AudioFile for The Children’s Book Review
Audiobooks can be excellent companions for the youngest of listeners. Listening to stories on their own or with loved ones gives children an exciting glimpse into others’ lives or affirms their own experiences—often with welcoming music and sound effects. Each of these audiobooks can be enjoyed on its own or read along with the picture books. AudioFile editors have chosen these five audiobooks to engage young listeners from ages 4-6 (and up) and their families.
I Am Every Good Thing
Story by Derrick Barnes
Read by Joshua David Scarlett
Listening Library | Length: 4 mins | Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award
Narrator Joshua David Scarlett’s confident tones match the many ebullient turns of phrase that are used to present a self-assured boy who is certain that he is capable and loved. Scarlett takes advantage of passages with built-in emphasis, adding both levity and warmth. This celebratory title will bring a smile to listeners, leaving them waiting to share it and listen to it all over again. Review »
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Fry Bread
Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
Read by Kevin Noble Maillard
Dreamscape | Length: 34 mins | Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award
Kevin Noble Maillard, a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, narrates his own audiobook about the beauty and complexity of the Native American staple, fry bread. His personality bursts through as he speaks with passion about its historical significance and about his personal connection to it. Moments of playfulness will hook young listeners into learning about the diversity of contemporary Native American families. A must-listen on the living communities of Native peoples in America. Review »
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You can’t get more Black-girl magic than Blue Ivy Carter’s narration of Zuri’s story about all the amazing things her hair can do. The 8-year-old daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z has a voice full of power and wonder when she describes being a princess in braids or having puffs that let her fly above the clouds. As is the case in the author’s Oscar-winning short film, Zuri’s dad goes through a few failed attempts before giving her the perfect ‘do for her mom’s homecoming. The cheerful ending pulls the listener into a warm family embrace. Review »
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The Gruffalo
Story by Julia Donaldson
Read by Imelda Staunton
Listening Library | Length: 1 hrs. 2 mins | Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award
Sound effects place listeners in a “deep, dark wood.” A cheery whistling belongs to a mouse who meets one predator after another. Narrator Imelda Staunton excels at these cameos. Fox, Snake, and Owl approach Mouse with menace, and each grows fearful as Mouse describes a Gruffalo to stalk them. When the mysterious Gruffalo does appear, Mouse is now the one in terror–but wit triumphs. Staunton does a fabulous job as she shifts between her precise narrative, her dramatic representations, and a theatrical song. Review »
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I Talk Like a River
Story by Jordan Scott
Read by Jordan Scott
Dreamscape | Length: 18 mins | Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award
Canadian poet Jordan Scott exquisitely demonstrates the feeling of having words in your mouth that just won’t come out. Our young protagonist wakes up with the sounds of words all around him, but they get stuck in his throat. His wise, gentle father takes him to his favorite place, the river, and explains how he speaks like the river, “bubbling, churning, whirling, and crashing.” Scott’s narration showcases the difficulties faced by those who, like himself, stutter; the production closes with an excellent author’s note. Review »
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The article Best New Audiobooks for Ages 4-6 and Their Families 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, and Facebook @audiofilemagazine.
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