AudioFile Magazine curated this audiobook list exclusively for The Children’s Book Review.
Best New Audiobooks for Ages 4+
The audiobooks we recommend this month celebrate the simple wonders of summer, the magnificent whale, delicious food, friendship, and the rich and storied history of the African continent. Gentle narrations and engaging background music make these topics accessible to and engaging for the youngest listeners and may offer ideas for caregivers for related conversations, field trips, and shared meals.
Before the Ships: The Birth of Black Excellence
Written by Maisha Oso
Read by Kim Staunton
AudioFile Earphones Award
Scholastic Audiobooks | 14 mins. | Ages 4-8
Narrator Kim Staunton communicates a buoyant pride in this very short story highlighting the contributions of Africans before the slave trade began. Original music and gentle sound effects of waves and wildlife accompany a storied list of African accomplishments in the fields of art, music, warfare, science, and math. Staunton’s fluid delivery highlights the author’s careful choice of words, which occasionally rhyme but never sound forced. This uplifting account emphasizes the continued worth of the African Diaspora. Review»
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A Banquet for Cecilia: How Cecilia Chiang Revolutionized Chinese Food in America
Written by Julie Leung
Read by Cindy Kay
Hachette Audio | 15 mins. | Ages 4-8
Classical music provides an enjoyable background to the story of Cecilia Chiang. She first watched cooking in her family home in China and then was introduced to its varied cuisine as she crossed the country during WWII. Later, she immigrated to the U.S. Cindy Kay’s soft voice transmits Cecilia’s dedication to the dishes she loves and grows stronger and more determined as she finds herself wanting to share them. An audiobook that will awaken young listeners’ taste buds. Review»
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City Summer, Country Summer
Written by Kiese Laymon
Read by Samuel Eubanks
Listening Library | 7 mins. | Ages 5-9
Samuel Eubanks brings an unstudied earnestness to his narration of this story of Black boys and bygone Mississippi summers. The unnamed protagonist spends summers with his grandmother; right next door is a boy who is visiting the country from New York. These two boys are both fascinated by, and a little afraid of, each other until a walk in the woods and a game of Marco Polo in the garden show that they speak a common language. Eubanks’s delivery embraces these boys, both different and alike, and beckons listeners to join them. Review»
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Orris and Timble: Lost and Found: Orris and Timble, Book 2
Written by Kate DiCamillo
Read by Mark Bramhall
Listening Library | 17 mins. | Ages 5-8
Mark Bramhall narrates an adventure about unlikely friends: Orris, a rat, and Timble, an owl. Bramhall’s deep voice, distinct enunciations, and gentle rhythms are a perfect match. Bramhall’s portraits are well defined for the young, enthusiastic Timble and the older, grumbly Orris. The friends’ developing relationship faces a challenge when Timble doesn’t appear for his nightly visit. Review»
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Whales in the City
Written by Nancy F. Castaldo
Read by Tara Novie
Macmillan Audio | 22 mins. | Ages 4-8
Tara Novie’s youthful voice reflects a sense of wonder for the topic of this audiobook: whales. She conveys a sense of hope as the Hudson River flows clear again and the whales return. In the second part of the audiobook, Novie’s tone becomes more grounded as she details the activism that led to the 1972 Clean Water Act. Novie conveys the urgency of this environmental issue and humanity’s role in shaping an optimistic future. Review»
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The article 5 Stunning Summer-Themed Audiobooks for Ages 4 and Up 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, BlueSky @audiofilemagazine.bsky.social, Facebook @audiofilemagazine, and Instagram @AudioFileMagazine
