25 Best Audiobooks for Kids in 2025 (By Age + Expert Picks)

Finding the perfect audiobook for your child can feel like searching for buried treasure — exciting, but a little overwhelming. With hundreds of new releases every year and streaming libraries growing fast, how do you choose what’s truly worth listening to?

Kids love the way stories come alive through expressive narration, background music, and creative sound design. Whether they’re drifting off to sleep or learning during a car ride, the best audiobooks for kids in 2025 are shaping how young minds listen, imagine, and learn.

Best Audiobooks for Preschool & Early Elementary (Ages 3–7)

These short, engaging stories are perfect for curious minds just learning to love storytelling. Expect bright narration, clear sound, and simple but magical plots.

1. Stories Podcast’s The Wizard of Oz (Starglow Media)

Rating: 4.7/5
Listening Time: ~3 hours
A warm and whimsical retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic adventure, adapted by Stories Podcast and produced by Starglow Media. Follow Dorothy, Toto, and friends on their yellow-brick journey — reimagined with gentle humor and vivid sound design.
Best For: Ages 5–8 who love fairy tales and adventure stories.
Why Parents Love It: Episodic structure keeps younger listeners engaged, and the modernized dialogue feels fresh without losing the original charm.

2. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

Rating: 4.8/5
Listening Time: 27 minutes
A beloved modern classic about a clever mouse who outwits predators with imagination. The rhymes, read by Imelda Staunton, make it pure fun for little ears.
Best For: Ages 3–6.
Why Parents Love It: Short enough for bedtime, rhythmic enough to memorize.

3. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

Rating: 4.6/5
Listening Time: 10 minutes
A zany story about dragons, tacos, and party disasters — performed with energetic flair.
Best For: Ages 3–6.
Why Parents Love It: Simple humor and repetition make it a road-trip favorite.

4. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin

Rating: 4.5/5
Listening Time: 15 minutes
A catchy sing-along that helps kids learn counting and resilience when things don’t go as planned.
Best For: Preschool–1st grade.
Why Parents Love It: Fun songs and a positive message about going with the flow.

5. Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne

Rating: 4.9/5
Listening Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
The timeless tales of Pooh Bear and friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, brought to life by Stephen Fry and Judy Dench.
Best For: Ages 4–8.
Why Parents Love It: Gentle humor, strong moral themes, and beautifully acted narration.

Best Audiobooks for Elementary Listeners (Ages 7–10)

This is the golden age for listening — kids can follow longer stories and start exploring mysteries, adventures, and heartfelt tales.

6. The Sword in the Stone (Starglow Media)

Rating: 4.4/5
Listening Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes
A vibrant adaptation of T. H. White’s Arthurian legend from Stories Podcast and Starglow Media. Young Arthur learns wisdom and courage under Merlin’s guidance, discovering that true strength comes from character.
Best For: Ages 7–10 who love knights, magic, and myths.
Why Parents Love It: Combines moral lessons with humor and accessible storytelling.

7. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

Rating: 5/5
Listening Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
A tender story of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a wise spider Charlotte, narrated by Meryl Streep.
Best For: Ages 7–10.
Why Parents Love It: Introduces empathy and life cycles in a gentle way.

8. Matilda by Roald Dahl

Rating: 4.8/5
Listening Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
The mischievous genius Matilda faces off against Miss Trunchbull in this witty and empowering tale. Narrated by Kate Winslet.
Best For: Ages 7–11.
Why Parents Love It: Inspires curiosity and courage for book-loving kids.

9. Stuntboy, In-Between Time by Jason Reynolds

Rating: 4.9/5
Listening Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Full-cast performance with music and humor following Portico Reeves, a kid who becomes a superhero to manage anxiety.
Best For: Ages 8–11.
Why Parents Love It: Tackles emotional health with laughter and heart.

10. The BFG by Roald Dahl

Rating: 4.7/5
Listening Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
A dream-collecting giant and a brave little girl team up to defeat man-eating monsters.
Best For: Ages 6–10.
Why Parents Love It: Rich language and humor encourage imagination.

11. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

Rating: 4.5/5
Listening Time: 6 hours
Four sisters share one unforgettable summer full of friendship and discovery.
Best For: Ages 8–11.
Why Parents Love It: Wholesome, character-driven storytelling that feels timeless.

12. Secret Sky: The Young Universe

Rating: 4.8/5
Listening Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Award-winning fantasy adventure about a curious girl discovering her cosmic destiny. 2025 IBPA Gold Winner.
Best For: Ages 8–12.
Why Parents Love It: Inspiring female lead and lush sound design.

Best Audiobooks for Middle Grade & Tweens (Ages 10–13)

These titles balance action, humor, and big ideas — perfect for car rides and independent listening.

13. The Call of the Wild (Starglow Media)

Rating: 4.3/5
Listening Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes
Jack London’s classic survival story retold for audio, following Buck the dog’s transformation from pet to leader of the pack in the Yukon.
Best For: Ages 10–13.
Why Parents Love It: Teaches perseverance and respect for nature; Starglow’s adaptation softens darker moments for family listening.
Listen on Starglow Media

14. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Rating: 4.9/5
Listening Time: 10 hours
Modern-day mythology as Percy discovers he’s the son of Poseidon.
Best For: Ages 9–13.
Why Parents Love It: Fast-paced adventure with humor and strong moral undertones.

15. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling

Rating: 5/5
Listening Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
The audiobook that started a generation of readers, with iconic narration by Jim Dale.
Best For: Ages 8–13.
Why Parents Love It: Engaging for all ages; excellent gateway to longer listening.

16. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

Rating: 4.8/5
Listening Time: 11 hours
Bilbo Baggins’s journey from comfort to courage — a masterwork of imagination.
Best For: Ages 10–13.
Why Parents Love It: Teaches bravery and friendship in an accessible fantasy format.

17. Bright Eyes: A Kunoichi Tale

Rating: 4.6/5
Listening Time: 5 hours
2025 Silver IBPA Award Winner — follows a young ninja discovering her destiny.
Best For: Ages 9–12.
Why Parents Love It: Empowering female lead and cinematic narration.

18. Little Women (Starglow Media)

Rating: 4.4/5
Listening Time: ~6 hours 30 minutes
Louisa May Alcott’s classic about sisterhood and growing up, retold in audio form by Starglow Media.
Best For: Ages 10–14.
Why Parents Love It: Timeless lessons on kindness, courage, and family.
Listen on Starglow Media

19. Sherlock Holmes (Selected Stories) (Starglow Media)

Rating: 4.5/5
Listening Time: ~4 hours
Mystery meets logic in this kid-friendly retelling of Conan Doyle’s detective adventures.
Best For: Ages 9–13.
Why Parents Love It: Sparks reasoning skills and curiosity.
Listen on Starglow Media

20. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Rating: 4.7/5
Listening Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Meg Murry travels through space and time to rescue her father.
Best For: Ages 9–13.
Why Parents Love It: Combines science, fantasy, and emotional intelligence.

Best Audiobooks for Teens & Young Adults (Ages 13+)

Older listeners appreciate deeper themes, longer narratives, and more complex characters. These titles combine literary classics with modern favorites.

21. Moby Dick (Starglow Media)

Rating: 4.2/5
Listening Time: ~7 hours
Abridged and reimagined for modern listeners, this adaptation makes Melville’s tale of obsession and adventure approachable.
Best For: Ages 13 and up.
Why Parents Love It: Helps teens appreciate a classic without overwhelming detail.
Listen on Starglow Media

22. The Great Gatsby (Starglow Media)

Rating: 4.0/5
Listening Time: ~5 hours
A faithful yet simplified take on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece of hope, illusion, and the Jazz Age.
Best For: Ages 13 and up.
Why Parents Love It: Offers literary depth while remaining clean and concise.
Listen on Starglow Media

23. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 4.8/5
Listening Time: 11 hours 15 minutes
Katniss Everdeen’s fight for survival in a dystopian world, narrated by Tatiana Maslany.
Best For: Ages 13–17.
Why Parents Love It: Strong female lead and thought-provoking themes.

24. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

Rating: 4.7/5
Listening Time: 9 hours 30 minutes
Optimistic Anne Shirley finds family and belonging in Avonlea.
Best For: Ages 10–15.
Why Parents Love It: Encourages imagination and resilience.

25. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Rating: 4.9/5
Listening Time: 12 hours
A powerful story set in WWII Germany, narrated by Death itself.
Best For: Ages 13+.
Why Parents Love It: Deep empathy and beautifully written prose make it unforgettable.

Quick Age-Based Summary

Age Range	Best Picks	Listening Tips
3–7 years	The Wizard of Oz, The Gruffalo, Pete the Cat, Winnie-the-Pooh	Keep stories under 30 minutes or use episodic content.
7–10 years	The Sword in the Stone, Matilda, Charlotte’s Web, Stuntboy	Perfect for bedtime or independent listening.
10–13 years	The Call of the Wild, Little Women, Sherlock Holmes, A Wrinkle in Time	Great for car rides or chores.
13 + years	Moby Dick, The Great Gatsby, The Book Thief, The Hunger Games	Longer sessions, deeper discussion topics.

FAQs

How do I choose a good audiobook for my child?

Consider age, attention span, and interests. Look for:

• Engaging narrators who use expression and pacing.

• Story length that fits your child’s focus (younger kids = shorter).

• Themes that match your child’s curiosity — animals, adventure, humor, or friendship.

• Awards and reviews (e.g., Notable Children’s Recordings, Odyssey Awards).

Is it good for children to listen to audiobooks?

Absolutely. Audiobooks strengthen vocabulary, attention, and imagination. According to educators, they can enhance comprehension skills comparable to reading aloud — especially for auditory learners. They also make reading more inclusive for kids with dyslexia or visual challenges.

Do Amazon Prime members get free audiobooks?

Prime members can access a rotating selection through Audible Channels and Prime Reading, but full access requires a separate Audible subscription. Public libraries also offer free audiobooks through Libby or Hoopla.

What are the top 10 audiobooks of all time?

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

2. The Hobbit

3. Charlotte’s Web

4. Matilda

5. The Chronicles of Narnia

6. Anne of Green Gables

7. The Wizard of Oz

8. The Book Thief

9. The Hunger Games

10. Winnie-the-Pooh

Final Thoughts: Make Listening a Family Ritual

Audiobooks are more than a screen-free alternative — they’re a bridge to imagination, empathy, and curiosity. Whether your child is falling asleep to Winnie-the-Pooh, laughing through Stuntboy, or exploring bravery in The Call of the Wild, stories become memories that last.

If you’d like to explore professionally produced children’s classics — including The Wizard of Oz, The Sword in the Stone, Moby Dick, Little Women, Sherlock Holmes, The Great Gatsby, and The Call of the Wild — visit Starglow Media Audiobooks.