Great Audiobooks for Bedtime Listening
by Penguin Random House Audio
Is there anything better than falling asleep to the sound of someone reading to you? Whether it’s a sweet picture book or an exciting adventure, we’ve got perfect recommendations for a range of ages — because you’re never too old to be read to! Listen to these as a family for a new evening routine, or pair audio with thumbing through a picture book together. Either way, your young readers are sure to have wonderful dreams.
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The Day the Crayons Quit
Performed by a full cast — including the author Drew Daywalt himself — little listeners will have loads of fun hearing their favorite crayons comes to life off the page.
Ages 3-7; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
Hot Cocoa Calm
There’s no better time to help kids find peace and calm than before bedtime. Press play on this audiobook which offers easy-to-follow exercises that kids (and their adults!) can use to soothe themselves.
Ages 0-3; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
Our Subway Baby
This poignant true story of how one baby, left in a subway station, found its new family has been adapted from a picture book to an audiobook. The gentle story, read by the author, is like a heartwarming hug for children.
Ages 4-8; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess
The Princess in Black and her friends make the perfect companions. Kids can take part in their adventures from the comfort of their bed — while learning about the importance of being nice and speaking up — and will end up dreaming about adventures of their own!
Ages 5-8; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
A is for Oboe: The Orchestra's Alphabet
This unique audiobook adaptation from two poets, one a composer and classical pianist, features classical music excerpts for each letter of the alphabet. Not only will you and your child learn about the different instruments in the orchestra, but you’ll also both be entertained with music found throughout the story.
Ages 7-9; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
J.D. and the Great Barber Battle
Spend your time before bed laughing, and you’ll be sure to have good dreams. To help achieve that, try listening to this hilarious chapter book about 8-year-old J.D. and his surprise barber business.
Ages 6-8; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
The Day You Begin
National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson’s poignant message emboldens young listeners to find the courage to connect, even when they feel nervous or different from those around them. A sweet read for life transitions and your everyday variety of growing up, Woodson’s trademark warmth shines through the story.
Ages 5-8; Available in digital downloadListen to a clip: SoundCloud
Available from: -
Marcus Makes a Movie
Another laugh-out-loud story that all ages in your home will adore listening to is written and read by Hollywood actor and comedian Kevin Hart. Follow along as Marcus dreams of making a big blockbuster superhero movie and stands up to his bullies.
Ages 8-12; Available in digital download and CDAvailable from: -
Sulwe
Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o brings her picture book to life with this audiobook adaptation. Go on a magical journey with her and learn to see everyone’s unique beauty.
Ages 4-8; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
Just Help!
Written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and read by actress Kerry Washington, Just Help! shows kids how we can all help make the world a better place each and every day. The Spanish audiobook edition ¡Solo Ayuda! is narrated by Eva Longoria!
Ages 4-8; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
The First Helping (Lunch Lady 1-2)
You won't want to miss the adventures of a lunch lady who serves justice — now available for the first time in audio! This audio adaptation of the graphic novel is read by actor Kate Flannery (The Office) along with author Jarrett Krosoczka and a full cast. There are even sound effects and music to keep the whole family engaged!
Ages 8-12; Available in digital download and CDAvailable from: -
I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared
Written and narrated by the incomparable host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, comes a silly story that teaches listeners that everyday fears are valid and that the love of a friend is the perfect ingredient to overcome any fear, no matter how big.
Ages 3-7; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
The Phantom Tollbooth
Emmy Award-nominated actor Rainn Wilson (of The Office fame) reads the beloved classic The Phantom Tollbooth, about an apathetic boy who finds his life turned upside down when a mysterious tollbooth appears in his bedroom. Transported to the bizarre land of Dictionopolis, Milo comes to realize life isn’t so dull after all.
Ages 8-12; Available on CD and in digital downloadListen to a clip: SoundCloud
Available from: -
Different—A Great Thing to Be!
This joyful rhyming audiobook encourages children to value the "different" in all people, leading the way to a kinder world in which the differences in all of us are celebrated and embraced.
Ages 3-7; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
Charlotte’s Web
Brought to life by Academy, Emmy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner Meryl Streep and a full cast, this beautiful classic by E. B. White is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that every person in your family will want to listen to again and again.
Ages 8-12; Available in digital download and CDAvailable from: -
My Little Brave Girl
Actress and singer Hilary Duff shares a beautiful and inspiring picture book, adapted for audio, about bravery and love. My Little Brave Girl encourages girls to reach higher, dream bigger, and approach the world with their hearts wide open.
Ages 3-7; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
I Don’t Want to Read this Book
From actor Max Greenfield (New Girl) comes a hilarious audiobook for every child who thinks they don't like to read or listen to books (and all the kids — and grownups — who do). Perfect for reading along as you listen!
Ages 4-8; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
Why Not You?
From Grammy-winning pop star Ciara and Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson comes a picture book, adapted for audio, to inspire young listeners to see the value in themselves, be brave, and go after their biggest dreams!
Ages 4-8; Available in digital downloadAvailable from: -
Corduroy Audiobook Collection
Most of us are familiar with the story of Corduroy, a small teddy bear waiting for a child’s friendship. This collection celebrates the character’s 50th anniversary with a new story by Academy Award winner Viola Davis, Corduroy Takes a Bow, and new recordings of the collection read by Davis herself — a perfect voice to fall asleep to.
(Ages 2 – 5; available in digital download)Listen to a clip: SoundCloud
Available from: -
Courtney Changes the Game
American Girl books have been a staple for many children, and now they’re available to enjoy in a new way – as audiobooks! In this first book of her series, American Girl’s Courtney is the best gamers at the arcade so why there aren’t more girl characters in video games?
Ages 8-12; Available in digital downloadAvailable from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2022.