Childrens Audio Books

Kids love to hear a good story... told by a storyteller in a way that excites and captivates the imagination. However, the gift of storytelling is not a skill everyone has. 

Fortunately, that is not a big problem these days. With so many excellent children’s stories recorded as audiobooks on tape, CD, or mp3 file formats, there is certain to be many stories that will enthrall and entertain every child.

Audio books for children are fun, entertaining and educational.

They can help kids focus their attention, develop their imagination and stimulate a love of words.  They expose children to a wide variety of children’s literature that can lead to a lifetime enjoyment of good books.  In addition, children’s audio books provide a great way for children to pass the time at home or when traveling with the family on a long trip.

Children Enjoy Audio Books

Narration for audio books is usually done by professional narrators, actors, or the authors of the books.  These performers tell stories, ballads, poems, legends and classic tales in an animated way that makes children want to listen to the same story over and over again. Audio books often include music and sound effects appropriate for the story, and some feature talented actors who create a full cast of characters for the children’s enjoyment.

Many Benefits of Children's Audio Books

Because the reading ability of young children does not often equal their intellectual capacity, it is important to read aloud to children and expose them to recorded books.  Many audiobooks for kids come with the print version so they can read along as they listen.  There are many benefits of audio books, particularly for struggling readers.  Benefits include:

• Improved listening and comprehension skills   
• Increased vocabulary   
• Children learn how to pronounce words properly   
• Children learn how to visualize a story by using imagination instead of pictures and illustrations  
• A child's interest is engaged in a way that a parent reading of the book may not   
• Provides children with an enjoyable activity  

Where to Find Children's Audiobooks

You can find audiobooks for children in the public library, in bookstores, and online retailers and audio book clubs.  There are also free downloadable recordings available and subscription membership services where you can rent books.  Some services provide a sample file of the audiobook that you can preview before buying.  

When you preview an audiobook for your child, you should consider some of these things:

• Is the reader's voice pleasant and appropriate for the subject matter?   
• Does the music fit in with the story or does it detract from the words?   
• Is the music or sound effects too loud?   
• Do the sound effects enhance the story?   
• Are the voices of the cast appropriate for the characters and ages they represent?