13 of the best audio books for kids

One of the things we have loved most about our borrowed Ford Territory Titanium (through the Kidspot.com.au Voices of 2013 program) has been the built-in DVD player and wireless headphones. The kids are obsessed! Apart from a few favourite DVD's, we've also put together a pretty fantastic playlist of audio books that have kept the girls spellbound for hours.

I cast the net wide for recommendations, and here are 13 of the best audio books for kids, for your listening pleasure:

Roald Dahl Audio Books (10 Dahl Puffin Classics on 27 CD's)
We received this set recently and the girls were transfixed by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. They even loved the more quirky/bizarre Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. There are 13 audio books in the set.
                "Works on car trips" - Sarah

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
"The Trumpet of the Swan read by E.B. White himself. OMG. Delicious." Jessica

Stephen Frye presents a selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories
"Stephen Fry reads Oscar Wilde's children's stories. They are wonderful stories and have been listened to many times on long journeys." - my author friend Ruby Blessing

Bad Jelly the Witch: A Musical Tale and Other Goodies by Spike Milligan
I was completely besotted with Bad Jelly The Witch read by the author Spike Milligan on my little record player when I was young. Also recommended by my friend Alex and others:
                "I second Bad Jelly. Spike Milligan's a great listen." - Kate
                "Bad Kelly the witch, for sure. Spike gets our vote." - Leon

The Story of the World (History for the Classical Child) Vols 1,2&3 - by Susan Wise Bauer, read by Jim Weiss
Recommended by my friend Alex.

Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman
Recommended by my author friend Ruby Blessing

The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, read by Kate Winslet
"Kate Winslet reading the faraway tree series is good." - Myke

Harry Potter 1-7 Audio Collection by J.K. Rowling, read by Jim Dale
"Harry Potter for is brilliant, but you know that!" - Saffron

The World of David Walliams CD Story Collection, read by David Walliams
"We love Mr Stink read by David Walliams." - Sophie

Famous Five Short Story Collection by Enid Blyton
"Oh my, we just drove to Goondiwindi and back and listened to the first Famous Five! Paul and I were hooked - oh you said for kids, yeah them too, they loved it!" - Lesley

The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 1) read by Tim Curry
"My nephew & I really enjoyed the Lemony Snicket audio books. Really great performances and perfect for that little Wednesday or Pugsley." - Brigham

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, read by Stephen Fry
Recommended by Amanda

The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz by L. Frank Baum, read by Anne Hathaway
Recommended by Amanda


Thanks to all my friends for their recommendations. Happy listening!

Images: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville