15 Best Audiobooks For Kids Ages 3–12 (Teacher Picks for 3–5, 6–8 & 9–12)

Listening to audiobooks can turn everyday moments into magical learning adventures. They’re a secret weapon for parents and teachers, transforming car rides, chore time, and quiet time into engaging story hours. The best audiobooks for kids captivate fidgety preschoolers and curious tweens alike – all while boosting vocabulary, listening skills, and imagination.Below you’ll find teacher-recommended audiobooks for kids in three age groups (ages 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12), each carefully chosen from an Epic collection of 28 titles. These picks span beloved classics, funny adventures, and educational tales that you can find on a kids’ audiobooks app (like Epic) – many of them available as free audiobooks for kids through educator accounts or free trials.

Why Audiobooks?

As an educator, I love how audiobooks make stories accessible to all types of learners. Talented narrators bring characters to life and model fluent reading. Children can enjoy books above their independent reading level, try new genres, and develop a love of literature just by listening. Plus, when you listen together, you create precious bonding moments (and get a bit of quiet time – win-win!). Experts agree that audiobooks can improve comprehension, expand vocabularies, and spark a lifelong love of reading.

How to use this list:

Below, you’ll find our top audiobook picks for preschoolers, early elementary, and older kids. For each group, we include five hand-picked titles with a note on “Best for” (to highlight why it’s perfect for certain kids or situations) and “Why it works” (what makes it engaging or educational). We’ve also included each book’s cover image, so you can spot it easily on an audiobook app like Epic. Whether you need audiobooks for preschoolers at bedtime or an exciting story to keep your 4th grader entertained on a road trip, we’ve got you covered!

Best Audiobooks for Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)

For preschool and pre-K learners, audiobooks work best when stories are short, expressive, and emotionally engaging. At this stage, children are still developing listening comprehension and vocabulary, so Epic’s Read-to-Me audiobooks—with clear narration, simple sentence structures, and strong visual support—are especially effective.

The best audiobooks for preschoolers often focus on everyday experiences, feelings, and curiosity about the world. When paired with audio, these stories help children build attention span, follow narrative flow, and enjoy books even before they can read independently.

Below are teacher-recommended preschool audiobooks, selected only from the Epic “Audio Book HL” collection and aligned with Epic’s preschool age guidance.

Memoirs of a Hamster

Best for: Preschool listeners who enjoy gentle humor and animal stories
Why it works:This Read-to-Me audiobook uses a playful animal narrator to explore daily routines from a hamster’s point of view. The language is simple and rhythmic, making it easy for preschoolers to follow along. Expressive narration helps children understand emotions and cause-and-effect, while the short length keeps attention focused. It’s an excellent choice for quiet listening time or early classroom read-alouds.

Memoirs of a Goldfish

Best for: Ages 3–5, especially children learning sequencing and repetition
Why it works:Told through repeated phrases and clear visual cues, this audiobook supports early listening comprehension. The narrator’s calm, steady pace allows young listeners to anticipate what comes next, reinforcing memory and prediction skills. Epic recommends this title for preschool Read-to-Me use because it balances humor with structure—ideal for children just beginning to follow longer stories.

My Brother Needs a Boa

Best for: Preschoolers who enjoy imaginative, character-driven stories
Why it works:This imaginative audiobook introduces young listeners to creative problem-solving through humor. The narration emphasizes expressive dialogue and clear emotional cues, helping children understand character motivations. With simple sentences and a playful tone, it works well as a preschool Read-to-Me selection, whether used at home or during circle time in early learning classrooms.

Patience (A Penguin Named…)

Best for: Ages 3–5; social-emotional learning and classroom discussions
Why it works:Designed for young listeners, this audiobook introduces the concept of patience through a relatable animal character. The narration slows down key moments, allowing preschoolers to process emotions and outcomes. Teachers often use this Epic Read-to-Me title to support early SEL conversations, while parents appreciate its calm, reassuring tone during listening time.

Can Hens Give Milk?

Best for: Curious preschoolers who enjoy asking “why” questions
Why it works:This nonfiction audiobook answers simple questions in a clear, engaging way. The narrator’s friendly delivery helps preschoolers stay focused while learning basic facts. Epic recommends this title for early listeners because it introduces informational text without overwhelming language, making it a strong Read-to-Me option for ages 3–5.

Why These Audiobooks Work for Ages 3–5 on Epic

Epic’s preschool audiobooks are curated to support early listening development, not independent reading. Features like Read-to-Me narration, controlled sentence length, and expressive pacing allow young children to enjoy stories successfully—without frustration.

For parents, these audiobooks offer a screen-calm alternative to videos.
For educators, they provide reliable tools for circle time, listening centers, and SEL lessons.

Audiobooks for Ages 6–8 (Early Elementary Listeners)

As children move into early elementary school, audiobooks begin to play a new role. At this stage, kids are developing stronger listening stamina and can follow longer narratives, richer vocabulary, and more complex storylines. Audiobooks help bridge the gap between listening and independent reading, allowing children to enjoy stories that may be slightly above their reading level while still building comprehension skills.

