2024 Best Audiobooks for Children
One of my favorite lists is coming out soon – the Notable Children’s Recordings which features the best audiobooks for children. The list is curated and announced by the American Library Association (ALA) at their annual conference in late January. The list includes books of “especially commendable quality that demonstrate respect for young people’s intelligence and imagination; exhibit venturesome creativity; and reflect and encourage the interests of children and young adolescents in exemplary ways.”
What’s interesting about this list is the emphasis on excellence put on narration, sound quality and the overall feel and “listen” of the book. Any audiobook on this list you are guaranteed a compelling story, and a good, immersive, listening experience. Anyone can read a masterpiece aloud, but it takes great narration and storytelling to make a story come to life.
The Odyssey Award winner and honor winners are also included on this list. The Odyssey award is another indicator of quality audiobooks; however, they tend to skew towards books that are too old for my children.
As we wait for the 2025 list to be announced in late January, here are some of my favorite recordings from 2024.
My Favorite Notable Children’s Recordings from 2024
Carina Felina
Written and narrated by Carmen Agra Deedy.
It’s always a treat when an author reads their own story. You get a special insight into the author’s vision for the book. Carina Felina is a Cuban retelling of a classic folktale. Parrot falls in love with Carina Felina and invites her to dinner but almost ends up being dinner himself! This book reminds me of The Gruffalo, which is another real aloud favorite.
“I’m Carina Felina
I do what I like,
I eat what I wish.
Step out of my way,
or you’ll be my next dish!”
Big Tree
Written by Brian Selznick. Narrated by Meryl Streep.
In addition to being on the Notable Recordings list, this book was also a Grammy Nominee for Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording. And how can you go wrong with Meryl Streep? Big Tree is about two small seeds trying to find a good place to grow and has received incredible praise from the literary community.
This is also a lovely book to physically read. Author and illustrator Brian Selznick has perfected beautifully intricate pencil drawings which are scattered throughout the book.
When You CAN sWIM
wRITTEN BY jACK wONG. nARRATED by Shannon Tyo.
When You Can Swim is a lovely book about the joys of swimming. This is a great listen for younger kids who are just learning to swim or are hesitant around water. The audiobook version has splashes and water sound effects that make for a fun listen.
Chez Bob
Written by Bob Shea. Narrated by John Lithgow.
Chez Bob is about an alligator who craftily opens a restaurant to attract birds…just to eat them! But he discovers he enjoys cooking for his little bird friends instead. This hilarious book is narrated by John Lithgow so you know it’ll be funny.
Night in the City
Written by Julie Downing. Narrated by Harriett D. Foy.
Night in the City tells the story of eight different night workers including a nurse, firefighter, security guard, what they wear, where they go, what they do. It’s an interesting read for children who are used to going to bed at nighttime. These workers are just waking up to start their day. It provides a good insight into what goes on in the city while most people sleep.
Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken
Written by Kate DiCamillo. Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat.
A clueless but brave chicken tells the tails of her adventures with pirates, joining the circus, escaping the clutches of a lion and more.
This book is actually the Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production 2010 medal winner, but I need to include it as one of my favorite kids’ audiobooks. Kate DiCamillo is a wonderful comedic children’s author, and her book translates perfectly to an audiobook.
“She was brave.
She was fearless.
She was feathered.
She was a chicken.”
The full list of ALA’s Notable Children’s Recordings is available here: Notable Children’s Recordings – 2024 | Association for Library Service to Children. It’s worth taking a look at past lists for other quality audiobooks. I enjoy Audible for ease and accessibility for our books on tape. The local library is also an amazing resource for free recordings.