After dabbling in audiobooks off and on for the last ten years, I’m finally in my audiobook era! I love the convenience of being able to multitask while I listen to great stories. Plus, I’ve been really loving finding narrators I enjoy and listening to more of their work, re-listening to books I’ve previously read, and finding stories for my whole family so that car time can also be audiobook time.
If you also find yourself in the car with your kids—on the way to school, soccer practice, or spring break travel—audiobooks might be your most effective parenting hack. Finding titles that align with your family’s interest is key, but here are a few family-friendly audiobook suggestions to get you started.
Browse the Libby app along with your kids and let them choose the next listen. Pick out one—or more! It’s all free, thanks to your local library. Listen through CarPlay, Android Auto, Android Automotive, or a Bluetooth connection to play Libby audiobooks through your car's sound system.
🎧 The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, narrated by Kate Atwater
This classic middle grade tale turned recent movie adaptation is a surefire hit for the entire family.
Recommended for kids 8+, this charming tale follows a robot, Roz, who wakes up on a remote island and must navigate survival in a strange place without any insight on their purpose. Roz slowly works to befriend the island’s animals and just when things start to feel comfortable, Roz’s past comes back to haunt them. The audiobook also features sound effects like crashing waves and vibrant background music to make it a truly enjoyable listen.
🎧The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, narrated by Jesse Bernstein
Another book to screen option kids love is the first book in the popular fantasy series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Percy Jackson is just like your average 12-year-old boy until one of his teachers turns into a monster and he realizes he has special powers. What would you do if the Greek Gods from your mythology textbook were real and walking the streets of New York City? And what if you’d made some of them mad and had to take your friends on a road trip to get back Zeus’s stolen property before it’s too late? This thrilling and spectacularly voiced audiobook will be sure to delight.
🎧 Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell, narrated by Samuel West
This Libby Book Award winner and all-around delightful story is perfect for older kids and adults alike.
Magical creatures have been a thriving part of a mysterious group of islands until now. Why is their magic not working? Christopher and Mal join forces to solve the mystery and meet incredible creatures along the way including dragons, griffins, sphinxes, and more. West’s narration is impeccably done with just the right amount of dry humor.
🎧 Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones, narrated by Kyla Garcia
Sophie and her family move from Los Angeles to a rural farm after they inherit it from a relative. As they adjust to farm life, Sophie discovers that some of her new chickens are unusual and might have powers like telekinesis. A charming story told through letters, to-do lists, ads, and a course on how to take care of chickens, the audiobook takes these fun elements and makes for a very amusing listen.
Looking for more? Check out this list below 👇 and be sure to subscribe to Libby Life for weekly listening recommendations.
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Published Apr 14, 2025