Family Audiobooks For Road Trips
Ready to head out on a family vacation? Don’t forget to download some of my favorite family audiobooks for road trips before you go! My family loves to listen to audiobooks when we take car trips, and these are some of my all-time faves.
If you have kids of all ages that you don’t want to sit on electronic devices the whole car ride, then we’ve got you covered. Each of the books on this list has been road trip tested by our own families! I can personally vouch for the fact that these books will entertain adults as well as kids.
Before you download family audiobooks for your upcoming road trips, check out this list comparing Audible to Libro.Fm. You might be surprised by which service you want to use!
The Best Family Audiobooks for Road Trips
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Audiobook for 6-9 Year Olds
Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary- Jump to Section
The Best Audiobook for Series
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser – Jump to Section
The Best Classic Family Audiobook for Road Trips
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by Jill Clayburgh- Jump to Section
The Best Audiobook for 10-12 Year Olds
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart- Jump to Section
The Best Fantasy Audiobook for Road Trips
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling- Jump to Section
Best Mystery Audiobook for Family Road Trips
Winterhouse by Ben Guterson – Jump to Section
Best Feel Good Audiobook
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate- Jump to Section
Best Modern Classic Audiobook
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo – Jump to Section
Best Funny Audiobook for Family Roadtrips
Howliday Inn by James Howe- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Family Audiobooks for Your Beginning and Early Reader (Ages 6-9)
Ramona Quimby, Age 8
Author: Beverly Cleary
Year: 1981
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 4 – 8
More info: Newbery Honor Winner
Plot
Ramona is another adorable character who is perfectly imperfect. She is sweet and lovable and gets into her share of trouble. Whether reading to boys or girls, every child can relate to Ramona.
Why Kirsten loves it
When it comes to first chapter books Ramona can’t be beaten! Cleary’s classic has stood the test of time.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction / Books for 6-year-olds / Kids Audiobooks / Newbery Award Winners / Back to School Books
Stuart Little
Author: E. B. White
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Year: 1945
Genre: Classic Chapter Book
Age: 5 – 9
Plot
Adventure- Check. Animals- Check. Animals who can talk and wear clothes- Check check. This is a tale that everyone loves about a boy who also happens to be a mouse.
Why Jackie loves it
All my kids love this great story. Stuart has amazing adventures and displays great bravery in this classic book.
Find this book in: Read Aloud Children’s Books / Best Classic Books for Kids / Animal Book for Kids / Best Books for 8-year-olds / Family Audiobooks
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
Author: Betty MacDonald
Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger
Year: 1947
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 8
More info: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle #1
Plot
If your family loves Mary Poppins or Amelia Bedelia, they will love Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle too! This cheery old lady has the craziest fixes to any childhood issues, but they work every time!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that each chapter is its own short story. It makes it easier to digest for younger kids.
Find this book in: Family Audiobooks / Best Books for 6-year-olds
The Mouse and The Motorcycle
Author: Beverly Cleary
Year: 1965
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 9
More info: Ralph Mouse #1
Plot
alph the mouse lives in a hotel where the main rule is simple… don’t get spotted by a guest. But Ralph lives for speed! When a little boy leaves a toy motorcycle unattended in his room, it’s too much for Ralph to resist. Soon he’s zooming around the hotel and making friends with a human!
Why Kirsten loves it
When my boys were deep into their car-loving phase, this book had them hooked! I loved the wholesome story too and found myself entertained by Ralph and his adventures too.
Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Family Audiobooks for Road Trips
Family Audiobook Series for Road Trips
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
Author: Karina Yan Glaser
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 7 – 12
More info: Vanderbeekers #1
Plot
This charming story is about a bi-racial family in Harlem with 5 kids who are about to lose their home before Christmas. Why? Because their reclusive landlord won’t renew their lease.
My entire family enjoyed this delightful tale of the siblings trying to win their landlord over so they don’t have to leave home. It was full of all the antics you would expect of a big family.
Why Kirsten loves it
I can’t begin to tell you how connected my family has grown to the Vanderbeekers over the course of the series. They are sweet, funny, good-natured, mischievous children – each with a personality all their own. Their antics make for incredible stories, but the heart and love at the center of the family keep me reaching for these books. This is hands down one of my favorite series for middle grade readers and the one I recommend the most often.
