When you and your kids are in the mood for a story the reflects the joy of discovery, and the delight of fresh spring days, choose one of these spring audiobooks!
I chose audiobooks to appeal to kids and families of all ages based on some common themes: humor, animals–especially rabbits!–and nature.
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NOTE: Ages recommendations are not set in stone. They are listening ages, which tend to be lower than independent reading ages.
Audiobooks are readily available at your local library. Purchasing audiobooks from Libro.fm supports local bookstores (instead of billionaires) and is available internationally. You get two free audiobooks when you sign up at Libro.fm (as of this writing).
I'm Just No Good at Rhyming: And Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups by Chris Harris, read by Robert Petkoff & Chris Harris
Since April is National Poetry Month, it is essential you include poetry in your sprinttime audiobook repertoire! My youngest LOVED this book! He kept asking me to read these hilarious poems. Harris and Lane team up to bring you super wacky poems, deconstructed poetry and all around silly-ness. Play it while you're driving to your kid's dentist appointment and they'll forget all about what's to come. This is one of my favorite children's poetry books, ever. All ages. 1hr 46 min
MORE: A Year of Family Audiobooks
Kenny and the Dragon (series) by Tony DiTerlizzi, read by Alan Cumming
One year my son listened to this audiobook on repeat for months, he loved it so much. I love this delightful retelling of Kenneth Grahame's classic, The Reluctant Dragon. The modern language of DiTerlizzi's version makes it more accessible for families than the original. It's a wonderful story of a rabbit who convinces the townsfolk that the vicious dragon is not such a threat after all. Ages 6 and up. 2 hrs
MORE: Dragon Chapter and Middle Grade Books
The Story of Gumluck the Wizard (series), by Adam Rex, read by Christina Moore
Kids who like magic and silly humor will find the perfect blend in this series about a whimsical wizard and his quirky adventures. Gumluck the wizard wants to be a hero and dispenses with magical favors in the hopes of being voted one at the upcoming festival. Wry and humorous commentary is provided by Helvetica the raven. Absolutely delightful. Ages 4 and up. 1 hr 6 min
MORE: Funny Audiobooks for Kids
The Last Rabbit by Shelley Moore Thomas, read by Lisa Diveney
Four girls, orphaned during WWII find are sent to a magical island off the coast of Ireland. On the island, they are transformed into rabbits. Each girl will return to her human form when she leaves the island and returns to a place of her own choosing. When three of the girl-rabbits have left, the last and youngest has difficulty making a decision. What she really wants is to reunite her family. Filled with magical creatures and Celtic charm. Ages 8 and up. 5 hrs 10 min
MORE: Mythology Inspired Novels for Tweens
The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo, read by Graeme Malcolm
My son told me read Because of Winn-Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and The Magician's Elephant during quiet class reading time in 4th grade. "They were all good, mom, but The Tale of Despereaux was my favorite." Masterful and suspense-filled plot lines about a mouse in love with a princess, a rat who loves soup and light, and a not-so-bright peasant girl all come together in a marvelous tale which will get your kids thinking about love and forgiveness. Ages 7 and up. 3 hrs 30 min
MORE: Classic Children's Audiobooks
The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden (series) by Karina Yan Glaser, read by Robin Miles
When I brought the book home from the library, my son got very excited to read the further adventures of a group of siblings who live in Harlem. In this story, the second of the series, the intrepid family decides to create a healing garden for the benefit of their neighbors. Ages 7 and up. 5 hrs 30 min
MORE: Best Audiobooks for Family Road Trips
The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow (series) by Elaine Dimopoulos, full cast audio
Generation of bunnies have handed down stories and teachings about survival and now it's time for Butternut and her nine siblings to live by those life lessons. Butternut befriends Piper, an robin with a penchant for alliteration, and starts to question her family's stories. The two meet an injured fawn, a pushy blue jay and set out to cooperate on a rescue. I love the details about the natural world and the charming personalities of the anthropomorphized animals. Ages 7 and up. 3 hrs 48 min
MORE: Tips for Learning to Love Audiobooks
Mr. and Mrs. Bunny--Detectives Extraordinaire! by Polly Horvath, read by Polly Horvath
Madeline's parents have been kidnapped by foxes and it's up to a bunny detective couple to solve the case. The laughs are numerous and the humor is quirky and eccentric, but families who like out-of-the-box stories will enjoy this one! You may also want to have a copy of the text so your kids can enjoy Sophie Blackall's illustrations. Ages 8 and up. 4 hrs 19 min
Spring According to Humphrey (series) by Betty G. Birney, read by William Dufris
This may be the twelfth book in the popular Humphrey series, but you don't have to be familiar with the previous eleven books about the adorable eponymous class pet to enjoy this delightful story about Miss Brisbane's class's adventures in spring. Ages 4 and up. 3 hrs 43 min.
MORE: Spring Read Aloud Books for Families
James Herriot's Treasury for Children: Warm and Joyful Animal Tales by James Herriot, narrated by Jim Dale
Seasoned audiobook listeners will recognize Dale's vocal acrobatics from the Harry Potter audiobooks. This collection of classic stories take place in various seasons (So you may want to skip the Christmas one. Or not. Your choice.) and will charm your young animal lover. Ages 4 and up. 1 hr 30 min.
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