Heading on a road trip? An audible book the whole family will enjoy is a great way to wile away the hours in the car.
They're more than just a distraction, though. Audible books can provide a new way for kids to explore stories, expand their imaginations, and learn! Kids who regularly listened to audiobooks showed improved attention spans, comprehension, and higher engagement in classroom discussions, according to a 2020 National Literacy Trust report.
But perhaps most important to you right now? We can tell you from personal experience that if you find the right book, you could have a few hours of silence in the car during a long trip. And, if you turn it on for the whole car to hear, the audiobook can make for a great discussion topic at meals and other breaks.
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What our kids are listening to right now
We asked Macaroni KID publishers for recommendations of audible books for kids, based on their own children's listening. Here's what they recommended:
The Magic Tree House books are a favorite — they're exciting enough to draw in a rambunctious 8-year-old boy!
—Brittany Joyner, publisher of Macaroni KID Kennewick-Richland, Wash.
My 6-year-old daughter loves the Dory Fantasmagory series on Audible right now, and my 11-year-old son has been listening to the Spy School series and City Spies series. The Ballpark Mysteries series is a fave of all of ours too. We do a lot of audiobooks when traveling.
—Sara Yaniga, publisher of Macaroni KID Chicago Midtown
But what about audiobook recommendations for you?
Our sister site, Hulafrog, asked Macaroni KID publishers across the country what they're reading.
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Check out what books these moms are listening to now!
My 6-year-old is a super bookworm (written and audio) and loves to listen to books in the car! He LOVED The Wild Robot and The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown. He loves robots, and the protagonist was super loveable and easy to root for.
He also loved The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury, and he was glued to The Chronicles of Narnia for all 33+ hours. He’s really into epic adventure type stuff – and all these really fit that.
—Samantha Earnhardt, publisher of Macaroni KID Burlington-Hillsborough, N.C.
My 10- and 7-year-olds are listening to Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole. They love animal stories with a bit of adventure and wonder!
—Amy PerezVelasco, publisher of Macaroni KID Elberton, Ga.
My daughter is 7, and she’s been enjoying listening to the Junie B. Jones series and Beverly Cleary's Ramona series.
—Melissa Basgall, publisher of Macaroni KID Overland Park - Olathe - Shawnee, Ks.
Not everyone in my household likes listening to Audiobooks. Some of us would rather have an actual book in our hands. I know I prefer this myself but sometimes enjoy listening to an audiobook when working out or when I'm trying to sleep and don't want to disturb my husband while's sleeping with my lamp being on. My husband commutes to work over an hour every day and definitely enjoys listening to books while he drives.
My 14 year old has always preferred audiobooks over actual reading and is currently listening to Magnus Chase Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
What audiobooks are your kids listening to this summer?
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
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