Why Jackie loves it
I love that the Vanderbeekers’ story normalizes city living and a bi-racial family – something that’s hard to find in many children’s book series. You will fall in love with this cast of characters and as the series progresses you’ll come to regard them as family.
Find this book in: Best Books for a 10-Year-Old / Best Family Audiobooks For Road Trips / Read Aloud Books / Realistic Fiction Books / Christmas Chapter Books / Best Middle Grade Fiction
The Penderwicks
Author: Jeanne Birdsall
Year: 2005
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Penderwicks #1
Plot
An imperfect family, the Penderwick family (consisting of the father, 4 daughters, and their dog) go spend their three-week summer vacation at a cottage they rented. Mrs. Tifton, a grumpy, snooty woman, and her son Jeffry own the cottage that is part of the Arundel estate.
Why Jackie loves it
The first in a realistic fiction series of 5 books about sisters, this wonderful book is perfect to read aloud at night or listen to on audio for a family road trip. All of my children loved this entire series! It’s one of my favorites to gift to new parents.
Find this book in: Chapters Books to Read Aloud / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Books About Sisters / Best Realistic Fiction Books / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Keeper of the Lost Cities
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, KOTLC #1
Plot
Move over Harry Potter, there is a new middle grade fantasy series poised to take your throne! Meet Sophie Foster, a newly found elf living in the human world. In book one of this ever-growing series, she’s taken back to the Lost Cities and sent to Foxfire Academy to learn to harness her powers as a Telepath. In the process, she is welcomed into a new adopted family (The Ruewens), makes loads of friends (Fitz, Keefe, Biana, and Dex to name a few), and uncovers a secret organization trying to destroy the human world.
Why Kirsten loves it
Both of my boys adore Sophie, Keefe, Fitz, and the gang of Foxfire Academy. As the series progressed, I got invested in the Black Swan’s fight against the Neverseen. Each book is better than the last one!
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this with my 3 kids on our summer road trip to Toronto. By the end of the car ride, even my husband was hooked on this series!
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books for 11-year-olds / Books Like Harry Potter / Kids Audiobooks / Books with Magical Creatures / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Classic Family-Friendly Audiobooks
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Author: E. L. Konigsburg
Year: 1967
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Newbery Award winner
Plot
Claudia and Jamie decide they want to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. When a new statue arrives while they are hiding at the famed museum, they won’t rest until they solve the mystery of who created it! Will they solve the mystery before the museum staff?
Why Kirsten loves it
This classic middle-grade story is one the whole family will enjoy. It sparked some pretty fun conversations about how to properly prepare to runaway and just where each member of my family would wish to escape to! We listened when my youngest was only 6 and even he enjoyed it!
Find this book in: Newbery Award Winners / Best Books for 7-year-olds / Family Audiobooks
Plot
Peter Pan is the flying leader of Neverland, a mythical world on a star, where he fights pirates, plays with mermaids, and frollicks around with the lost boys. When he decides he needs someone to tell him stories, he recruits Wendy, John, and Michael to come live with him. But while the Darling children love their new life at first, they soon begin missing their family and lives at home.
Why Kirsten loves it
Peter Pan is one of my favorite childhood stories. The magical world of Neverland with its pirates, mermaids, and faires captured my imagination and never let me go. I’ve seen every Peter Pan movie and I devour Peter Pan retellings like chocolate.
Why Jackie loves it
The story of Peter Pan and his adventures with the Darling children have inspired countless spin-off books, movies, and theatrical productions for a reason. It’s a must-read classic children’s book for everyone.
Find this book in: Pirate Books / Classic Kids Books / Cozy Books / Tween Fantasy Books / Books for 12-year-olds / Best Middle Grade Fiction / Pirate Books for Kids
Charlotte’s Web
Author: E.B. White
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Year: 1952
Genre: Children’s Classic
Age: 5-8
More info: Newbery Winner
Plot
This is such a wonderful story of unconditional love and friendship. When Fern saves the life of Wilbur, the runt of the pig litter, she promises to take care of him. As Wilbur grows, he befriends Charlotte, a spider, who ultimately saves his life a second time.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a heartwarming classic book for kids. We dare you to read it without crying.
