15 Best Audiobooks for Kids Who Don’t Like Reading Yet

The best audiobooks for kids who don’t like reading start with a story they want to hear. I’d look for humor, adventure, or a familiar character.

As a mom of four boys, I know sitting quietly with a book doesn’t appeal to every child. Building or drawing can be a more inviting start.

I’d offer an audiobook during those activities, without asking my boys to decode every word. Listening gives them another way to enjoy stories.

A reluctant reader may need a different format, a more comfortable reading level, or a story that matches their interests.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Make Audiobooks Feel Fun, Not Like Homework

Get the free Audiobook Adventure Tracker to record finished stories and choose the next listen.

Inside the printable:

• A listening tracker
• A “What Should I Listen to Next?” wish list
• Favorite-character and favorite-story prompts
• Headphone icons children can color
• A simple family listening challenge

Are Audiobooks Good for Reluctant Readers?

Audiobooks let children enjoy stories they might find difficult to read alone. I’d use them alongside age-appropriate practice with printed words.

A narrator models expression and pronunciation. Listening also gives children a chance to follow a longer story without decoding every sentence.

The National Literacy Trust reports on how listening can encourage interest in books.

Listening can help children:

I’d keep the emphasis on enjoying the story, especially if reading already feels frustrating.

• Hear unfamiliar words in context
• Follow longer stories
• Enjoy books alongside stronger readers
• Discover stories they want to hear again

How I Chose These Audiobooks

I chose a mix of short stories and longer adventures, mainly for ages 5 to 10.

My priorities were:

You’ll find school humor, animal stories, mysteries, and fantasy. If one book doesn’t hold your child’s attention, try a different style.

• A beginning that gets to the story quickly
• Humor, action, or mystery
• Clear, expressive narration
• Manageable chapters and more books to try

How to Introduce Audiobooks Without Making Them Feel Like Homework

I’d start with 10 to 15 minutes while my boys build or draw. There’s no need to sit still or finish a whole chapter.

Try listening during:

Quiet movement can be compatible with listening. Notice whether your child follows the story, rather than measuring how still they sit.

For activities to pair with a story, see my quiet-time activities for boys who never stop moving.

Pause when your child has had enough, and return another day.

• Block building or coloring
• A school drive or road trip
• Quiet time
• Bedtime, if the story helps your child settle

1. Magic Tree House Collection by Mary Pope Osborne

Best for: Ages 5–9
Start with: Dinosaurs Before Dark
Good listening moment: Quiet time, car rides, or LEGO building

Jack and Annie’s tree house takes them to dinosaurs, castles, and other places in history. Short chapters make it easy to pause between adventures.

The first collection includes eight stories narrated by Mary Pope Osborne, with just over six hours of listening altogether.

I’d start with Dinosaurs Before Dark during block play. If it catches your child’s interest, there are seven more adventures in the collection.

(AD) Listen to the Magic Tree House Collection: Books 1–8

2. The Mercy Watson Collection by Kate DiCamillo

Best for: Ages 5–8
Start with: Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Good listening moment: After school, snack time, or before bed

Mercy is a buttered-toast-loving pig whose ordinary days turn into comic adventures. The simple plots suit children who find longer stories hard to follow.

The first collection includes three stories narrated by Ron McLarty. Each gives younger listeners a manageable adventure to finish.

I’d offer the illustrated book alongside the audio so my child can browse the pictures without having to read every word.

(AD) Listen to The Mercy Watson Collection: Books 1–3

3. Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

Best for: Ages 7–10
Good listening moment: After-school downtime or family road trips

Wayside School has 30 floors and no 19th floor. Its strange classrooms and ridiculous events give children plenty to laugh about.

Each chapter follows a different character or incident. That makes it easier to return after a break without remembering a complicated plot.

Louis Sachar narrates with dry humor. I’d try it with a child who likes jokes and unusual school stories.

(AD) Listen to Sideways Stories from Wayside School

4. How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Best for: Ages 7–10
Good listening moment: Road trips, family listening, or long quiet afternoons

Hiccup is a Viking boy who doesn’t fit his tribe’s idea of a hero. Training a dragon brings danger, awkward classmates, and plenty of humor.

