Some kids discover their favorite stories by listening first.
A narrator brings the characters to life. A road trip turns into reading time. A reluctant reader suddenly wants to keep going.
That’s part of what makes audiobooks so powerful.
For kids, that can make a big difference. Whether they’re listening during quiet time, following along with the text or hearing a favorite character come to life, audiobooks give readers another way to connect with stories.
That’s why Audiobook Appreciation Month is a good reminder that listening counts too!
Why Audiobooks Help Kids Stay Engaged with Reading
Audiobooks support reading in ways that work for different types of learners.
Some kids enjoy listening while following the words on screen. Others feel more confident understanding vocabulary and pronunciation when they hear it out loud. For reluctant readers, audiobooks can make stories feel more approachable and less overwhelming.
They also make reading easier to fit into everyday routines, from the bedtime wind-down to the school commute.
For teachers and parents, audiobooks can also support:
- Listening comprehension
- Vocabulary development
- Reading stamina
- Independent reading habits
And for many kids, audiobooks help turn reading into something they actually look forward to.
Popular Audiobooks Kids Are Loving on Epic
Looking for a place to start? These kid-friendly audiobooks on Epic continue to be classroom and family favorites.
Where the Wild Things Are
A classic story about imagination, emotions and adventure. When Max sails away to the land of the Wild Things, kids get pulled into a story that has stayed a favorite for generations. The audiobook narration adds even more energy to the journey.
Listen here:
https://www.getepic.com/audiobook/15883969/where-the-wild-things-are
Bink and Gollie
Bink and Gollie may be complete opposites, but that’s what makes them fun to follow. Full of humor and friendship, this audiobook is great for younger readers who enjoy funny conversations and short chapters that keep the story moving.
Listen here:
https://www.getepic.com/audiobook/15723985/bink-and-gollie
The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor
Ms. Frizzle turns a science lesson into an underwater adventure as the class explores life deep in the ocean. Kids who love animals, exploration and fun facts will stay engaged while learning along the way.
Listen here:
https://www.getepic.com/audiobook/16063951/the-magic-school-bus-on-the-ocean-floor
Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets
George and Harold are back with another ridiculous adventure, this time involving talking toilets taking over the school. Packed with humor, action and chaos, this audiobook is a favorite for reluctant readers and kids who love laugh-out-loud stories.
Listen here: https://www.getepic.com/audiobook/69185305/captain-underpants-and-the-attack-of-the-talking-toilets
Wings of Fire #1: The Dragonet Prophecy
A group of young dragons is destined to end a long-running war, but first they have to decide if they even want the future chosen for them. Full of action, adventure and cliffhangers, this audiobook is a favorite for fantasy readers who love getting pulled into big story worlds.
Listen here: https://www.getepic.com/audiobook/16246155/wings-of-fire-1-the-dragonet-prophecy
Classic Starts: The Call of the Wild
This adaptation of Jack London’s classic introduces young listeners to Buck, a dog forced to survive in the Yukon wilderness during the Gold Rush. It’s a great first step into classic literature for kids ready for longer stories and bigger adventures.
Listen here:
https://www.getepic.com/audiobook/80553057/classic-starts-the-call-of-the-wild
Audiobooks Can Help Keep Summer Reading Going
Audiobooks are also a great option during the summer months, when routines shift and reading habits can slow down.
Because kids can listen almost anywhere, audiobooks make it easier to keep stories part of the day. That flexibility matters for busy families, road trips and summer schedules that don’t always leave room for traditional reading time.
For teachers, audiobooks can also support summer reading recommendations by giving students more ways to stay engaged with books outside the classroom.
More Audiobooks to Explore on Epic
Epic’s audiobook collection includes popular children’s stories, nonfiction titles, classroom favorites and read-along experiences for different ages and reading levels.
Explore more top audiobooks here:
https://www.getepic.com/collection/1866223/awesome-audiobooks
One More Way to Help Kids Connect with Reading
Not every child connects with reading in the same way.
For some kids, audiobooks are what help stories finally click. And once they find a format they enjoy, they’re more likely to keep listening, keep exploring and keep reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ Why do so many kids enjoy audiobooks?
Audiobooks make stories feel lively and easy to jump into. Kids can listen during car rides, quiet time or while following along with the words, which helps reading feel more fun and less like homework.
▶ Do audiobooks still help kids build reading skills?
They do. Audiobooks help kids hear vocabulary, follow story structure and build comprehension skills while staying engaged with books. For many readers, listening is what helps stories finally click.
▶ What are some fun audiobooks kids can start with?
Favorites on Epic include Where the Wild Things Are, Bink and Gollie, Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets and The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor. There’s also a full collection of audiobooks for different ages, interests and reading levels to explore.
