AudioFile for The Children’s Book Review
AudioFile’s 2022 Best Children and Family Listening audiobooks make for captivating listening for young readers and their families. Each audiobook is brought to life by talented narrators—explore new worlds, take an unforgettable visit to the orchestra, and hear heartfelt stories of self-discovery.
A Is for Oboe: The Orchestra’s Alphabet
Story by Lera Auerbach and Marilyn Nelson
Read by Thomas Quasthoff
Listening Library | 50 mins. | Ages 7+ | Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award
Narrator Thomas Quasthoff’s voice has a musicality perfectly suited to this rich, poetic tribute to the orchestra, with its own symphonic score to capture the heart of every instrument and musical concept. Review »
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A Different Pond
Story by Bao Phi
Read by Bao Phi
Dreamscape | 14 mins. | Ages 4+ | Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award
Music, sound effects, and poet Bao Phi’s soothing voice transport the listener to a boy’s early morning fishing trip with his Vietnamese American father. Review »
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Eyes That Speak to the Stars
Story by Joanna Ho
Read by Justin Chien
Ages 4+ | Harper Audio | 5 mins. | Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award
With warmth and sensitivity, Justin Chien presents this tender story of a young Chinese boy learning how his legacy, culture, and deep family ties are represented by his eyes. Review »
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How Do You Live?
Story by Genzaburo Yoshino, Bruno Navasky [Trans.], and Neil Gaiman [Fore.]
Read by Brian Nishii
Ages 10+ | Recorded Books | 6.25 hrs. | Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award
Brian Nishii narrates this uniquely thoughtful audiobook, translated from a 1937 Japanese classic that is surprisingly relevant today. Nishii creates a heartfelt Copper, who seeks advice from his uncle about how to live up to his own lofty ideals. Review »
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The Last Mapmaker
Story by Christina Soontornvat
Read by Sura Siu
Ages 8+ | OrangeSky Audio | 7.5 hrs.
Sura Siu captivates as she narrates this breathtaking seafaring adventure featuring Sai, a bright-voiced 12-year-old girl seeking a better life. Mutiny, dragons, storms, and new worlds await! Review »
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Winnie-the-Pooh
Story by A.A. Milne
Read by Barbara Rosenblat
Design Sound Productions | 3.5 hrs. | Ages 6+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Listeners meet Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo, and, of course, Christopher Robin and his friend Winnie-the-Pooh in this classic. Beautifully narrated by Barbara Rosenblat, these stories will linger in the hearts and minds of all listeners. Review »
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For the full list of 2022 Best Audiobooks, visit AudioFile’s website.
The Best Children and Family Listening Audiobooks of 2022 was curated by AudioFile. AudioFile is an independent source of audiobook reviews and recommendations with a clear focus on the performance and listening experience. AudioFile Earphones Awards are given to exceptional audiobooks. To learn more, visit audiofilemagazine.com, Twitter @AudioFileMag, and Facebook @audiofilemagazine.
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