Find this book in: Best Classic Books for Kids / Read Aloud Children’s Books / The Best Family Audiobooks / Animal Books for Kids / Newbery Award Winners / Best Books for 7-year-olds
Family Friendly Audiobooks for your 10-13 year old
The Mysterious Benedict Society
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Year: 2007
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Mysterious Benedict Society #1
Plot
This delightful story is about a group of extremely gifted children who are sent to spy on an evil organization. Together, these genius kids use logic and quick thinking to accomplish their secret mission without being caught! The children in the Mysterious Benedict Society must infiltrate the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened to uncover a plot to control the minds of citizens around the world.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this story to my boys at bedtime and it was the perfect read-aloud. We all enjoyed the complexity of the story and the silly scenarios. Years later, we watched the Disney TV adaptation as well!
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first middle-grade book in a series that is geared toward older kids. It was funny and interesting and extremely clever.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Mystery Books / Puzzle Books for Middle School/ Books like KOTLC / Best Gifts for 10-year-olds / Best Books for a 10-year-old / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
Author: Chris Grabenstein
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 11
More info: Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #1,
Plot
Mr. Lemoncello’s library is one of a kind. It’s full of holograms, logic puzzles, and hidden games. To officially open the new library, a few lucky kids get to spend the night inside as they try to win Mr. Lemoncello’s game and be the first team to escape.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you are looking for great bedtime stories for kids, this series will hit the mark. It will get your kids engaged with one-of-a-kid puzzles and delightful twists and turns.
Find this book in: Audiobooks for Kids / Netflix Book Adaptations / Middle Grade Mysteries / Books for 10-year-olds / Read Aloud Books / Puzzle Books for Middle School
The Candymakers
Author: Wendy Maas
Year: 2010
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 12
More info: The Candymakers #1
Plot
I decided to read this book with my boys prior to our visit to Candytopia. It was a lovely take on life at a candy factory and felt almost like an updated version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 4 kids are competing to win a candy-making contest to have their creation mass-produced.
Why Kirsten loves it
The candy reminded me of Wonka’s Factory, but the whimsy and fun of the book reminded me a bit of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. There are puzzles and secrets to unfold and descriptions of delectable delights. In short, it’s a fun read-aloud story that will leave you craving the next book in the series and a closet full of chocolate.
Find this book in: Books for Tweens / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens / Family Audiobooks / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Family-Friendly Fantasy Audiobooks
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author: J.K. Rowling
Year: 1999
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9+
More info: Harry Potter #3
Plot
Harry Potter is back at Hogwarts in The third book in the Harry Potter series. His life is in danger once again but this time, it is from the escaped convict, Sirius Black. He has escaped from the wizard prison, Azkaban, and seeks revenge on Harry.
Sirius Black is a mass murderer and a follower of Voldemort. Now, there are Dementors patrolling the school and Harry can only read of death and destruction in his divination class with Professor Trelawney. What else could go wrong?
Why Jackie loves it
In this story, readers finally meet Sirius Black, a truly iconic character. Not to mention, Hagrid’s first year as a teacher and the incredible new settings of Hogsmeade and the Shrieking Shack! Oh, and did I forget to mention this is the story when the famous Maurader’s Map is finally found?
Find this book in: Harry Potter Guide / Family Audiobooks
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Year: 2005
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age:9-13
More info:
Percy Jackson and The Olympian Book #1
Currently a Series on Disney Plus
Plot
This first Percy Jackson book is about our beloved Percy, who discovers he is a demi-god and must recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. He travels into the underworld to locate the lightning bolt and, at the same time, try to save his mother.
His amazing adventures with Annabeth and Grover along the way create the foundation for all the books that follow in this amazing and epic series.
Why Jackie loves it
I don’t think anyone has read this middle grade fantasy series and not loved it. It’s a contemporary Greek mythology retelling for the ages. It is fun and exciting!
