Audiobooks are a great way to entertain and educate the whole family, whether you’re on a long road trip, doing chores around the house, or just relaxing together. They can also be a valuable tool for developing listening skills and fostering a love of literature in children.
When it comes to choosing the best audiobooks for families, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you want to find books that are engaging and entertaining for listeners of all ages. The narration should be clear and engaging, and the story should be interesting and well-written.
Another important factor to consider is the age-appropriateness of the content. While some books may be appropriate for all ages, others may contain themes or language that are not suitable for younger listeners. It’s important to do your research and choose books that are appropriate for your family’s needs.
In this guide, we’ve researched and tested a variety of audiobooks to find the best options for families. We’ve considered factors like age-appropriateness, narration quality, and overall entertainment value to bring you a list of top picks that are sure to please listeners of all ages.
Best Audiobooks for Families
As a family, finding time to read together can be difficult. That’s why audiobooks are a great option for families looking to enjoy a good story together. With the rise of digital audio, there are now more options than ever when it comes to finding the perfect audiobook for your family. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best audiobooks for families that are sure to entertain both kids and adults alike. From classic tales to new releases, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top picks for the best audiobooks for families.
Best Family Ever
If you’re looking for a wholesome and heartwarming audiobook to enjoy with your family, Best Family Ever might just be the perfect choice.
Pros
- Engaging and relatable characters
- Positive messages about family and friendship
- Narration by talented voice actors
Cons
- Relatively short listening length
- Some may find the Christian themes too heavy-handed
- Not as action-packed as some other family-friendly audiobooks
Best Family Ever is a sweet and uplifting story about the Baxter family, written by bestselling author Karen Kingsbury and her son Tyler Russell. The audiobook follows the four Baxter children as they navigate the ups and downs of family life, learning important lessons about love, forgiveness, and faith along the way.
One of the biggest strengths of Best Family Ever is its well-developed characters. Each of the Baxter children has a distinct personality and struggles with relatable challenges, making it easy for listeners of all ages to connect with them. The narration by Rebekkah Ross and Tara Sands is also top-notch, bringing the story to life with energy and emotion.
While some may find the Christian themes of the book a bit heavy-handed, others will appreciate the positive messages about family and friendship that permeate the story. The only real downside of Best Family Ever is its relatively short listening length of just 5 hours and 30 minutes, which may leave some listeners wanting more.
Overall, if you’re looking for a heartwarming and family-friendly audiobook, Best Family Ever is definitely worth a listen.
If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood
If you’re looking for a gripping true crime audiobook that will keep you on the edge of your seat, If You Tell is definitely a great option.
Pros
- The story is well-written and engaging, making it hard to put down.
- The narrator, Karen Peakes, does an excellent job of bringing the story to life.
- The book provides a fascinating look at the dynamics of abusive relationships and the power of sisterhood.
Cons
- The subject matter can be quite disturbing and may not be suitable for all listeners.
- Some readers may find the book’s graphic descriptions of abuse to be too much.
- The book can be a bit slow to get started, with a lot of background information to wade through before the story really takes off.
If You Tell tells the story of three sisters who are forced to confront the traumatic abuse they suffered at the hands of their mother and stepfather. It’s a harrowing tale of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.
The book is well-written and engaging, with the author doing an excellent job of bringing the story to life. The narrator, Karen Peakes, also deserves special mention for her excellent performance.
That said, the subject matter of the book is quite disturbing and may not be suitable for all listeners. The book’s graphic descriptions of abuse can be hard to listen to, and some readers may find it too much to handle.
Overall, If You Tell is a powerful and compelling audiobook that is definitely worth a listen if you’re a fan of true crime stories. Just be prepared for some difficult subject matter.
The Family Across the Street
If you’re looking for a fast-paced psychological thriller with a shocking twist, then The Family Across the Street might be the perfect audiobook for you.
Pros
- Gripping plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat
- Well-developed characters that you’ll care about
- Narrator Taryn Ryan delivers a great performance
Cons
- Some readers might find the subject matter disturbing
- The story can be predictable at times
- The ending might not satisfy everyone
The Family Across the Street follows the story of a nosy neighbor named Gladys who starts to notice that things aren’t quite right next door. The parents bicker, and the dad is becoming distant. Things take a turn one morning when she realizes that the children haven’t been seen for a while.
