10+ Best Audio Books for 5-7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to entertain and educate your little ones? Look no further than audio books for 5-7-year-olds! These engaging audio adventures are perfect for sparking imagination and instilling a love of storytelling in young minds. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of top audio books that are sure to captivate the hearts and ears of your eager listeners. Whether in the car, at home, or during quiet time, these selections provide the perfect auditory delight for children.

Fun Audio Books for 5-7-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea appear, and he sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It unleashes the power of imagination and creativity, showing kids that they can explore vast new worlds simply through their thoughts and dreams.
  • Perfect for: Children with a wild imagination and a love for adventures.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story is about a clever mouse using his wits to evade danger as he walks through the woods, inventing an imaginary monster — the Gruffalo — who turns out to be real.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful tale that teaches strategic thinking and the importance of intelligence over strength.
  • Perfect for: Young listeners who enjoy clever characters and humorous, rhythmic storytelling.

• Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, illustrated by E.H. Shepard
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: This collection of stories follows the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh, a lovable bear, along with his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with gentle humor and timeless wisdom, making it a perfect introduction to classic literature for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate stories of friendship and simple joys.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about friendship, love, and the cycle of life in a way that is accessible and moving for young children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to explore deeper themes in literature.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book follows the journey of a caterpillar eating his way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines simple counting with a compelling story of transformation, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners learning about numbers, days of the week, and natural science.

Educational Audio Books for 5-7-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Classic, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, despite his mother's warnings, and finds himself in various troubles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Listening skills, understanding consequences, and animal behavior
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming and cautionary tale that combines delightful narratives with important life lessons about curiosity and obedience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and outdoor adventures.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Classic, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: In this calming bedtime story, a young rabbit says goodnight to all the things in the room and the world outside.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Routine building, vocabulary expansion, and soothing transition to sleep
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a peaceful bedtime ritual that helps children wind down with its rhythmic, comforting words.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young children who benefit from a bedtime routine.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book captures the adventures of a young boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observational skills, exploration and discovery, seasonal changes
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the wonder and excitement of a snowy day through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Children who delight in the joys of winter and playing in the snow.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Genre(s): Early Reader, Friendship
  • Synopsis: This collection of stories explores the friendship between Frog and Toad through various seasons and situations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, emotional intelligence, and the dynamics of friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming series that teaches about the ups and downs of close friendships in an accessible and humorous manner.
  • Perfect for: Early readers and children learning about the nuances of friendship and cooperation.

• Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story is about Madeline, a brave and mischievous girl living in a Paris boarding school, who has various adventures and even undergoes an appendectomy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, bravery, and health awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to life in a different culture and celebrates the courage and resilience of its young protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Young girls and boys who enjoy stories of adventure and spirited characters.

Challenging Audio Books for 5-7-Year-Olds

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows young Alice, who falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world full of peculiar creatures and surreal adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex with whimsical logic and wordplay that might be challenging for younger listeners.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stretches the imagination and introduces children to sophisticated language and literary devices in an engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love magical stories and have a keen interest in exploring imaginative worlds.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: A young prince travels from planet to planet, meeting unique adults who each reveal different absurdities of adult behavior through their interactions.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep philosophical questions about life, love, and human nature which can provoke profound thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless wisdom through a simple yet profound tale, encouraging empathy and introspection.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers and dreamers who enjoy stories that delve into life’s big questions.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: The book chronicles the adventures of Pippi Longstocking, a quirky and incredibly strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey, defying conventional norms and authority figures.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pippi's unconventional lifestyle and the sophisticated humor challenge traditional narratives and societal norms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates independence and imagination, showing that being different is not only acceptable but can be thrilling and rewarding.
  • Perfect for: Independent-minded kids who enjoy laughter and adventures.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child unloved by her crass parents. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to overcome obstacles and stand up to adults, including the tyrannical school principal, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of justice and individuality, and Matilda’s advanced intellectual abilities can inspire listeners to strive for personal excellence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children to stand up against unfairness while celebrating the joy of learning and reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated and love stories where kids triumph over adversity.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sullen and unloved girl, transforms into a kind and caring person through her discovery of a neglected garden, which she restores with the help of two friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: The themes of loss, rejuvenation, and emotional growth are profound, and the narrative invites introspection about the healing power of nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It illustrates the transformative power of nature and friendship, encouraging personal growth and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Children who are introspective and enjoy stories of personal development and nature’s beauty.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to spice up your young one's reading habits with the magic of audiobooks, you've come to the right place. Audiobooks aren't just entertaining; they're a powerful tool for developing early literacy skills. Here are some fun exercises to make the most out of audiobooks for kids aged 5 to 7 years. These will help your child engage more deeply with what they're listening to and establish good reading habits early on.

• Echo Reading Sessions
  • What it is: Listen to a short segment of an audiobook, then pause and have your child repeat what they heard.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and understanding, and helps with pronunciation and intonation.
  • Tips: Choose a fun and lively book to keep your child interested and engaged.

• Character Play
  • What it is: Assign roles from the audiobook to each family member and read aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and helps children connect emotionally with the characters.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make the play more fun and engaging.

• Illustration Station
  • What it is: Have your child draw scenes or characters from the audiobook as they listen.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with visual understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Provide plenty of art supplies and encourage your child to use their imagination freely.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Pause the audiobook at key points and ask your child what they think will happen next.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and anticipatory skills.
  • Tips: Keep the guesses fun and light; there are no wrong answers in storytelling!

• Summarize the Story
  • What it is: After listening to a chapter or a significant segment, ask your child to summarize what happened.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Encourage your child by asking leading questions if they get stuck.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s audiobook listening routine can make a significant difference in how they interact with and enjoy stories. Not only do these activities keep the experience fun, but they also instill a deeper understanding and appreciation for literature from a young age. So, grab those headphones, pick a favorite book, and let’s make reading an adventure!