5 New Family Favorite Audiobooks for Young Listeners

AudioFile Magazine for The Children’s Book Review

Best New Audiobooks for Young Listeners

AudioFile’s Editors recommend five audiobooks for the youngest listeners—a gentle exploration of bookmaking in Mesoamerica, a bilingual story of cousins across the U.S.-Mexico border, a fascinating orchestra full of unusual instruments, and more. Find a new family favorite story to share with your little ones, on their own or with the picture book in hand.

Carolina Hoyos expertly and lovingly narrates this astounding audiobook. A Mexihcah girl tells her little brother about the history of bookmaking in Mesoamerica before the arrival of Europeans. Book-making techniques are explored in depth—from the plants used to make the pages to the animals, insects, and rocks used to complete and decorate the books. Hoyos narrates clearly, especially the words in Nahuatl, and her narration brings warmth to this story. Gentle sound effects and soft music are present throughout the production, enhancing the listening experience. Review »

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Narrator Tyler Merritt shares a painful childhood memory with unmistakable sincerity, speaking directly to the listener. Merritt recounts visiting his Southern grandparents. One day, he visits a friend’s home. In a powerful moment, the friend’s mom declares that the “Black boy” cannot come in. The listener hears the door slam and the deadbolt latch. The painful sound replays as Tyler stands outside—alone, grappling with his first experience of blatant racism. Unsettled, he returns home where his grandparents offer love and reassurance. In turn, Merritt compassionately assures kids that they, too, are perfect just the way they are. Review »

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Narrators Ana Isabel Dow and Oscar Emmanuel Fabela narrate a heartwarming bilingual story that will delight listeners as their voices exude joy and warmth. Dow narrates in English, and Fabela narrates in Spanish; they alternate throughout the audiobook. Dow and Fabela portray two cousins—one lives in the U.S. and the other in Mexico. They know that when their families cross the border to come together, a wonderful, almost magical, time is had, and they wish they could cross the border without so many barriers. Review »

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There’s warmth and enthusiasm as Robert Blackson explains that the Symphony for a Broken Orchestra—Philadelphia’s public initiative to repair broken instruments and bring music back to the schools—came about when he discovered an abandoned school gym filled with damaged pianos. Tyla Collier’s voice brings the music of this enchanting story to listeners. Her melodic tones delightfully mirror the sounds of various instruments that sound beautiful even as they fall into disrepair. Their performances are sure to result in requests for encores of this compact and cheery production. Review »

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This sweet audiobook has an emotional and heartfelt narration performed by a masterful ensemble. Full of hope and compassion, each narrator delivers a brief account in the second person of how one’s identity grows and evolves to be much more than any trait, label, or quality. The writing is naturally poetic, allowing the narration to be lyrical, and each performer maintains a gentle portrayal at an impeccable pace. This beautiful audiobook reminds listeners to recognize their potential and to accept themselves and all their changing facets. Review »

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Don’t miss our interview with Matt de la Peña and Corinna Luyken about Patchwork:

This list of audiobooks 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 @AudioFileBehindTheMicPodcast.

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