Have you got a long car journey coming up? Not to worry. You can fade out the sound of your little ones constantly asking “Are we there yet?” – or better yet, distract them from the situation entirely – with a compelling children’s audiobook.
Although these chronicles are primarily aimed at kids, you might find the storytelling and expert narration so enthralling that you’ll pop in some headphones and continue the saga once you’ve reached your destination! For the best audiobooks aimed at both the young and the old, check out the shortlist below.
The Roald Dahl Audio Collection, read by Roald Dahl
The master storyteller himself Roald Dahl does infinite justice to such classics as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox and James and the Giant Peach. Who better to read these milestones of children’s literature than the man who penned them himself? Older listeners will delight in Dahl’s savage wit and wicked sense of humour, too.
The Complete Chronicles of Narnia, read by a full BBC cast
When the BBC get involved in any project, you can rest assured it will be executed to the highest standard. Such is the case here, as the voices of Aslan, the White Witch and King Caspian are brought to life by such dramatic heavyweights as Timothy Spall, John Sessions and Richard Griffiths. Seven titles in total are retold with accomplished aplomb.
The Harry Potter Series, read by Stephen Fry
This modern day classic has captured the imaginations of children and adults across the globe, and Stephen Fry’s dextrous and imaginative renditions of all of the voices brings an added attraction to the experience. Especially recommended for long car journeys on the way to the Warner Brothers Studio Harry Potter Tour, so you can set the mood before the family experiences the magic of this world in person.
His Dark Materials, read by Phillip Pullman and a full BBC cast
Once again the BBC work their magic on a spell-binding saga from Phillip Pullman as he takes us into another dimension and up against impossible odds. The writing from Pullman is so eloquent and enthralling that adults will find themselves itching to find out what happens just as much as the kids.
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, read by Tim Curry
Perhaps better known to audiences from his roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show or Home Alone, Tim Curry thrives in the role of delicious villain. He brings the same gusto and relish to his narration of Lemony Snicket’s classic tale of a hapless trio of children, certain to appeal to audiences of all ages.
Treasure Island, read by Alfred Molina
This gung-ho tale of swashbuckling adventure from Scottish legend of literature Robert Louis
Stevenson has kept generations of rugrats captured for over a century. Alfred Molina brings his own unique charm to the narration, taking inspiration from the infamous Long John Silver with an irresistible charisma to ensure such an infatuation continues for centuries to come. Listeners who like this one should pursue Stevenson’s other work in audiobooks, as well.
Disclosure: This is a guest post.