Best New Audiobooks for Ages 4-6+, Selected by AudioFile Magazine for The Children’s Book Review.
Young listeners can meet some real-life heroes and legends in the audiobooks we’re recommending this month. Plus, a celebration of libraries, literacy, and books, and revisiting some favorite stories and beloved characters. Skilled, enthusiastic narrators and creative use of music and sound effects ensure that these stories are extra special on audio, sure to keep the attention of their intended audience.
The Best New Audiobooks for Ages 4+
Bridges Instead of Walls: The Story of Mavis Staples
Written by Mavis Staples and Carole Boston Weatherford
Read by Mavis Staples and Adenrele Ojo
Listening Library | 28 mins. | Ages 6-9
Singer Mavis Staples brings her iconic, resonant voice to this audiobook, allowing young listeners an unforgettable glimpse into her remarkable musical life. In a voice ringing with warmth, humor, and conviction, Staples describes her musical roots, which began with gospel and later branched out into soul, R&B, and more. The rich timbre of Staples’s voice is enthralling, and the emotions she brings to her narration—pure joy at recalling her young, determined self, wonder when remembering meetings with Dr. King, Elvis Presley, and Prince, and sorrow at the passing of her family members—are nearly palpable. Review»
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¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read
Written by Raúl the Third
Read by Gary Tiedemann
Dreamscape | 13 mins. | Ages 4-8
Narrating with enthusiasm, Gary Tiedemann tells of Little Lobo and his friends as they attend the out-of-this-world book festival, hosted by the Guadalupian Library. By borrowing maps, books, and hardware tools and using public computers, the friends get the most out of their library visit. The audiobook highlights Mexican American culture, referencing burritos, la llorona, el cucuy, and piñatas with humor and joy. This fourth book in the Vamos series celebrates literacy, libraries, and librarians with playful elements. Review»
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Graeme Base Collection: Vol 3
Written by Graeme Base
Read by Humphrey Bower
Bolinda Audio | 34 mins. | Ages 4-6
This vibrant short story collection featuring animals offers a scintillating safari of sound and narrative, expertly performed by Humphrey Bower. His animated voice and Australian accent, accompanied by sparkling sound effects and music, are sure to make listeners smile. Educational and entertaining, the stories include Little Bug Books and BumbleBunnies collections, which demonstrate the singular and plural forms of various species, what the offspring of different species are called, and the sounds they make. Imaginative and immersive, this contagious collection is a joyful, high-energy experience for children and adults alike. Review»
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Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series
Written by Traci Sorell
Read by Traci Sorell
Listening Library | 19 mins. | Ages 6-9
Traci Sorell re-creates the excitement of the 1911 World Series, which featured two Native Americans on opposing teams. Listeners meet New York Giants pitcher John Meyers and Philadelphia Athletics catcher Charles Bender. Meyers was from the Cahuilla tribe in California; Bender was from Minnesota’s Ojibwe tribe. Sorell demonstrates how Meyers and Bender used their courage and wit to overcome attempts to destroy their heritage and waylay their talents. Spirited descriptions from baseball sportscasting showcase Sorell at her best. Review»
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The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe: The Princess in Black, Book 11
Written by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Read by Julia Whelan
Listening Library | 20 mins. | Ages 5-8
Julia Whelan’s voice has its usual bright timbre and energetic drive, and it’s a delight to experience the voices of these characters, who have become literary friends. The story opens as haughty, malicious Duchess Wigtower leaves a badly behaved kitten for Princess Magnolia. Princess Magnolia greets the surprise pet with her usual sweet openness and curiosity that heightens as she seeks to better understand the kitten. Review»
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The article “Best New Audiobooks for Ages 4-6+” 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, Facebook @audiofilemagazine, and Instagram @AudioFileMagazine