Adaptation Information
While the original films based on the books are generally considered to be flops, the show adapted on Disney+ is fantastic! Season 2 is slated to come out on December 10, 2025. It has already been renewed for a third season.
Find this book in: Percy Jackson Books in Order / Order of Rick Riordan Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Tween & Teen Fantasy Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
Peter and the Starcatchers
Author: Dave Berry, Ridley Pearson
Illustrator: Greg Cal
Year: 2004
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 13
More info: National Best Seller
Plot
This Peter Pan retelling finds Peter aboard a ship of sailors. He and a bunch of other orphans aboard the ship have to protect a treasure locked in a chest hidden on the ship from pirate captain Black Stache. Think of this as the origin story of Tinkerbell, her fairy dust, and how Peter gained his ability to fly.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s one of my kids’ favorite fairy tale retellings. If your child loves Peter Pan, this story is a must-read!
Find this book in: Pirate Books for Kids / Fairy Tale Retellings / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Family Audiobooks
Mystery Family Audiobooks for Road Trips
Winterhouse
Author: Ben Guterson
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery / Fantasy
Age: 9 – 13
More info: Edgar Award Finalist, Agatha Award Finalist
Plot
Elizabeth is an orphan whose aunt and uncle have shipped her to Winterhouse for the Christmas holiday. There, she meets the owner, Norbridge Falls, and learns secrets about his slightly evil family. Along the way, she meets another child guest – Freddy – and becomes fast friends with him. Together, they unlock codes and solve puzzles. The best part is that the first page of each chapter has a mini puzzle for readers to complete.
Why Kirsten loves it
My boys and I like to listen to books together in the car or when doing a puzzle. The standout book for me this month was Winterhouse. This middle grade mystery was as enthralling to me as it was to my children. I loved the slight bits of magic in the story and the captivating setting of an expansive ski hotel on a snowy mountain at Christmas time.
Find this book in: Books for a 10-Year-Old / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Hotel Novels / Christmas Chapter Books / Family Audiobooks / Ghost Books for Tweens
The Westing Game
Author: Ellen Raskin
Year: 1979
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 11
More info: Newbery Medal Winner
Plot
When Mr. Westing dies, he leaves the residents of Sunset Towers named in his will. But they need to solve the mystery of his death in order to win control of his company and gain his vast fortune. Your family will love trying to work out what happened along with the characters!
Why Kirsten loves it
The tween book that got me into mysteries as a child is also great as an audiobook. This classic 70s book is still a must-read today! It has withstood the test of time.
Find this book in: Best Middle Grade Mystery Books / Books for 11-year-olds / Newbery Award Winners / Family Audiobooks / Family Inheritance Novels / Puzzle Books for Middle School/
Greenglass House
Author: Kate Milford
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Greenglass House #1
Plot
The Greenglass House is an inn for smugglers and the winter season means it’s supposed to be quiet for Milo, the owner’s child. But instead, guest after guest checks in for the holidays, and items go missing around the inn. Soon, Milo and the chef’s daughter, Meddy, are off searching for the guests’ connection to the inn, uncovering secret after secret along the way.
Why Kirsten loves it
This mystery reminded me of Harry Potter in some ways. A child is trying to uncover the secrets of Greenglass House, a hotel for smugglers and spies before the adults do. I chose this as a family read-aloud and it was wonderful.
Find this book in: Best Winter Books / Terrific Hotel Novels / Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Family Audiobooks / Books With Colors in the Title / Christmas Chapter Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds
The Egypt Game
Author: Zilpha Neatly Snyder
Year: 1967
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Newbery Honor Winner
Plot
The 6 “Egyptians” play in the back lot of an antique store, dressing up, performing rituals, and speaking with Oracles. Then, a murder happens in the area and trouble comes to the lot.
Why Kirsten loves it
This middle grade fiction enchanted me as a young girl. Don’t worry, there is a happy ending to this tween mystery book and also a sequel about gypsies!
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fiction / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens / Newbery Award Winners / Family Audiobooks
Feel Good Family Audiobooks for Road Trips
The One and Only Ivan
Author: Katherine Applegate
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 8 – 10
More info: One and Only Ivan #1
Plot
Based on the true story of Ivan, a gorilla trapped in a shopping mall, this feel-good story is one of the best family audiobooks for any road trip.