David Tennant’s character voices make the audio lively. I’d listen to the sample together to see whether the accents suit my child.

The books differ from the films, so children who know the movies still have a new story to discover.

(AD) Listen to How to Train Your Dragon

5. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Best for: Ages 7–10
Good listening moment: Bedtime, family listening, or a longer car journey

Roz, a robot, wakes alone on an island and must learn to survive among animals that initially fear her.

Brief chapters help break up a story about danger, kindness, and belonging. I’d choose it for family listening when there’s room for questions.

Kate Atwater narrates the unabridged edition, which runs a little over four hours.

The printed book’s illustrations offer another way to explore the island. I’d leave it nearby for a child who wants to look.

(AD) Listen to The Wild Robot

Want to Make Listening Easier?

A comfortable pair of children’s headphones can help siblings listen to different things during quiet time. Check the fit and volume settings before use.

Browse my storefront for books and quiet-time finds.

(AD) Visit the Blissful Mama Amazon Storefront

6. Frog and Toad Audio Collection by Arnold Lobel

Best for: Ages 5–7
Good listening moment: Breakfast, bedtime, or a short quiet-time session

Frog and Toad’s friendship carries these gentle stories about everyday problems, from lost buttons to waiting for mail.

The collection includes all four books:

Arnold Lobel narrates his own stories. Their short length makes this a gentle first choice for a child new to audiobooks.

I’d offer the illustrated books for browsing or following along, without requiring my child to keep pace with the narrator.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends
• Frog and Toad Together
• Frog and Toad All Year
• Days with Frog and Toad

(AD) Listen to the Frog and Toad Audio Collection

7. The Princess in Black Collection by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale

Best for: Ages 5–8
Good listening moment: After-school quiet time or before bed

Princess Magnolia has a secret identity: the monster-fighting Princess in Black. Her superhero duties keep interrupting ordinary princess life.

The first collection includes three short adventures narrated by Julia Whelan. The action starts quickly enough to interest siblings listening together.

I’d describe this as a funny superhero adventure to a child who usually skips princess stories.

(AD) Listen to The Princess in Black: Books 1–3

8. The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Best for: Ages 6–9
Good listening moment: After school, car rides, or active quiet time

George and Harold turn their school principal into their imaginary superhero. Expect toilet humor, ridiculous villains, and plenty of mischief.

The first audiobook lasts about an hour and uses multiple narrators. That’s a manageable commitment for a child trying a first chapter-book listen.

I’d pair it with the print edition so my child can enjoy the comics and visual jokes too.

(AD) Listen to The Adventures of Captain Underpants

9. The InvestiGators Audio Collection by John Patrick Green

Best for: Ages 6–9
Good listening moment: LEGO time, drawing, or a longer drive

Alligator investigators Mango and Brash solve mysteries with spy gadgets, disguises, and terrible puns.

The audio adapts the graphic novels with a full cast and sound design. The first collection includes two stories and over four hours of listening.

I’d play the sample first. Some children enjoy lots of voices and effects; others prefer one calmer narrator.

(AD) Listen to the InvestiGators Audio Collection: Books 1–2

10. Big Nate Audio Collection by Lincoln Peirce

Best for: Ages 7–10
Good listening moment: The school run, after-school downtime, or road trips

Nate Wright is certain he’s destined for greatness. His teachers tend to disagree, especially after another classroom disaster.

The first collection includes four books narrated by Fred Berman. School competitions and friendship problems keep the setting familiar.

I’d try this with a child who likes school humor and loses interest in fantasy.

(AD) Listen to the Big Nate Audio Collection: Books 1–4

11. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Best for: Ages 8–10
Good listening moment: Car rides, travel days, or independent quiet time

Greg Heffley recounts school problems, embarrassing family moments, and trouble he often creates himself. Ramón de Ocampo narrates his complaints and dramatic reactions.

Greg can be selfish and unkind. I’d listen together at first and talk about his choices if my child wants to discuss them.

The familiar school setting may appeal to a child who already recognizes the series.

(AD) Listen to Diary of a Wimpy Kid

12. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

Best for: Ages 6–10
Good listening moment: Family quiet time, bedtime, or a weekend drive

Ralph is a hotel mouse who discovers he can ride a boy’s toy motorcycle by making engine noises. His adventures quickly get him into danger.

B.D. Wong narrates this story, which runs a little over two hours. It’s a possible next step after shorter listens.

I’d let my boys play quietly with cars or blocks while listening. Ralph’s adventures continue in Runaway Ralph and Ralph S. Mouse.

(AD) Listen to The Mouse and the Motorcycle

13. Matilda by Roald Dahl

Best for: Ages 7–10
Good listening moment: Family listening, long trips, or bedtime for older children

Book-loving Matilda faces neglectful parents and a cruel headteacher, with Miss Honey offering kindness at school.

The dark humor includes frightening adults and harsh punishments. I’d listen with a sensitive child and pause when they need reassurance.

Kate Winslet gives the characters distinctive voices. The audiobook lasts a little over four hours.

(AD) Listen to Matilda

14. The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier

Best for: Ages 8–10
Good listening moment: Road trips, drawing, or LEGO building

After a monster apocalypse, Jack Sullivan lives in a tree house and tries to reunite his friends. Expect zombies, gadgets, and survival missions.

Robbie Daymond narrates the first book, which runs under three hours. A collection of the first three audiobooks is also available.

My older boys love Minecraft, so the survival-game feel catches my attention. I’d preview the monsters and suspense before choosing it for a sensitive listener.

(AD) Listen to The Last Kids on Earth

15. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Best for: Ages 9–10 and older
Good listening moment: Family road trips or longer daily listening sessions

Percy Jackson discovers he’s Poseidon’s son and sets off on a dangerous quest involving monsters, friendship, and a stolen lightning bolt.

Jesse Bernstein narrates this roughly ten-hour adventure. I’d save it for an older child who already enjoys shorter audiobooks.

The Greek mythology and longer plot need more attention. Try a chapter at a time during family drives or another regular listening slot.

(AD) Listen to The Lightning Thief

Which Audiobook Should Your Child Try First?

I’d choose the first book around something my child already enjoys. Use these groups to narrow the options.

For a child who needs short, gentle stories

Start with:

• Frog and Toad
• Mercy Watson
• The Princess in Black

For a child who loves silly humor

Try:

• Captain Underpants
• Wayside School
• Big Nate
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid

For a child who loves animals

Try:

• The Mouse and the Motorcycle
• Mercy Watson
• The Wild Robot

For a child who loves action and fantasy

Try:

• How to Train Your Dragon
• The Last Kids on Earth
• The Lightning Thief

For a child who prefers sound effects and lots of voices

Start with:

• InvestiGators
• Captain Underpants
• How to Train Your Dragon

For a family audiobook everyone can enjoy

Try:

• The Wild Robot
• Matilda
• How to Train Your Dragon
• The Lightning Thief

A Simple Audiobook Routine for Kids Who Resist Reading

I’d pick one short listening slot and repeat it when it works for our day. This gives children time to settle into a story.

Step 1: Let Your Child Choose

Offer two or three options, such as a dragon adventure or a mouse riding a motorcycle. A small choice is easier than browsing an entire library.

Step 2: Listen for Only 10–15 Minutes

Start with 10 to 15 minutes. Pause when your child is ready to stop; you can return to the same place tomorrow.

Step 3: Give Busy Hands Something to Do

Quiet activities to try alongside a story:

Add a short listen to your after-school activities when your child needs a calmer break.

• Building or puzzles
• Coloring or drawing
• Play dough
• An after-school snack

Step 4: Keep Questions Casual

I’d share a reaction or ask a question only when it feels natural:

Leave space for your child to respond, and let them keep listening if they prefer.

