What I look For In An Audiobook For My Kids
Audiobooks are a wonderful tool for kids! They have been scientifically proven to expand their vocabulary, increase their comprehension, and boost a reader’s confidence! Don’t let anyone tell you that audiobooks don’t count as reading, because they absolutely do!
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Now, I know that audiobooks can feel overwhelming and sometimes even expensive so here are a few things that I look for when selecting titles for my kids along with books that I would recommend at each level.
First of all, be smart. You get to decide how you access audio content. It could be from the library using physical cds or an app like Libby. It could be through using a Yoto Player. It could be from a site like Audible or Libro.fm. Both of these sites offer membership programs that allow you to save money buying audiobooks. Credits can be a great way to invest in more expensive collections without spending as much money. For example, The Ramona Quimbey Collection on Libro.fm is $42+, or you can get it with a membership credit that costs $14.99.
Okay, here are a few things to looks for:
The Narrrator- Who is reading the story absolutely matters! I keep an eye out for books read by the author, a full cast, a celebrity, or a favorite you have come to know and love. For example, if it’s read by Jim Dale, Mo Willems, or Neil Gaiman, I want to read it!
Here are some books we love with excellent narration:
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket Libro.fm l Audible
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Libro.FM l Audible
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster Libro.FM l Audible
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo Libro.FM l Audible
Another tip:
Look for a series- If I am buying audiobooks I ALWAYS look for books sold as a collection. It is easier on my budget and allows for even more listening time!
Some series we love are:
Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary Libro.FM l Audible
Zoey and Sassafras Collection by Asia Citro Libro.FM l Audible
The Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne Libro.FM l Audible
Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel Libro.FM l Audible
New to audio? Here are books I recommend if you are just starting out:
For the smallest:
Ready for Chapter Books:
Narwhal and Jelly by Ben Clanton Libro.FM l Audible
Fortunately, The Milk by Neil Gaiman Libro.FM l Audible
Ramona Quimby Collection by Beverly Cleary Libro.FM l Audible
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White Libro.FM l Audible
The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me by Roald Dahl Libro.FM l Audible
I hope that this helps you feel confident in picking some new reads for your family! I always like to let my kids do something while they listen, check out some ideas we love for that here!
Happy Listening, my friend!