Stella, a young girl gets Ivan to start painting again and she realizes how lonely he is. Bob, a stray dog, works to help Ivan and Ruby, a baby elephant, garner the attention they need to be sent to a better home.
Trigger Warnings
Animal Cruelty
Why Jackie loves it
This book will touch your heart. Even though there are sad parts in this book, the ending will make it worthwhile. This is one of the best animal fiction books for middle grade and adults.
Find this book in: Books for 9-year-olds / Zoo Books / Family Audiobooks / Animal Novels / Audiobooks for Kids / Newbery Award Winners / Best Middle Grade Fiction
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
Author: Dan Gemeinhart
Year: 2019
Genre: Fiction
Age: 9-12
More info: Coyote Sunrise #1
Plot
Coyote Sunrise lives with her Dad, Rodeo on an old school bus, riding around the country but never returning to where her mother and sisters died.
Until Coyote gets a call from her grandma that the park where she hid a memory box is scheduled to be torn down. Soon Coyote needs to figure out a plan to get her dad back to Washington before she loses that box.
Trigger Warnings
Child death, Death of parent, Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
Filled with life lessons and charming strangers they meet and transport along the way, I adored Coyote and her unique life. My kids listened with me too and they felt the same way.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction / Audiobooks for Kids / Audiobooks for a Road Trip / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Best Books for a 10-year-old
Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Wonder #1, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
August Pullman is a boy with an extraordinary facial difference. He has been homeschooled his entire life and is starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep. This book for 11-year-olds is amazing and has a lesson about love and acceptance that everyone needs to read.
Trigger Warnings
Bullying
Why Jackie loves it
This is a must-read story for middle schoolers. It is an amazing book about embracing differences, kindness, and being yourself. However, it would also be a wonderful read-aloud book for a younger audience.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Books that Will Make You Cry / Chapter Books to Read Aloud / Family Audiobooks / School Books
Plot
This coming-of-age story is about a deaf girl who is struggling to connect with her community and a whale named Blue 52 who can’t find his ocean community either. She sets out to connect with Blue 52 and along the way she finds her inner strength beautifully.
Why Kirsten loves it
This was one of the realistic fiction audiobooks for tweens I listened to with my kids and we all just adored it. I had tears streaming down my face at the end.
Find this book in: Audiobooks for Kids / Realistic Fiction / Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Plot
This realistic middle grade fiction story is so relevant to society today. The heroine of this story is a girl whose favorite book was just banned from her school library. She starts her own locker library filled with more banned books from the school’s library.
As she stands up for her right to read, she challenges adults in her community and learns about books’ power to unite everyone.
Why Kirsten loves it
With a particularly relevant message for society today, this story is a must-read for teaching children about censorship and the importance of seeking differing opinions.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Best Books for 12-year-olds / Middle Grade Fiction / School Books / Family Audiobooks
Echo
Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 12
More info: Newbery Honor Book, New York Times Bestseller, Children’s Literature Legacy Award Winner
Plot
The story is three tales woven together in one with a magical harmonica at the center. The story follows a harmonica as it lands in the hands of Freidrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California.
Part fairy tale and part historical fiction, this is one story that is amazing for middle grade and adults alike. Each child has their own adventure but the end brings the three stories together in a beautiful way.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Antisemitism
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s not often that I find myself contemplating a middle grade story long after I have finished it, but I have thought of this one many times in the years since I read it. My children loved it just as much as I did when we listened to it during a road trip.
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this feel-good book and it blew me away. The full-cast audiobook plays music so it is a full sensory experience. In our opinion, this story is best in audiobook format.
Find this book in: World War II Books for Kids / Books for 11-Year-Olds / Audiobooks for Kids / Novels About Music / Newbery Award Winners / Best Middle Grade Fiction / Family Audiobooks
Modern Classic Family Road Trip Audiobooks
Tale of Despereaux
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering
Year: 2003
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 7 – 10
More info: Newbery Medal Winner
Plot
Kirsten and I love Kate DiCamillo. She is a modern storyteller who appeals to children intelligently and thoughtfully. Despereaux is a fantastical mouse who is in love with Princess Pea. Together with Roscuro and Miggery Sow, the trio embark on an epic adventure with stunning illustrations that will immerse you in their story.
