20 Best Family Audiobooks for All Ages

20 Best Family Audiobooks for All Ages

Sharing stories with your family can leave a lasting impression. As a parent, you probably remember the magic of having a book read aloud to you as a kid. Family audiobooks offer that same experience — but for your own children. Narrated by some of the world’s most talented performers, including Stephen Fry, Kate Winslet and David Tennant, these family listens will captivate kids of all ages, improve literacy, and introduce them to the joy of storytelling. We’ve rounded up 20 of the best family audiobooks here, from best sellers to newcomer favourites.
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  • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe cover art

    • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

    • The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 2
    • By: C. S. Lewis
    • Narrated by: Michael York
    • Series: The Chronicles of Narnia (Author's Preferred Order), Book 2, The Chronicles of Narnia (Publication Order), Book 1
    • Length: 4 hrs and 22 mins
    • Release date: 29-08-2005
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 545 ratings
    • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the inaugural tale in the best selling series that follows the four Pevensie siblings into the magical world of Narnia for the first time. Evacuated from London during World War II, the children find adventure through the back of a wardrobe, discovering a world in conflict where they have the opportunity to make positive change with the help of magical beings. Emmy-nominated British actor Michael York takes on the task of conveying a complicated world filled with themes of discovery, conflict, and the importance of family. By differentiating character voices, intonation, and accents, he enlivens the children’s complex emotions and introduces us to new fantastical creatures. Simply put, York leads listeners through the magical wardrobe to a world of fantasy, along with the Pevensie children.

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  • A Wrinkle in Time cover art

    • A Wrinkle in Time

    • By: Madeleine L'Engle
    • Narrated by: Hope Davis, Ava DuVernay, Madeleine L'Engle, Charlotte Jones Voiklis
    • Series: Time Quintet, Book 1
    • Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
    • Release date: 10-01-2012
    • Language: English
    • 4 out of 5 stars 284 ratings
    • A Wrinkle in Time has been a childhood classic since it was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1963. Madeleine L’Engle’s tale follows Meg Murry and her little brother, Charles Wallace, whose father was experimenting with time travel when he unexpectedly disappeared. A mysterious stranger gives them the tip they need — that time can, in fact, be manipulated. With their friend Calvin, the children embark on a magic-filled journey to find their father. The 2018 film adaptation ushered in a revival of the classic story for a new audience. Film director Ava DuVernay performs the audiobook introduction, author Madeleine L’Engle delivers the foreword and her granddaughter, Charlotte Jones Voiklis, performs the afterword, as Tony-nominated actress Hope Davis performs the story itself.

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  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Book 1 cover art

    • Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Book 1

    • By: J.K. Rowling
    • Narrated by: Stephen Fry
    • Series: Harry Potter, Book 1, Wizarding World, Book 1
    • Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins
    • Release date: 20-11-2015
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 10,579 ratings
    • If you’ve never discovered the stories of the legendary boy wizard, allow author J.K. Rowling to introduce you with the help of Stephen Fry’s captivating performance. On his 11th birthday, Harry Potter finds out that he’s a wizard and leaves the muggle (non-magic) world he’s known forever to take his place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Fry is a bonafide audio expert. When you listen to him skillfully embody each character, fully visualizing the unique world, there’s no mistaking the crucial role he plays in bringing this wondrous story to life. Even better, he performs all seven novels in the Harry Potter series — keeping the progression of the plot consistent, and helping listeners better understand the magic of Harry’s world. It's an ideal audiobook series for family listening.

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  • The Hobbit cover art

    • The Hobbit

    • By: J. R. R. Tolkien
    • Narrated by: Rob Inglis
    • Series: The Lord of the Rings, Book 0.5
    • Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins
    • Release date: 28-12-2008
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 1,918 ratings
    • J. R. R. Tolkien has gone down in history as one of the most masterful fantasy world-builders of all time. Telling the tale of Bilbo Baggins, The Hobbit documents his transition from a life of solitude and leisure to one filled with grand adventures, dwarves, giant spiders, and a dragon. Originally published in 1937, the story has stood the test of time with film adaptations and generation after generation of new audiences. Delivering such an immense tale to listeners is no easy task, but Rob Inglis takes on the challenge with ease. His performance comes from experience that makes him uniquely qualified for the task. During the 70s and 80s, Inglis wrote, produced, and performed his own one-man dramatisations of The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings to rave receptions. His distinct voices for each character enliven the action for listeners, immersing them in the experience of this unabridged story.