The best audiobooks for ages 6–8 often feature clear narration, strong plot structure, and relatable characters. On Epic, these audiobooks work especially well for independent listening, classroom listening centers, and at-home reading routines.

Below are teacher-recommended audiobooks, selected only from the Epic “Audio Book HL” collection and aligned with Epic’s early elementary age guidance.

Small Saul

Best for: Early elementary listeners who enjoy character-driven stories
Why it works:This audiobook follows Saul, a small boy navigating everyday challenges with imagination and persistence. The narration is clear and expressive, helping young listeners follow the story independently. Sentence structures are more developed than preschool Read-to-Me titles, making it a strong choice for children transitioning into longer listening experiences. Teachers often use this title to support discussions around confidence and self-identity.

Belle’s Journey

Best for: Ages 6–8; listeners ready for emotional storytelling
Why it works:This audiobook tells a thoughtful story of perseverance and growth through Belle’s experiences. The narrator uses steady pacing and emotional inflection, allowing early elementary listeners to connect deeply with the character. The story encourages empathy and reflection, making it a popular Epic choice for classroom listening and small-group discussion.

Zoom at Sea

Best for: Independent listeners who enjoy quiet, reflective stories
Why it works: With descriptive language and a calm narrative tone, this audiobook supports listening comprehension and visualization skills. Early elementary students can follow the plot without visual cues, strengthening their ability to process spoken stories. Epic recommends this title for children ready to listen independently, making it ideal for reading centers or at-home quiet time.

The Whispering Lake Ghosts

Best for: Ages 6–8; mystery lovers and reluctant readers
Why it works: This light mystery audiobook introduces suspense in an age-appropriate way. Clear narration and engaging dialogue help children stay focused as they follow clues and predict outcomes. The chapter-based structure builds listening stamina while keeping the story accessible. Teachers often use this Epic audiobook to encourage inference and critical thinking.

The Nighttime Cabin Thief

Best for: Early elementary listeners who enjoy adventure and teamwork
Why it works: This audiobook blends mystery with friendship, offering a compelling story that keeps young listeners engaged. The narrator differentiates characters clearly, helping children follow conversations and plot twists. Epic categorizes this title as suitable for independent early elementary listeners, making it a strong option for both classroom and home use.

Why Audiobooks Work Well for Ages 6–8 on Epic

At this stage, Epic audiobooks help children build listening endurance, expand vocabulary, and develop narrative comprehension. Unlike preschool Read-to-Me titles, early elementary audiobooks encourage more independent listening while still offering supportive narration.

For parents, these audiobooks are ideal for screen-light enrichment after school.
For educators, they are reliable tools for listening centers, literacy blocks, and differentiated instruction.

Audiobooks for Ages 9–12 (Upper Elementary & Advanced Listeners)

As children reach upper elementary school, audiobooks become powerful tools for deeper comprehension, subject learning, and independent engagement. At this stage, students are ready for longer listening sessions, more advanced vocabulary, and content that introduces history, science, and classic literature.

The best audiobooks for ages 9–12 on Epic support independent listening while helping students access texts that may be challenging to read on their own. These titles work well for classroom assignments, content-area learning, and at-home enrichment.

Kids: Abraham Lincoln

Best for: Upper elementary students studying U.S. history
Why it works: This biography introduces Abraham Lincoln’s life using clear, age-appropriate language and structured narration. The audiobook format helps students absorb historical facts without being overwhelmed by dense text. Epic categorizes this title for upper elementary listeners because it supports content learning while building listening comprehension. Teachers often use it to supplement social studies units or independent research projects.

Great Americans: Benjamin Franklin

Best for: Ages 9–12; history and nonfiction readers
Why it works: This audiobook presents Benjamin Franklin’s life and achievements in a clear, engaging narrative. The narrator’s steady pacing allows students to follow complex ideas such as invention, civic responsibility, and leadership. Epic recommends this title for advanced listeners who are developing skills in nonfiction comprehension and academic listening.

The Call of the Wild

Best for: Advanced listeners ready for classic literature
Why it works: This audiobook adaptation of Jack London’s classic introduces students to rich language and mature themes through guided narration. Listening allows upper elementary readers to experience complex vocabulary and narrative structure without frustration. Epic places this title in the upper elementary range, making it a strong option for independent listening or literature study.

Disaster Zone: Tornadoes

Best for: Science-focused listeners and nonfiction fans
Why it works: This audiobook combines factual information with dramatic storytelling to explain how tornadoes form and affect communities. Clear narration and structured chapters help students retain key scientific concepts. Epic recommends this title for upper elementary listeners because it builds subject knowledge while strengthening listening stamina and informational comprehension.

Anacondas

Best for: Ages 9–12; animal and nature enthusiasts
Why it works: This nonfiction audiobook introduces anacondas through vivid descriptions and accessible explanations. The narrator maintains a confident, informative tone that supports independent listening. Epic categorizes this title for advanced elementary students who are ready to process factual content and scientific vocabulary through audio.

