lamia, Bahni Turpin, Octavia Spencer, Cassandra Campbell
Reviewers say that even if you’ve read this book, the narration makes this audio book totally worth another shot.
Summary
“Skeeter, a recent Ole Miss grad, Aibileen, a black maid raising her 17th white child, and Minny, Aibileen’s best friend, are seemingly as different from one another as can be. But these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.”
Best Audio Books for Teens
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
By J.K. Rowling, narrated by Warwick Davis, Noma Dumezweni, Jason Isaacs, Jude Law, Evanna Lynch, Sally Mortemore, Bonnie Wright
Reviewers say this is a must read/listen for Harry Potter fans, and that it is great for the whole family. They love that it is narrated by the cast of the movies.
Summary
“As familiar to Hogwarts students as “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty” are to Muggle children, Beedle’s stories are a collection of popular fairy tales written for young witches and wizards. So, if you’re wondering what’s in store in this brand-new audio edition…well, your ears are in for a treat. ”
The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant
By Drew Hayes, narrated by Kirby Heyborne
Reviewers say if you’ve got a sense of humor, you’ll love this book.
Summary
“Some people are born boring. Some live boring. Some even die boring. Fred managed to do all three, and when he woke up as a vampire, he did so as a boring one. One fateful night – different from the night he died, which was more inconvenient than fateful – Fred reconnects with an old friend at his high school reunion. This rekindled relationship sets off a chain of events thrusting him right into the chaos of the parahuman world.”
The Outsiders
By S.E. Hinton, narrated by Jim Fyfe
Reviewers say this is a must read, and if your child hasn’t read it for school, they’ll definitely want to pick it up.
Summary
“Ponyboy can count on his brothers. And on his friends. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up “greasers” like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect, until the night someone takes things too far.”
Best Audio Books for Kids
Frozen
By Disney Press, narrated by Andi Arndt
Reviewers say this take on Frozen is just as good, if not better than the movie!
Summary
“When the kingdom is trapped in an eternal winter, Anna, a young dreamer, must team up with Kristoff, a daring mountain man, and his reindeer on the grandest of journeys to find Anna’s sister, the Snow Queen Elsa, and put an end to her icy spell.”
Magic Tree House Collections
Written and narrated by Mary Pope Osborne
Reviewers say they love the imaginative series, and they make perfect bedtime stories.
There are several different Magic Tree House Collection audio books you can find. Each comes with about eight stories.
The One and Only Ivan
By Katherine Applegate & Patricia Castelao, narrated by Adam Grupper
Reviewers say this book is a great way to teach kids about kindness, and parents enjoyed listening with their kids.
Summary
“Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all. Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home – and his own art – through new eyes.”
Bonus: Bad Seed
By Jory John, narrated by Andrew Eiden
Reviewers say this quick, five minute listen is adorable, and teaches kids about labels.
Summary
“This book is about a bad seed. He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He’s been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody, and never listens. But what happens when one mischievous little seed changes his mind about himself, and decides that he wants to be – happy?”
You can find all of these books at Audible.com, or wherever you prefer to listen to your audio books. Find more recommendations for audio books here.
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