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  • Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief cover art

    • Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

    • Percy Jackson, Book 1
    • By: Rick Riordan
    • Narrated by: Jesse Bernstein
    • Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1
    • Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
    • Release date: 13-01-2010
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,116 ratings
    • Percy Jackson is like any other 12-year-old boy: he has a hard time staying out of trouble — especially when his algebra teacher turns into a monster and attempts to kill him. Okay, so maybe he’s not like other boys his age. When he ends up at a summer camp full of Olympians and magical beings, he’s launched into a world of Greek mythology where he learns he’s actually half Greek god. And as he’s accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, the stakes grow so high that his algebra class incident seems laughable. You’ll be introduced to new gods and creatures right alongside Percy, and the narration will only help you along as the journey unfolds. Jesse Bernstein’s Earphones Award-winning performance captures the complexity that young Percy is experiencing... and if you’re wondering what Greek gods even sound like, you’ll be pleasantly thrilled and surprised.

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  • Matilda cover art

    • Matilda

    • Narrated by Kate Winslet
    • By: Roald Dahl
    • Narrated by: Kate Winslet
    • Series: The Roald Dahl Classic Collection
    • Length: 4 hrs and 18 mins
    • Release date: 11-09-2014
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 1,012 ratings
    • To feel misunderstood can be part of growing up, and Matilda Wormwood is no exception. She resorts to pranks in order to fight back against mean parents, but things change when she meets the horrid Miss Trunchbull at her school. Here, her pranks are no longer just little-girl tricks on terrible grown-ups. With the added discovery of telekinetic abilities, Matilda begins to use her powers to fight against injustice. Academy Award winner Kate Winslet’s Audie-winning performance demonstrates her ability to throw herself into the depths of a vast cast of characters. Winslet has an extensive repertoire of film, television, and stage performances that aid in her ability to embody different characters with ease. From Matilda’s childhood discoveries to the warmth of Miss Honey, Winslet is a joy to listen to.

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  • Charlotte's Web cover art

    • Charlotte's Web

    • By: E. B. White
    • Narrated by: E. B. White
    • Length: 3 hrs and 35 mins
    • Release date: 12-01-2015
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 64 ratings
    • It’s only appropriate that author E.B. White narrated his own 1953 Newbery Honor Book. He tells the story of Wilbur, a pig who befriends a spider named Charlotte who helps him avoid slaughter. White wrote the story with care and compassion, and performs it as such — there’s no added drama or flair, and each character is portrayed exactly as he intended. This Earphones Award-winning rendition is the first audio version, and it stands the test of time. It tells children a classic story of kindness and compassion, and parents will value the lessons it instills. Even more than 50 years after its debut, Charlotte’s Web still holds the same gentle magic that parents will remember from their own childhood.

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  • How to Train Your Dragon cover art

    • How to Train Your Dragon

    • By: Cressida Cowell
    • Narrated by: David Tennant
    • Series: How to Train Your Dragon, Book 1
    • Length: 3 hrs and 29 mins
    • Release date: 22-04-2010
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 402 ratings
    • Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is tasked with far more than growing up with a mouthful of a name: he also has to catch and train a dragon in order to become fully initiated into his Viking tribe, the Hairy Hooligans. How to Train Your Dragon follows Hiccup’s path of becoming a hero, the hard way, reminding listeners of all ages that hard work is the best way to accomplish anything. Just like the challenges ahead for Hiccup, narrator David Tennant (of Doctor Who and Good Omens fame) has the task of doing more than just narrating this story. He gives distinct voices to all the characters with his trove of nuanced Scottish accents, as well as breathing life into the dragons with a collection of booming voices, snorts, and snarls.