• “I didn’t expect that.”
• “Who has the funniest voice?”
• “I wonder what happens next.”

Step 5: Offer the Printed Book Without Pressure

Leave the printed book within reach. Your child might browse pictures or find a favorite scene. I’d let that curiosity develop without assigning extra work.

Step 6: Make Listening Predictable

Choose a listening time that fits your day:

A calm audiobook could fit your bedtime routine for brothers sharing a room if the story helps your children settle.

• The school drive
• A short after-school break
• Quiet time
• Before bed

Helpful Audiobook Devices for Kids

A phone, tablet, speaker, or computer is enough to begin. I wouldn’t buy a dedicated player before checking whether my children enjoy listening.

A separate player can help with independent listening without access to an app or screen. Compare how you’ll obtain stories before buying.

Yoto Player

Yoto uses physical cards to start audio. I’d compare starter bundles and available stories before choosing one for quiet time or bedtime.

(AD) Shop Yoto Players and starter bundles

Toniebox

Toniebox starts audio when a character figure is placed on top. Its simple controls may suit younger children; check which stories come with the bundle.

(AD) Shop Toniebox audio-player bundles

Kindle Kids

Kindle Kids offers printed-text reading with fewer distractions than a general-purpose tablet.

Check the exact model’s audiobook support and available titles before buying it for listening.

(AD) Shop Kindle Kids devices

Volume-Limiting Headphones

Choose headphones that fit comfortably and offer a volume limit. I’d still check the volume setting and give children breaks.

For listening and other travel ideas, see my airplane activities for kids.

(AD) Shop volume-limiting headphones for kids

How to Try Audible for Kids’ Audiobooks

Audible offers individual titles, collections, and full-cast productions.

Trial eligibility, prices, and included titles vary. Check the current terms and renewal date before joining.

Before using a credit:

Compare collections with individual titles. A longer bundle is useful only if your child wants the stories.

Browse my storefront for more books and quiet-time finds.

• Play the sample together.
• Check the listening length and collection contents.
• Confirm availability in your region.
• Let your child help choose.

(AD) See the current Audible trial offer

(AD) Visit the Blissful Mama Amazon Storefront

Frequently Asked Questions About Audiobooks for Reluctant Readers

Does Listening to an Audiobook Count as Reading?

Listening builds understanding of a story; reading printed words also requires decoding. Both can be part of a child’s reading life.

I’d keep suitable print practice alongside audiobooks and let listening remain an enjoyable way to experience longer stories.

Should My Child Follow Along With the Printed Book?

Following along is optional. Some children enjoy matching the words to the narration; others find the pace frustrating.

I’d offer the book after my child enjoys the story and let them decide how to use it.

What Is the Best First Audiobook for a Reluctant Reader?

For ages 5 to 7, I’d try Frog and Toad or Mercy Watson.

For ages 7 to 9, consider Wayside School, Captain Underpants, or The Mouse and the Motorcycle.

For older listeners, try How to Train Your Dragon or The Last Kids on Earth. Save The Lightning Thief for a child ready for a longer plot.

How Long Should Children Listen Each Day?

I’d start with 10 to 15 minutes. Let an interested child continue, but stop if they’re tired or ready for another activity.

What If My Child Keeps Moving While Listening?

Quiet building, coloring, or handling a toy can fit a listening session. Notice whether your child follows the story, rather than expecting complete stillness.

What If My Child Doesn’t Like the First Audiobook?

Try another story or narrator. There’s no need to finish a book your child dislikes.

You could change:

• A shorter or funnier story
• A calmer narrator or a full cast
• The time of day
• A quiet activity to do while listening

Can Audiobooks Replace Reading Practice?

Children still need appropriate practice decoding printed words. I’d offer a manageable print book, then an audiobook for enjoying a longer story.

Final Thoughts

I’d choose one sample with my boys and try it during block play or a drive. If nobody’s interested, we can choose another tomorrow.

Grab the Free Audiobook Adventure Tracker

Get the free Audiobook Adventure Tracker to record finished stories, favorite characters, and what your child wants to hear next.