As the story progresses, you’ll be drawn into the lives of the characters, including the troubled family next door, Gladys herself, and others in the neighborhood. The tension builds as secrets are revealed, and the shocking twist at the end will leave you reeling.
Overall, The Family Across the Street is an engaging and well-written psychological thriller that’s perfect for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a suspenseful and entertaining audiobook to listen to with your family, then this might be the one for you.
Then She Was Gone: A Novel
If you’re looking for an engaging audiobook for the whole family, Then She Was Gone: A Novel might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- Gripping plot that keeps you engaged until the end.
- Well-crafted characters that you can relate to.
- Narrated by Helen Duff, who does an excellent job bringing the story to life.
Cons
- Some readers might find the subject matter disturbing.
- The ending might feel a bit rushed to some.
- A few plot twists might be predictable to experienced readers.
In Then She Was Gone: A Novel, Lisa Jewell tells the story of a mother who is searching for her missing daughter. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the characters are well-crafted and relatable. Helen Duff’s narration is excellent, and she does a great job bringing the story to life.
The audiobook has a runtime of 10 hours and 12 minutes, and it was released on April 17, 2018, by Dreamscape Media, LLC. It has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, based on 94,659 ratings.
Overall, Then She Was Gone: A Novel is a gripping audiobook that will keep you engaged until the end. However, some readers might find the subject matter disturbing, and a few plot twists might be predictable to experienced readers. If you’re looking for an engaging audiobook for the whole family, Then She Was Gone: A Novel is definitely worth checking out.
In the Best Families
If you’re a fan of the Nero Wolfe series, then In the Best Families is a must-have audiobook for your family.
Pros
- Engaging and suspenseful storyline
- Well-developed characters
- Great narration by Michael Prichard
Cons
- Some may find the plot a bit far-fetched
- Not suitable for young children due to mature themes
- Some may find the pacing slow in some parts
In the Best Families is a classic detective mystery that follows Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin as they investigate a criminal organization led by Arnold Zeck. The story is engaging and suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked until the very end. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and Michael Prichard’s narration brings them to life in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
While the plot may be a bit far-fetched for some, it’s still a great listen for those who love a good mystery. However, due to mature themes, it may not be suitable for young children. Additionally, some may find the pacing slow in some parts, but overall, In the Best Families is a great addition to any family’s audiobook collection.
The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family
If you’re looking for an entertaining and informative audiobook about Hollywood and family life, then The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family is worth considering.
Pros
- Narrated by Ron Howard, Clint Howard, and Bryce Dallas Howard
- Provides an inside look at the Howard family’s life in Hollywood
- Uplifting and heartwarming story
Cons
- May not be as interesting for those who are not fans of the Howard family or Hollywood history
- Some parts of the book may feel slow-paced
- The audiobook is relatively long (13 hours and 18 minutes)
The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family is a fascinating audiobook that provides a glimpse into the lives of the Howard family. The book is narrated by Ron Howard, Clint Howard, and Bryce Dallas Howard, which adds to the personal touch of the story. The book covers the family’s journey from Oklahoma to Hollywood, their experiences in the entertainment industry, and their family life.
One of the strengths of this audiobook is the narration. Ron Howard, Clint Howard, and Bryce Dallas Howard are all talented actors, and their narration brings the story to life. Additionally, the book is well-written and provides an engaging look at the Howard family’s life.
However, the book may not be as interesting for those who are not fans of the Howard family or Hollywood history. Some parts of the book may feel slow-paced, and the audiobook is relatively long (13 hours and 18 minutes). Despite these drawbacks, The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family is a worthwhile listen for those interested in Hollywood history and family stories.
Overall, we recommend The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family for those looking for an entertaining and informative audiobook about Hollywood and family life.
The Best Halloween Ever
If you’re looking for a fun and easy-to-listen audiobook to enjoy with your family during the Halloween season, The Best Halloween Ever is a great choice.
Pros
- Elaine Stritch’s narration is engaging and entertaining.
- The story is full of humor and heart, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.
- The audiobook is short and sweet, perfect for a quick listen during a car ride or family activity.
Cons
- Some may find the story to be a bit formulaic and predictable.
- The characters can be a bit one-dimensional and stereotypical.
