We adore audio books and have amassed a sizable collection over the last few years from our favourite online book stores (namely Book Depository and Amazon). Listening to audio books is a great way for young children to internalize the fluency and expression that comes from reading longer stories.  It is an excellent way to develop their auditory skill which is neglected in this multi-sensory world we live in.  Whenever we played an audio story, it is helpful to have the kids follow along with a hard copy of the book, running their finger across the text as they listen.

Today, I wish to share with you a collection of audio books that we have enjoyed as a family. We listen to them on car rides and before bedtime.

1. Giraffes can’t Dance | Giles Andrea and Guy Parker-Rees

2. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom | Bill Martin

3. Matilda | Roald Dahl, read by Kate Winslet

4. The BFG | Roald Dahl, read by David Williams

5. 10 Little Rubber Ducks | Eric Carle

6. Jack and the FlumFlum Tree | Julia Donaldson
7. Monkey Puzzle | Julia Donaldson

8.  The Snail and the Whale | Julia Donaldson
9.  The Smartest Giant in Town | Julia Donaldson

11. What the Ladybug Heard |  Julia Donaldson
12. The Gruffalo and Grufflo’s Child | Julia Donaldson

As you can see, we have several Julia Donaldson audio books as the plots are witty and we enjoy the clever play of language which amuses the younger kids.  These are some audio books that we hope to introduce to Dana gradually (some are available for loan at our National Libraries too!):

1. The Roald Dahl Audio CD Collection | Written and performed by Roald Dahl
(Includes: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Enormous Crocodile, The Magic Finger)
2. Charlotte’s Web | E.B White
3. The Magic Faraway Tree | Enid Blyton, read by Kate Winslet
4. The Cat in the Hat and Other Dr. Seuss Favorites | Dr. Seuss
5. The Heart and the Bottle | Oliver Jeffers, read by Helena Bonham Carter
6. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer | Mark Twain, read by Jim Weiss
7. The Golden Compass  | Philip Pullman
8.  Just So Stories  | Rudyard Kipling, read by Boris Karloff
9. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz | Frank Baum, read by Anne Hathaway
10. Peter Pan |  J.M. Barrie, read by Jim Dale
11. The Complete Chronicles of Narnia | C.S Lewis, read by Kenneth Branagh
12. Harry Potter Series (Books 1, 2 and 3) | J.K. Rowling, read by Jim Dale

Are your families also fans of Audio Books? Which ones do you and your kids enjoy?