Audiobooks for family road trips
Audiobooks are a fantastic way to enjoy great books together as a family. Whether you're driving across town, folding laundry, or heading out on a road trip, listening together can spark meaningful conversations and create sweet memories.
These are a few of our favorite wholesome, engaging family audiobooks, arranged by the ages I'd generally recommend them.
The Trumpet of the Swan
by E.B. White (recommended for ages 5-8)
A voiceless trumpeter swan learns to play a real trumpet. This was the very first audiobook our family listened to together, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. The edition narrated by E. B. White is simply unforgettable.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
by Richard & Florence Atwater (recommended for ages 5-8)
A house painter's dream of Antarctic adventure comes true when penguins take over his home. This story is so silly and so sweet!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
by Roald Dahl (recommended for ages 5-8)
A poor boy wins a golden ticket to tour the world's most magical and mysterious chocolate factory. Whimsical and so entertaining!
The Cricket in Times Square
by George Selden (recommended for ages 5-8)
A cricket from Connecticut finds friendship and fame in a Times Square subway station. A charming, heartwarming story.
Rascal
by Sterling North (recommended for ages 7-10)
A boy raises a mischievous baby raccoon in this true memoir. This book has been especially loved by the boys in our house.
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
by Karina Yan Glaser (recommended for ages 7-10)
Five siblings race to save their beloved Harlem brownstone in this joyful, big-hearted family story. This is the first book in a fantastic series!
Adventures with Waffles
by Maria Parr (recommended for ages 7-10)
Best friends Lena and Trille find hilarious trouble in their tiny Norwegian village. This book (and especially audiobook) is both hilarious and tender.
The Penderwicks
by Jeanne Birdsall (recommended for ages 8-12)
Four sisters discover a magical summer of gardens, friendship, and mischief at a beautiful estate. The books in this series feel like modern classics!
The Chronicles of Narnia
by C.S. Lewis (recommended for ages 8-12)
Step through the wardrobe into a world of talking animals, epic quests, and beautiful echoes of the gospel. Listening to the Chronicles of Narnia is a magical way to experience these stories.
A Rover's Story
by Jasmine Warga (recommended for ages 8-12)
A surprisingly moving story about a Mars rover named Resilience and what it means to be human. This one captivated us!
Anne of Green Gables
by L.M. Montgomery (recommended for ages 8-12)
A spirited orphan transforms a quiet farm and everyone she meets with her boundless imagination and heart. The audiobook narrated by Rachel McAdams is fantastic!
The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien (recommended for ages 8-12)
Once your children are ready for longer stories, few audiobooks capture adventure and wonder quite like this one. Equally wonderful for adults!
A Place to Hang the Moon
by Kate Albus (recommended for ages 10+)
Three orphaned siblings search for a family during WWII England. Cozy, hopeful, and moving. One of our family’s favorite stories of all time!
Sweep
by Jonathan Auxier (recommended for ages 10+)
A chimney sweep girl and a mysterious soot-covered creature form an unforgettable friendship in this haunting Victorian tale. This will keep you on the edge of your seat!
A Long Walk to Water
by Linda Sue Park (recommended for ages 10+)
Two based-on-true stories set in Sudan converge in this powerful tale of survival, hope, and clean water. This book opened the door to so many meaningful family conversations.