Why Jackie loves it
This Newberry Award-winning book is delightful. I love the message in this wonderful book that is a story of love, bravery, friendship, wishes, and dreams.
Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / The Best Family Audiobooks / Read Aloud Books / Newbery Medal Winner
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
Author: C. S. Lewis
Year: 1950
Genre: Classic Children’s Fantasy
Age: 6 – 10
More info: Chronicles of Narnia #2
Plot
When four children discover a secret passage from a wardrobe into the Land of Narnia, they find a land enslaved by the White Witch. They find friends, enemies, and magic in this book that has withstood the test of time. Just when things are dire, the Great Lion, Aslan, makes his return setting off a series of events that spans several books.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Jackie loves it
The iconic book is actually the second book in the Chronicles of Narnia Series. However, since the first book is technically a prequel, I consider this the first and it can be read independently of the rest of the books in the series.
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Classic Kids Books / Children’s Books About Winter / Christmas Chapter Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds
Matilda
Author: Roald Dahl
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Year: 1988
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 6 – 106
Plot
Matilda is a magical little girl who loves books. Stuck in a family that doesn’t value education, her life is changed when she meets Ms. Honey at her new school.
But the principal, Miss Trunchbull hates children. When she terrorizes the kids at her new school, Matilda finds the power to fight back. The Netflix book adaption of this one is a musical!
Why Jackie loves it
I could read this story over and over again and it’s one of my daughter’s favorites too! Ms. Honey will go down as one of my favorite literary characters…. and honestly, I love the movie version of this one too.
Find this book in: Classic Kids Books / Netflix Book Adaptation / Family Audiobooks / Back to School Books / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Funny Family Audiobooks for Road Trips
Howliday Inn
Author: James Howe
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Year: 2006
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 10
More info: Bunnicula #2
Plot
Technically the sequel to Bunnicula, this read-aloud book can be read as a stand-alone. Chester and Harold are being boarded while their family is on vacation, but they are convinced they are staying in a haunted hotel!
Why Kirsten loves it
I remember laughing out loud as I read this middle grade mystery book as a child. I recently read it aloud again with my children and they had the exact same reaction I did! You will be busting at the seams with laughter. I highly recommend this one as a bedtime read-aloud during Halloween.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Family Audiobooks
The Wayside School Collection
Author: Louis Sacher
Year: 1998
Genre: Middle Grade Short Stories
More info: Book 1 of 4 of Wayside School
Age Range: 7+
Plot
Louis Sachar’s hysterical collection of stories about the students of Wayside School is a true must-read for students and a perfect read-aloud book.
The wacky tales and backward ways of the students and teachers at Wayside will have your child in a fit of giggles. Each chapter is about a different student in the school, so they can be read as individual short stories, making them perfect for bedtime reading.
This is the first in a collection of stories about Wayside School. While I recommend you start with this one, each book in the series is just as funny!
Why Kirsten loves it
Not all books from my childhood stand the test of time, but I enjoyed this story even more when I read it to my children. Hearing them giggle through the stories had me smiling. It certainly made for an entertaining bedtime tale.
Find this book in: Short Stories / Best Books for 7-Year-Olds / Family Audiobooks / School Books
Expert Tip
Are you looking for Family Audiobooks for roadtrips but don’t know where to start? Here are some tips.
- Think about the books that your family likes to read and pick something in that genre.
- Look at Kirsten’s and my descriptions of the books to help you pick. We have read all of these books.
- Think about the age of the kids. Picking something in between the ages is usually a perfect way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family audiobooks for road trips?
Depending on the age of your child/ children, there are some fantastic audiobooks that everyone in your family will love, including the driver. The One and Only Ivan is wonderful for kids and adults alike. Harry Potter is read by Jim Dale who does hundreds of voices! And there are some great classic books, like the Tale of Despereaux.
Related Content
Epilogue
Which of our favorite family audiobooks for road trips are you downloading for your next vacation?
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