Read with Your Eyes Closed

Expand your imagination with an audiobook! Audiobooks allow us to enjoy fabulous narrators and concentrate on the spoken word alone. Best of all, they enable us to bond and listen to stories together!

Listening encourages readers to dive into challenging concepts and can help expand vocabulary, strengthen word pronunciation, and teach the rhythms of language. Many audiobook listeners pair the printed book with listening. When done simultaneously, listening and reading can aid comprehension and provide budding readers with word recognition.

Below are just a few audiobook recommendations for the young listeners in your life. For more audiobook options, explore the library’s digital collection on Libby and Hoopla, or check out audiobooks in CD format.

Frog and Toad Audio Collection by Arnold Lobel – Frog and Toad are buddies that share adventures like playing outside in spring, telling one another stories, wearing funny swimsuits, waiting for the mail to arrive, and more. These quaint, amusing, best friend stories are read by the author himself. Recommended for preschool through grade 5. Also available on CD and Hoopla.

Mercy Watson Collection, Vol. 1 by Kate DiCamillo, read by Ron McLarty – Mercy, the Watson’s pig, lives inside the house and loves buttery toast. The Watson’s neighbor, Eugenia, says pigs should live on farms and not next door to her. The Fire Department helps unravel their disagreement along with the huge hole that Mercy leaves when she jumps into the Watson’s bed. This title is simple and giggle inspiring! Recommended for preschool through grade 5. Also available on CD.

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, read by Stephan Fry – A stowaway bear with an odd looking hat is adopted at a London train station by the Brown family. From there, a series of charming misadventures unfold. Enjoy it for the fuzzy warmth and hopefulness. Recommended for preschool through grade 5. Also available on CD.

Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-Ha-Ha + Jingle Bells, Batman Smells by Barbara Park, read by Lana Quintal – Junie is the first student in Room One asked to keep a photo journal during a vacation to Hawaii. Feisty and rambunctious, Junie completes the assignment. She adds photographs of the grumpy lady on the plane and shares stories about getting stuck in a parrot-shaped pool float, being too “chicken” to go snorkeling, and having a baby bird land on her head! Silly, sassy, and brash - we love Junie! Recommended for grades 1-5.

Matilda by Roald Dahl, read by Kate Winslet – Matilda, a 5 year old genius born to the most loathsome parents ever, finally gets to attend Crunchem School. When she arrives, she is thrust into a battle between her devoted teacher, Miss Honey, and terrifying headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Luckily, Matilda brings her newly discovered magic powers with her. This is an imaginative, witty classic about courage and justice. Recommended for grades 1-8. Also available on CD.

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald, read by Karen White – Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is an eccentric nanny who always has a kitchen full of fresh cookies. She can also cure childhood diseases such as “Won’t-Put-Away-Toys”-itis, “Answer backer”-ism,” and “Fighter-Quarrelers” illness. Laugh out loud funny, this story is filled with problem solving and whimsy. Recommended for grades 1-8. Also available on CD.

Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, read by Judith Ivey – Take a journey with a rabbit named Edward who is flung overboard from an ocean liner, transported to the dump by a fisherman and eventually lands on the streets of Memphis. The experience leads Edward to trade his once arrogant demeanor for an open and tender heart. Recommended for grades 2-8. Also available on CD.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone  by J.K. Rowling, read by Jim Dale – An orphaned 11 year old boy attends wizard boarding school, rises to become a Quidditch hero and school leader, and fulfills a great prophecy. Captivating and suspenseful, this is the beginning of the unparalleled series. Recommended for grades 4-8. Also available on CD.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, read by Jayne Entwistle – Housed with Miss Smith in the country, Ada, a bold 10 year old with a twisted foot, and her little brother, Jaime, are able to escape the London bombings during WWII. It is at Miss Smith’s where they receive kindness, security, and a pony named Butter. You will cheer for Ada’s tenacity and strength! Plus, there’s a sequel titled The War I Finally Won. Recommended for grades 4-8. Also available on CD.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang, read by Sunny Lu – Although only in 5^th grade, Mia manages the front desk of the hotel she lives in. The cruel hotel owner, Mr. Yao, will be furious if he learns that she and her family are allowing immigrants to stay for free. This story highlights determination, empathy, and ingenuity. Recommended for grades 4-8.

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone, read by Dion Graham - Grandma takes 11 year old Scoob on an unplanned road trip down memory lane, but Grandma is acting suspicious. Will each stop on their journey help Scoob understand? This mystery pairs family secrets with Civil Rights history lessons for a heartwarming and humorous tale. Recommended for grades 4-8.