Awesome Audiobooks for Animal-Loving Kids
by Brian Laurito
Are you and your little one looking for a chance to live life on the wild side? A great audiobook is the perfect opportunity to escape into the world of our furry friends. Whether your kids want to learn helpful lessons from the lives of their favorite pets, experience the world through the eyes of wild animals, or discover the magic of mythical creatures, these audiobooks about animals are fantastic for kids of all ages! Check out the list below to find the purr-fect listen for your family!
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Little Owl's Love
In this sequel to Little Owl’s Night, the titular Little Owl returns to his beloved nighttime forest in search of love. Flying through the trees, Little Owl thinks of the things that make him happy, including the stars, fireflies, his friends, and more. Beautifully performed by Transparent star Jay Duplass, this audiobook teaches young ones to appreciate the beauty in the world around them.
(Ages 3–5) -
Coquí in the City
Based on the author’s own experiences, this adapted-for-audio picture book follows a young boy named Miguel as his family moves from San Juan to New York City. The big move means leaving everything behind — including Miguel’s pet frog, Coqui. However, Miguel learns that although NYC may be different, there are still ways to keep a little bit of Puerto Rico with him — including the love he has for Coquí — no matter where he goes. Coqui in the City is also available in Spanish: De aquí como el coquí.
(Ages 3–7) -
Not All Sheep Are Boring
Parents and kids alike are sure to love this hilarious adapted-for-audio picture book from SNL star Bobby Moynihan. In Not All Sheep Are Boring, listeners are introduced to a cast of weird, wacky, and funny sheep who are sure to prove that sheep are not boring! This is a perfect bedtime listen, as long as a fit of the giggles don’t keep you awake.
(Ages 4-8) -
Tiger Boy
In this award-winning book from Mitali Perkins, a young boy named Neel and his sister set out to return an escaped tiger cub to a local nature reserve before a poacher can sell it on the black market. Along the way, Neel learns to face many other challenges in his life and realizes that sometimes you have to take a risk in the present to ensure a better future.
(Ages 7-10) -
The Eyes and the Impossible
David Eggers’ Newberry Medal-winning The Eyes and the Impossible introduces listeners to the secret world of its protagonist — a free dog named Johannes — and all the animals who live in the park which Johannes calls home. Read by Dead Poets Society star Ethan Hawke, The Eyes and the Impossible follows Johannes as he maintains the park’s equilibrium while fending off threats from new human travelers, a boatload of goats, and much more.
(Ages 8-12) -
Kaya: The Journey Begins
Does your child love American Girl dolls? Janet Beeler Shaw’s Kaya: The Journey Begins follows Kaya — a Native American girl — and her beautiful Appaloosa mare, Steps High. As they race against other members of their tribe, they're captured by enemy raiders and launch a daring escape. Fans of animals and American Girl alike are sure to love this audiobook, including its historical “Looking Back” section.
(Ages 8-12) -
Haven
In this thrilling audio adventure, a rescued cat must journey out into the wild to save her beloved owner. When Haven’s owner, Ma Millie, falls ill, the little cat ventures into the wilderness in search of another human who can help. Along the way, Haven finds allies and newfound confidence — which she’ll need to face the fierce predator tracking her every move.
(Ages 8-12) -
The Underdogs of Upson Downs
A little girl and her adopted stray dog must beat the odds — and the fastest dogs in the world — if they are to save the family farm in this novel from award-winning author Craig Silvey. When a greedy local landowner puts Annie’s family farm at risk, she’ll have to train her dog, Runt, to compete in the Agility Course Grand Championship at the lucrative Krumpets Dog Show in London. There’s only one problem: Runt will only follow Annie’s commands if nobody else is watching. Will their bond be enough to save their home?
(Ages 8-12) -
Something Like Home
From the Newbery Honor Award-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All comes Something Like Home. In this moving novel in verse, Laura — a lonely young girl who wants nothing more than to go back to living with her family — finds a lost dog. While training him to become a therapy dog, Laura realizes that she might just find a family of her own along the way.
(Ages 10-14) -
The Dragon's Promise
2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and what better way to celebrate than with the New York Timesbestselling sequel to Six Crimson Cranes? In this fantastical adventure, Princess Shiori must journey to the kingdom of dragons and navigate political intrigue among humans and dragons alike in order to return a cursed pearl to its rightful owner. Will Shiori be able to defend the life and love she’s fought so hard to win? Or will this journey be her last?
(Ages 12 and up)
