Audiobooks To Keep The Kids Quiet

Going on staycation? Dreading the journey? Five hours on the road will test any family. Thankfully, these audiobooks are here to save the day. From childhood classics to side-splitting comedies, these audiobooks will have you – and your little ones – enthralled the whole way there. The only problem is, you might not want to get out and stop listening when you arrive…

The Best Audiobooks For Kids

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone by J.K. Rowling

Last but certainly not least is a magical tale that needs no introduction. There’s only one way to make J.K. Rowling’s books about boy-wizard Harry and his adventures at Hogwarts more entrancing to kids – and that’s have Stephen Fry read them. Plots, potions, spells and sorcery are soothingly narrated by this master story teller – he even puts on a high-pitched voice when Hermione’s speaking. It’s impossible to choose between all seven Harry Potter books, so we advise starting with The Philosopher’s Stone because it’s the first and the shortest . Even so, at just over 9 1/2 hours, you won’t hear a peep from the back seat all holiday.

Read by: Stephen Fry

Listen on Audible.co.uk

Zog by Julia Donaldson

Another audiobook about dragons, this time for a younger audience. Zog is the clumsiest dragon is school – he’s always flying into trees or setting himself on fire – and he’s going to need all the help he can get to pass the ultimate dragon test: capturing a princess. Beautifully performed by Imelda Staunton (or as we’ll know her in season five of The Crown, Queen Elizabeth II) this is one that will soothe even very young kids on very long car rides. And it may be only 28 minutes, but there’s plenty more Julia Donaldson classics (from The Gruffalo to Room on the Broom) to discover once you’ve gotten a feel for it.

Read by: Imelda Staunton

Listen on Audible.co.uk.

How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Don’t worry if your kids have already seen the How To Train Your Dragon films. Cressida Cowell original book series may be centred on hapless Viking Hiccup  Haddock III and his dragon Toothless, but the plot lines are different enough to make this a whole new listening experience. Tune in to the dulcet tones of David Tennant narrating wild tales of Viking battles and dragon duels. What more could you want from a staycation?

Read by: David Tennant

Listen on Audible.co.uk

Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

This is one for slightly older kids. Sephy is a ‘cross’ – a member of the dark skinned ruling class – who finds herself drawn to Callum, a ‘colourless’ nought, or member of the underclass that once served as slaves. Malorie Blackman’s iconic story tackles race, class, romance and more. It may have just celebrated it’s 20th Anniversary, but it’s still as relevant today as ever. At over 10 hours long, it’s meaty listening that will keep kids gripped through even the longest road trips.

Read by: Syan Blake and Paul Chequer

Listen on Audible.co.uk

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Jeff Kinney’s illustrated novels – about the trials of middle-schooler Gregg Heffley – have been an international sensation, and you’ll be hard pushed to find a funnier audiobook for the whole family. Whether your kids have seen the movies or read the books, following Greg and his best-friend Rowley as they battle their way through the social jungle of adolescence is always a pleasure. There’s parents to outwit, bullies to avoid and, worst of all, Greg’s big brother Rodrick… Start on book one and you’ll be hooked for the whole holiday.

Read by: Dan Russell

Listen on Audible.co.uk

Matilda by Roald Dahl

First up, a classic. All of Roald Dahl’s children’s books are available to listen to on Audible, where they’re read by a range of A List actors and comedians – think David Walliams as the booming BFG, Miranda Richardson as the cackling witches and Chris O’Dowd as crafty Fantastic Mr Fox. Kate Winslet’s turn as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda might just be the best though. Not only is this tale of the bookworm Matilda facing down her mean parents and evil headmistress a timeless classic for all ages – it’s also just over four hours long. Guaranteed to keep you laughing all the way home.

Read by: Kate Winslet

Listen on Audible.co.uk