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  • The World's Worst Teachers cover art

    • The World's Worst Teachers

    • By: David Walliams
    • Narrated by: David Walliams
    • Length: 4 hrs and 6 mins
    • Release date: 27-06-2019
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 581 ratings
    • If your kids think their teachers are the worst on the planet, these listens will prove otherwise. The World’s Worst Teachers dives into the tales of the most splendidly sinister educators, in one delightfully dreadful audiobook for all ages. From Miss Seethe, a ghastly teacher on a detention rampage, to Pent, a tutor who’s bone-shakingly terrified of children, David Walliams’ hilarious stories will have the whole family chuckling for hours on end. There’s nothing quite like an author narrating his own book, and Walliams brings his silly characters to life in an entertaining performance which leaves the whole family in stitches. Listen together in the car, together after dinner time — or just when the kids need a laugh after a bad school day.

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  • The One and Only Ivan cover art

    • The One and Only Ivan

    • By: Katherine Applegate
    • Narrated by: Adam Grupper
    • Series: One and Only Ivan, Book 1
    • Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
    • Release date: 05-09-2019
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 28 ratings
    • The One and Only Ivan follows a silverback gorilla living in a cage at a suburban mall. Despite his environment, he’s pretty happy with his life. He lives simply and is seen as the wise older member among his animal friends. His world changes forever when he’s given a new purpose: a young elephant named Ruby has been taken from her family, and Ivan is tasked with watching out for her. Adam Grupper performs Ivan’s wisdom and unique relationship with Ruby with gentle precision, at a pace that’s easy to follow for younger listeners. His varying character voices and touching delivery send messages of friendship and allow listeners a fresh take on the lives of captive animals.

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  • The Jungle Book: The Mowgli Stories cover art

    • The Jungle Book: The Mowgli Stories

    • By: Rudyard Kipling
    • Narrated by: Bill Bailey, Richard E. Grant, Colin Salmon, Tim McInnerny, Bernard Cribbins, Celia Imrie, Martin Shaw
    • Length: 2 hrs and 30 mins
    • Release date: 05-07-2018
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 154 ratings
    • Rudyard Kipling’s enthralling classic finds new life in this Audie Award-winning collection of stories from the jungle. Perfect for families with kids aged eight or older, this audiobook takes children and adults on a journey where they meet unforgettable characters, including Mowgli, a boy who was raised by wolves, Baloo the bear, Bagheera the black panther, Kaa the python, and evil tiger, Shere Khan. Narrated by a star-studded cast including Bill Bailey, Martin Shaw and Celia Imrie, The Mowgli Stories are equal parts enchanting and spellbinding, and well-suited to long drives or bedtime tales. Beyond the voices, atmospheric background sounds set the scene — transporting the entire family to the jungles of India, without needing to leave the home.

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  • Mary Poppins cover art

    • Mary Poppins

    • By: P. L. Travers
    • Narrated by: Olivia Colman
    • Series: Mary Poppins, Book 1
    • Length: 3 hrs and 51 mins
    • Release date: 26-07-2018
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 63 ratings
    • If you never had a nanny growing up, Mary Poppins was the closest substitute. When she arrives at the home of Jane and Michael Banks, they quickly realise that she’s unlike any nanny they’ve had before. She brings with her a magical carpet bag that can conjure nearly anything, an ability to slide up the banister, and she can even make medicine taste good. While you may have watched the movie with your family, this is the perfect option to change things up. British actress Olivia Colman’s delivery is a song to your ears with a spoonful of sugar all the way down. Not only is this rendition a favourite for humans, but it’s also been noted by Audible as a great listen for dogs. Leave it on while you’re at work so your fur baby can enjoy the familiar magic of Mary Poppins as well.

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  • The Bad Beginning, A Multi-Voice Recording cover art

    • The Bad Beginning, A Multi-Voice Recording

    • A Series of Unfortunate Events #1
    • By: Lemony Snicket
    • Narrated by: Tim Curry, Full Cast
    • Series: A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 1
    • Length: 2 hrs and 29 mins
    • Release date: 28-12-2003
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 72 ratings
    • From the beginning, Lemony Snicket sets the stage that A Series of Unfortunate Events is going to be a miserable story. Following the lives of new orphans Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, listeners will be subject to insufferable incidents, atrocious adopters, and miserable manipulation. But those who soldier through these trials will be rewarded with gripping tales of adventure. The Baudelaire children are smarter than their circumstances and captors, and use the power of innovation, intelligence, and sharp baby teeth to remain a family, despite their often sad state of affairs. British icon Tim Curry’s Grammy-nominated performance serves as the perfect addition to this tale of woe. His extensive history of vocal performances, particularly as cartoonish villains, qualifies him for such a vile venture. Curry and a full cast of characters will have you shivering with anticipation over what misery the Baudelaires will experience next.

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  • Little Women cover art

    • Little Women

    • By: Louisa May Alcott
    • Narrated by: Barbara Caruso
    • Series: Little Women, Book 1
    • Length: 19 hrs and 37 mins
    • Release date: 18-07-2006
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 256 ratings
    • An iconic American classic by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women has seen a number of Academy Award-winning movie adaptations over the years — the most recent of which starred Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Meryl Streep and Aussie actress Eliza Scanlen. Now, take the family back to where it all started with this Audible title. Little Women captures the joys and hardships of four “little women” in Civil War New England, who have been separated by the war from their beloved parents. British actress and acclaimed audiobook narrator Barbara Caruso delivers a heartwarming reading of this quintessential coming-of-age story. With her gentle, warm yet expressive voice, Caruso captures the joy and tenderness that has made Alcott’s story a timeless story through the ages.

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  • Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls cover art

    • Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls

    • The Baby-Sitters Club, Book 2
    • By: Ann M. Martin
    • Narrated by: Elle Fanning
    • Series: The Baby-Sitters Club, Book 2
    • Length: 2 hrs and 50 mins
    • Release date: 13-08-2019
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 19 ratings
    • The Baby-Sitters Club was a staple for many 80s and 90s babies. Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls comes from the original group of novels, published in 1986. This Audible exclusive follows Claudia, vice president of the club, as she and other members try to solve the case of mysterious phone calls they keep receiving on the job. With a touch of nostalgia for parents, this story is narrated by Elle Fanning, a young, fresh star that kids of all ages are familiar with. Unfortunately, this audiobook doesn’t come with matching scrunchies, but maybe you can get your family a stash after they become fans of this series.

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  • The House at Pooh Corner cover art

    • The House at Pooh Corner

    • A.A. Milne's Pooh Classics, Volume 2
    • By: A. A. Milne
    • Narrated by: Peter Dennis
    • Series: A.A. Milne's Pooh Classics, Winnie-the-Pooh, Book 2
    • Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
    • Release date: 05-04-2005
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 122 ratings
    • Winnie the Pooh has been a loving member of nearly everyone’s life for decades, and it’s likely this tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff and his friends are part of your family now as well. This collection of stories follows Pooh and the crew around the Hundred Acre Wood—Eeyore gets a house, Tigger is introduced, Piglet is very brave, and the game of Poohsticks is invented, just to name a few. What makes this nostalgic dive even more special is the dramatization brought to listeners by Peter Dennis. The only reading authorised by A.A. Milne’s son, Christopher Robin, Dennis’ intelligent and whimsical performance will make kids of all ages instant fans.

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  • The Tale of Despereaux cover art

    • The Tale of Despereaux

    • By: Kate Di Camillo
    • Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm
    • Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins
    • Release date: 09-12-2008
    • Language: English
    • 4 out of 5 stars 21 ratings
    • Despereaux is a mouse on a mission to save Princess Pea from a troupe of rats. While this story has classic themes of a fairytale hero, Despereaux isn’t your typical protagonist—not only because he’s a mouse, but also because his is not the only perspective this story has to offer. Kate DiCamillo composed the story in four parts, the first three following the three main characters individually and then bringing them all together in one final book. Audie Award-nominated narrator Graeme Malcolm performs this tale of whimsy and adventure with deft precision. Each character is given their own voice and life without the story slipping into a state of melodrama. As a result, the listener is afforded the unique experience of three stories in one.

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Audiobook lists are hand-picked by Audible editors; inclusion is based on a number of factors including
listener ratings, narrator performances, presence on Audible best seller lists and cultural relevance.


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