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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to entertain and educate your little one? Look no further than audio books for 7-year-olds! These engaging stories capture the imagination and enhance listening skills, all while providing a delightful experience for your child. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of audio books that are just right for 7-year-old listeners. Whether you're on a long car trip or just looking for a bedtime story alternative, we've got you covered.

Fun Audio Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming tale follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte spins words into her web to try to save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values like friendship, loyalty, and the reality of life and death in a gentle manner that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, is kind and charming. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its imaginative plot and creative language make reading fun and engaging, fostering a love for reading and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone who enjoys whimsical, fantastical tales.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude, distant parents. She develops telekinetic powers which she uses to overcome obstacles and stand up to her tyrannical school principal, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it's a story about using one's inner strength to overcome difficulties.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or who love stories where kids triumph over adversity.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Classic, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This classic story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden and finds himself in various kinds of trouble.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to natural consequences and promotes an understanding of boundaries in a very accessible and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy animal stories and playful mischief.

• Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: Siblings Jack and Annie discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them through time and space on various adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book provides a fun, educational journey through different historical periods and cultures, enhancing both imagination and knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds who enjoy time travel and learning about different worlds and times.

• Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, illustrated by E.H. Shepard
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood as they encounter problems and find simple solutions.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its charming tales underscore the value of friendship and understanding, all while being incredibly entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate gentle humor and stories of camaraderie.

Educational Audio Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the myth of a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to fend off predators, only to discover the Gruffalo actually exists.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines rhyming text with a witty story that encourages strategic thinking and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Children who love engaging stories with clever protagonists and mythical creatures.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, curiosity, problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes STEM education and inspires kids to ask questions and explore science.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any kid with a curious mind.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: A box of crayons sends letters to their owner, expressing their frustrations and demands for better treatment.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, creative thinking, conflict resolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous take on perspective and teaches children to consider others' feelings and viewpoints.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy creative stories and learning about emotions and advocacy through playful scenarios.

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Environmental Science
  • Synopsis: The Lorax speaks for the trees against the greedy Once-ler in a tale that explores the consequences of environmental neglect.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, responsibility, advocacy
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses important environmental issues in a way that is accessible and memorable for children.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and any child learning about the importance of taking care of our planet.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Peter explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season, experiencing the simple joys and challenges of a snowy day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, exploration, appreciation of nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Children who delight in the wonders of nature and outdoor adventures.

Challenging Audio Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow young Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world full of peculiar creatures and surreal experiences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative employs playful logic and complex wordplay that can be intellectually stimulating for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, as Alice navigates through bizarre and whimsical scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories that twist reality and challenge their perception of the world.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: Bored young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in linguistic humor and abstract concepts that require a higher level of comprehension and reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful exploration of language and mathematics that promotes intellectual curiosity and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a love for puzzles, word games, and thought-provoking adventures.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a young prince who travels the universe, gaining insights into human nature through his encounters with various adults.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss, presenting philosophical questions that can provoke deeper thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound life lessons and a perspective on what truly matters in life, wrapped in a simple yet captivating story.
  • Perfect for: Children who are thoughtful and introspective, or anyone interested in philosophical questions about life.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-age, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: Spirited orphan Anne Shirley is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her imaginative and talkative nature brings both chaos and joy into their lives.
  • Why this book is challenging: The rich vocabulary and detailed narrative require advanced reading skills and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach important life lessons about perseverance, acceptance, and the power of imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring emotional growth and resilience.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, discovers a neglected garden at her uncle's house and, with the help of new friends, she begins restoring it.
  • Why this book is challenging: The themes of loss, healing, and transformation are explored through sophisticated language and a detailed plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of how nurturing others can help heal oneself, promoting empathy and the therapeutic power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Children who are sensitive and appreciate stories of personal growth and redemption.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're exploring the world of audiobooks with your 7-year-old, you're on a fantastic path to fostering a lifelong love for reading. Audiobooks are not just entertaining; they can also be a powerful tool in developing good reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can make listening to audiobooks even more beneficial for young readers:

• Character Match
  • What it is: Create cards with character names and characteristics for matching.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character development and story comprehension.
  • Tips: Play this matching game right after finishing a chapter or book.

• Story Map Drawing
  • What it is: Draw a map or a sequence of events as they happen in the audiobook.
  • How it helps: Helps with remembering plot details and the sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use large paper and colorful markers to make it more engaging and fun.

• Pause and Predict
  • What it is: Periodically pause the audiobook and predict what will happen next.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and anticipatory skills.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and see how they unfold as you continue listening.

• Book Cover Creator
  • What it is: Design a book cover based on the story heard from the audiobook.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with visualizing story elements.
  • Tips: Use a mix of drawing, painting, or digital design tools to create the cover.

• Role Play Recording
  • What it is: Record your child retelling or acting out parts of the story.
  • How it helps: Improves memory recall and public speaking skills.
  • Tips: Use simple recording tools on your phone or computer and play back the recordings for review and fun.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s audiobook listening routine can make the experience more interactive and educational. Not only will these activities keep your child engaged, but they'll also build foundational skills that are important in both academic and personal growth. Have fun listening and learning together!