Making the Most of Audiobooks for Kids

Best audiobooks for kids aren’t just entertainment – they’re a tool you can weave into daily life to enrich your child’s learning. Here are a few teacher tips for using audiobooks:

On the road:

Turn off the DVD player and play an audiobook during long drives. Stories like Click, Clack, Moo or The Monster’s Ring keep the whole family entertained (and minimize the “Are we there yet?” chorus). Many parents find that kids get lost in the story and car trips become calmer and more enjoyable.

At bedtime:

Swap a read-aloud for an audiobook a few nights a week. A soothing story with a gentle narrator, like Good Night, Gorilla or I Love You Because You’re You, can help children wind down. (Bonus: exhausted parents can relax and listen too!) Be sure to preview for any loud sound effects or scary bits, and dim the lights so kiddos focus on listening. It’s a wonderful way to end the day with less screen time and more imagination.

While multitasking:

Kids can safely listen to audiobooks during quiet play or chores. Play Henry and Mudge while your child builds with LEGO, or I Survived the Titanic as they tidy their room. Audiobooks engage the mind without tying up the hands. This can build a habit of audiobook listening as a productive pastime, almost like an alternative to TV.

Follow along with the text: For developing readers, try pairing the audiobook with a physical or eBook copy. Many Epic titles have a “read-to-me” feature with highlighted text. Following along can improve word recognition and fluency. It’s like training wheels for reading – best audiobooks for kids boosts comprehension, and the visual print reinforces vocabulary. This technique is especially helpful for auditory learners and ESL students.

By integrating audiobooks into different parts of the day, you’re supporting your child’s literacy in a fun, low-pressure way. It’s reading with your ears, and it counts!

FAQ: Kids’ Audiobooks (Answered by a Teacher)

Q: Will listening to audiobooks make my child lazy about reading?

A：Not at all! Think of audiobooks as a complement to traditional reading, not a replacement. They allow kids to enjoy stories above their reading level, which can motivate them to read more. Audiobooks also model fluent, expressive reading – children hear proper pacing and intonation, which can improve their own oral reading skills. Rather than making kids “lazy,” audiobooks often spark more interest in books. Many kids will listen to an audiobook and then pick up the print version to experience it again or explore sequels. It’s all part of nurturing a love of stories.

Q: Are audiobooks beneficial for children who struggle with reading?

A：Yes, immensely. As a teacher, I’ve seen audiobooks boost confidence in students with dyslexia or other reading difficulties. By removing the struggle of decoding text, audiobooks let these children focus on comprehension and enjoyment. This builds vocabulary and background knowledge without the frustration. Audiobooks also help struggling readers visualize the story, which is a key reading skill. Of course, it’s important to continue practice with print, but audiobooks can be a stepping stone that transforms reading from a stressful task into a pleasurable experience. They reinforce that stories are the reward – not just the act of decoding words.

Q: Where can I find free audiobooks for kids?

A：There are several great options. Public libraries often offer free children’s audiobooks through apps like OverDrive or Libby – all you need is a library card. You can also try Epic, an educational kids’ reading app/website. Epic offers thousands of high-quality kids’ books and audiobooks (like many on our list) and is free for educators and school librarians. Families can get a free trial month or low-cost subscription to access audiobooks anytime. Another idea: check if your child’s favorite books have accompanying read-aloud videos or author podcasts (some authors release free audio recordings of their short stories). And don’t forget classic stories now in the public domain – sites like Librivox have free recordings of titles like The Velveteen Rabbit and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. With a little searching, you’ll find plenty of free audiobooks to keep your kids listening happily!

Q: How do I keep my child engaged while listening?

A:Some kids take to audiobooks immediately; others might need a little help getting into the groove. Here are a few tips:

• Choose the right story: Start with subjects or characters your child already loves. If they’re superhero-obsessed, try an action-packed adventure. Hook their interest from the get-go.
• Use headphones or a decent speaker: Good sound quality helps. If listening in the car, play it through the car stereo. At home, a cozy spot with headphones can make it feel special.
• Discuss as you listen: Pause occasionally to ask, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Wow, why did she do that?” – almost like you would with a read-aloud. Kids often have insightful observations that increase their investment in the story.
• Let them doodle or build LEGO: Keeping hands busy can actually improve focus for many kids. As long as they’re not too noisy, quiet activities during listening time can prevent restlessness.
• Make it a shared experience: If possible, listen alongside your child (at least for a few chapters) and laugh or react together. Your engagement shows them that audiobooks are enjoyable. For independent listening, set a manageable time goal (“let’s listen for 15 minutes”) and gradually extend as they get hooked.

Happy listening! With these audiobooks and tips, you’re ready to turn any moment into a story adventure. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or a bookworm, audiobooks offer a new dimension of reading that’s enriching and entertaining. And remember, the next time you need some quiet time, handing your kids a great audiobook might just be the trick.

Ready to explore more? All of the titles above (and thousands more) are available on Epic, the leading digital library for kids. You can even find read-to-me books on Epic to follow along with highlighted text, combining audio and reading for maximum learning. If you haven’t tried Epic, it’s free for educators and offers a free trial for families – a perfect way to sample unlimited audiobooks for kids. Happy reading and listening!