- The audiobook may not be scary or spooky enough for those looking for a more frightening Halloween experience.
In The Best Halloween Ever, the Herdman kids are up to their usual mischief as they plan to make Halloween the best one ever. Along the way, they learn important lessons about friendship, community, and the true meaning of Halloween.
Narrated by Elaine Stritch, the audiobook brings the story to life with her lively and engaging performance. Her voices for each character are distinct and entertaining, making it easy to follow along with the story.
While the plot may be a bit predictable, the humor and heart of the story make it a great listen for families looking for a fun Halloween-themed audiobook. The short length of the audiobook also makes it a convenient choice for busy families on the go.
Overall, The Best Halloween Ever is a charming and enjoyable audiobook that is sure to delight listeners of all ages.
Tom Lake: A Novel
If you’re looking for an audiobook that explores the importance of family and the joys of day-to-day existence, then Tom Lake: A Novel by Ann Patchett is a great choice.
Pros
- Narrated by Meryl Streep
- Explores the importance of family and community
- Set during the Covid epidemic
Cons
- May not appeal to those who don’t enjoy literary fiction
- Some readers may find the pacing slow
- Not suitable for young children
Tom Lake: A Novel is a heartwarming story that explores the lives of a family during the Covid epidemic. The novel is narrated by Meryl Streep, who brings the characters to life with her captivating voice.
The story revolves around Lara and her family, who run a cherry orchard in Michigan. When the pandemic hits, Lara’s three grown daughters return home to help with the harvest. As they work together, they learn to appreciate the little things in life and the importance of family and community.
One of the strengths of this audiobook is its exploration of family dynamics. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
Overall, if you’re looking for an audiobook that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired, then Tom Lake: A Novel is definitely worth a listen.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best audiobooks for families, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for:
Age-Appropriate Content
It is important to choose audiobooks that are appropriate for the age of your children. Some audiobooks may contain mature themes or language that may not be suitable for younger listeners. Make sure to read reviews or listen to samples before purchasing to ensure that the content is appropriate for your family.
Narration Quality
The quality of the narration can greatly impact the overall listening experience. Look for audiobooks that have skilled narrators who can bring the story to life. Some audiobooks may even feature multiple narrators, which can add depth and variety to the listening experience.
Length and Format
Consider the length and format of the audiobook. Longer audiobooks may be better suited for longer car rides or road trips, while shorter audiobooks may be better for quick listening sessions. Additionally, some audiobooks may come in a series or bundle, which can provide hours of entertainment for the whole family.
Bonus Features
Some audiobooks may come with bonus features, such as author interviews or behind-the-scenes content. These features can provide additional insight and entertainment for the whole family.
Overall, when choosing the best audiobooks for families, it is important to consider the age-appropriateness of the content, the quality of the narration, the length and format of the audiobook, and any bonus features that may be included. By taking these factors into account, you can choose audiobooks that will provide hours of entertainment and education for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good audiobooks for family road trips with tweens?
For family road trips with tweens, we recommend audiobooks that are engaging, entertaining, and appropriate for their age group. Some great options include “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling, “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan, and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis.
What are some audiobook alternatives for family entertainment?
If you’re looking for audiobook alternatives for family entertainment, consider podcasts or radio dramas. Some popular options include “Welcome to Night Vale,” “The Adventure Zone,” and “The Truth.” These options provide entertainment and engagement for the whole family.
What are the best audiobooks for teens?
For teens, we recommend audiobooks that are thought-provoking, engaging, and relevant to their interests. Some great options include “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green, and “Eleanor and Park” by Rainbow Rowell.
What are some recommended audiobooks for 5-7 year olds?
For 5-7 year olds, we recommend audiobooks that are fun, engaging, and educational. Some great options include “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss, “Curious George” by H.A. Rey, and “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak.
What are some funny family-friendly audiobooks?
If you’re looking for funny family-friendly audiobooks, consider titles like “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney, “The Adventures of Captain Underpants” by Dav Pilkey, and “The Terrible Two” by Mac Barnett and Jory John. These options are sure to provide laughs and entertainment for the whole family.
What are the top audiobooks for 9 year olds?
For 9 year olds, we recommend audiobooks that are engaging, entertaining, and appropriate for their age group. Some great options include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl, “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate, and “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan.