The first time I encountered audiobooks as a kid was in my parents’ minivan, squashed in the back seats amongst my three brothers, as my parents played us books on tape during long car rides. It transformed my travels. The audiobook narrators spoke worlds into existence for me. Through the grainy glass of my window, the scenery flashing before my eyes bloomed into the vivid landscapes of these stories.
What made listening to these audiobooks even more special was the shared reading experience it offered my family. In the past, I’d stuff as many library books as I could fit under the seat in front of me. Then, I’d sink into my chair and fight off car sickness as I got lost in my own stories. Audiobooks, on the other hand, allowed my family and me to enter into these story worlds together.
Now that I’m a mom, I’ve rediscovered the joy of shared audiobooks with my son. Almost every day as I drive him to school, we listen to an audiobook fantasy series for kids together. Sure, some days we’ll mix things up with some Legend of Zelda soundtrack music or an Arthur podcast episode. For the most part, though, we vote for our special audiobook time.
Our shared love of fantasy audiobooks first began while listening to the Scottish actor David Tennant’s narration of Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon series. David Tennant could narrate a dictionary, and I’d love it. His character voices are so varied, nuanced, and charming. My son and I listened to all 12 books in that series, then moved on to Tennant’s narration of Cowell’s Wizards of Once series next.
These audiobooks have brought us so much joy, we’ve expanded our listening habits from the car to at home, too. We’ll listen while we do chores or while we puzzle. It has encouraged my reluctant reader son to fall in love with reading. Like audiobooks did with my family growing up, they’ve also brought my son and I closer as the narrator transports us into these stories together.
If you’d like to check out some excellent audiobooks with the children in your life, too, I’ve gathered together a list of the best audiobook fantasy series for kids. Each one promises award-winning narrators and engaging fantasy adventures. Which audiobooks are your favorites to listen to with kiddos?
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How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell, Narrated by David Tennant
This 12-book series, written by Cressida Cowell and narrated by Scottish actor David Tennant, is exceptional. His range of hero, villain, and Viking voices had my son and me cackling and riveted throughout the entire series. Tennant’s performance in the final book, How to Fight a Dragon’s Fury, also received a Gold Award at the Parents’ Choice Awards.
The series follows the misadventures of a young Viking named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III on the tiny yet formidable isle of Berk. As Hiccup tries to train his hilariously disobedient dragon Toothless, he and his friends find themselves on unexpected paths to becoming heroes.
The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell, Narrated by David Tennant
Cressida Cowell is such a funny and heartfelt author, and pairing her books with David Tennant’s narration is truly a cosmic combination. For those who also can’t get enough of David Tennant reading books by Cressida Cowell, I highly recommend checking out this middle grade fantasy series next. The first book won ALA’s Odyssey Honor for Excellence in Audiobook Production, as well as the 2022 Audiobook of the Year for Fiction at the British Book Awards.
The story stars an eccentric cast of characters, including a kindhearted Warrior girl named Wish, a rambunctious Wizard boy named Xar, Wish’s endearingly inept bodyguard, a talking raven, and a bunch of silly sprites and other magical creatures. Despite the tension between Wizards and Warriors, Wish and Xar will join forces to stop the return of the evil Witches!
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston, Narrated by Imani Parks
This magical book series follows Amari Peters as she searches for her missing brother. When she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet, Amari learns that she’s been nominated for a tryout at the mysterious Bureau of Supernatural Affairs.
The story’s narrator, Imani Parks, played Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway. She has also won multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards, and the ALA recognized this audiobook in YALSA’s roundup of Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Narrated by Janet Song
This Newbery Honor Book by Grace Lin is narrated by Janet Song, who has also won many Earphones Awards. In this heartwarming fantasy, Minli teams up with a dragon to find the Old Man of the Moon and change her family’s fortune. While there isn’t a direct sequel to this story, Grace Lin wrote companion stories following new characters in the same world, including Starry River of the Sky and When the Sea Turned to Silver.
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson, Illustrations by Greg Call, Narrated by Jim Dale
Jim Dale is another children’s audiobook narrator you won’t want to miss. His performance in the first audiobook in this series won an Audie Award, as well as an ALA Notable Children’s Recording selection.
Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s fantasy series takes place on a distant island where an orphan named Peter and his friend Molly face off against pirates and thieves and search for a secret safe to save the world. This swashbuckling audiobook is a perfect next listen for the Peter Pan fans in your life.
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani, Narrated by Polly Lee
This entertaining fantasy series by Soman Chainani is narrated by award-winning actress Polly Lee, who has won many AudioFile Earphones Awards. For over 200 years, two children have been taken, one seen as beautiful and good, the other as odd and an outsider. When best friends Sophie and Agatha get taken, they’ll discover that all of the missing children have been brought to the School for Good and Evil. Here, they’ll learn how to become fairy tale heroes and villains.
I hope these audiobook fantasy series for kids bring as much whimsy and joy into you and your small ones’ reading lives as they have for my son and me. Perhaps they, too, will make the landscapes flying by your car windows grow into breathtaking new worlds. For more exceptional audiobooks, check out this list of 20 Must-Read Audiobooks for the Whole Family. Happy listening!
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