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Summertime brings warm days, leisurely afternoons, and the perfect opportunity for young listeners to delve into captivating audiobooks.
Whether it’s a road trip with the family or a quiet moment under the sun, audiobooks are a fantastic way to engage young minds during the summer break. Not only do they entice reluctant readers, but they also foster vocabulary development and help prevent the dreaded “summer slide” in learning.
Here are nine recent and upcoming children’s audiobooks that promise to hook young listeners and take them on unforgettable journeys:
Sisters of the Lost Marsh by Lucy Strange
Duration: 6 hours and 9 minutes
Immerse yourself in this atmospheric tale, artfully narrated by the author herself, as she takes you to the otherworldly landscapes of southeast England. The captivating music composed by Lucy Strange enriches the audio version, making it a truly enchanting experience.
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri
Duration: 4 hours and 29 minutes
Embark on a Silk Road adventure filled with colorful characters and thrilling hijinks. While Daniel Miyares’ illustrations can be enjoyed in the physical copy, the author’s narration adds charm and character to this delightful tale.
Felice and the Wailing Woman by Diana López
Duration: 7 hours and 27 minutes
Experience a fresh reimagining of La Llorona, the haunting figure from Mexican folklore, in this touching story of loss, healing, and courage. Elena Rey’s heartfelt narration brings warmth and emotion to this unforgettable journey.
The Notorious Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud
Duration: 12 hours and 17 minutes
Join Scarlett and Browne on their action-packed science-fiction adventure. Sophie Aldred’s dry narration perfectly complements Stroud’s trademark blend of rousing action and humor.
Absolutely, Positively Natty by Lisa Greenwald
Duration: 5 hours and 37 minutes
This emotionally intelligent tale explores the toll of toxic positivity as a tween learns valuable coping strategies. Caroline Sorunke’s smooth narration offers reassurance and empathy to listeners through the ups and downs of the protagonist’s journey.
When Clouds Touch Us by Thanhhà Lai
Duration: 2 hours and 17 minutes
In this lyrical verse novel, Brigid Mai Khanh Leahy tenderly narrates the much-anticipated follow-up to the award-winning ‘Inside Out & Back Again.’ The listening experience is further enhanced by hearing Vietnamese words sprinkled throughout the story.
Muzoon: A Syrian Refugee Speaks Out
by Muzoon Almellehan with Wendy Pearlman
Duration: 5 hours and 53 minutes
Lara Sawalha, an Arabic-speaking British Jordanian actor, gives a moving performance as she brings to life the remarkable memoir of a young refugee and activist. Follow Muzoon Almellehan’s journey from her beloved Syrian homeland to finding settlement in England.
Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea
Duration: 7 hours and 51 minutes
Embark on an action-packed fantasy as a girl reconnects with her Native heritage in Hawai‘i. Jennifer Robideau’s narration immerses listeners in the beautiful rhythms of island speech as they encounter the fire goddess Pele.
The Braid Girls by Sherri Winston
Duration: 5 hours and 37 minutes
Narrated by Erin Ruth Walker, Tyla Collier, and Jade Wheeler, this character-driven story follows three protagonists as they navigate the challenges of their hair-braiding business and experience personal growth.
Final thoughts
Whether young listeners are in search of adventure, heartfelt journeys, or fantastical realms, these audiobooks are sure to captivate their imaginations during the summer break. So, grab your headphones and get ready for a season of delightful listening!