Our partnership with Audible continues into the winter season and this time we are bringing you ten recommended festive audiobooks for children. We hope our recommended audiobook list will inspire children to become immersed in the power of audio and be transported to a magical place. Discover our full series of audiobook recommendations with Audible.
Explore our top ten recommendations for fiction and non fiction audiobooks that will help children aged 0 to 11 countdown to Christmas, discover Diwali or escape to a far away land.
The Snow Queen
Written by Hans Christian Andersen, narrated by Katherine Kellgren
The Snow Queen is a fairy tale classic which many children might be familiar with already! Let it go this festive season and settle down to enjoy this wonderful story with all the family. Follow Gerda on her perilous journey to rescue her best friend Kai from the icy clutches of the Snow Queen.
Suitable for children aged 7 to 11.
The Penguin Who Wanted to Find Out
Written by Jill Tomlinson, narrated by Maureen Lipman
The Penguin Who Wanted to Find Out is another timeless classic from the beloved author of The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark. We recommend this equally endearing tale of a curious penguin on a mission to find out more about the wintry Antarctic world around him.
Suitable for children aged 3 to 7.
Hanukkah Bear
Written by Eric Kimmel, narrated by Laural Merlington
A bear arrives at Bubba Brayna's door looking for something to eat, and mistakes him for her rabbi! Luckily, she has made plenty of tasty Hanukkah food for them both to enjoy. We adore this warm-hearted story which explores the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and its traditions.
Suitable for children aged 4 to 8.
Diary of a Christmas Elf
Written and narrated by Ben Miller
Tasked with making a new toy for his sibling leads Tog to a dream job in Santa's workshop. But can he save Christmas Eve? We love this wonderfully funny story by actor and comedian Ben Miller. Expect laughter and moments of great warmth and adventure from his bestseller.
Suitable for children aged 6 to 10.
A Boy Called Christmas
Written by Matt Haig, narrated by Stephen Fry
A Boy Called Christmas is an hilarious tale of Nikolas, a boy from Finland who travels to Elfhelm to find his father, and discovers love, hope and magic along the way. Prepare to hear your child laugh out loud as they listen along.
Suitable for children aged 7 to 10.
Ladybird Stories for Diwali
Written by Ladybird, narrated by Rachel Petladwala
Dive into a collection of fun, short fiction stories which will teach children about the different ways Diwali can be celebrated. We loved how the stories also keep friendship at the heart of the celebrations. Follow the narration to learn some fabulous new festive words too.
Suitable for children aged 3 to 6.
The Dark is Rising
Written by Susan Cooper, narrated by Alex Jennings
This is book two in The Dark is Rising series.
The story starts on midwinter day and is best listened to in real time. It's a classic tale of good versus evil, with great characters and brilliant descriptions. Older children will be gripped throughout the adventure. Prepare for some scary moments, but good always triumphs in the end.
Suitable for children aged 9 to 11.
The Very Merry Murder Club
Written and narrated by a variety of authors
Abiola Bello, Annabelle Sami, Benjamin Dean, Sharna Jackson and Serena Patel are just some of the 13 authors who have contributed to this collection of wintery crime and mystery stories. "Ballerinas are extremely difficult to kill", reads the opening of the first story in a collection that also includes a missing cat in a pizza-strewn crime scene and a tonsil-less murder witness. Fabulous festive fun for young crime fans.
Suitable for children aged 8 to 12.
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
Written by Joan Aiken, narrated by Lizza Aiken
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is a much-loved tale, first published in the 1960s, that follows the adventures of cousins Sylvia and Bonnie. Families will want to curl up by a roaring fire with a cup of hot chocolate and listen to the howling wind, snow, and wolves outside.
Suitable for children aged 9 to 11.
The Truth About Mrs Claus
Written and narrated by Meena Harris
What does Mrs Claus do at Christmas? Do we even know her first name? A fun and empowering tale about a fourth-generation teddy bear maker and a wise woman with a story to tell.
Suitable for children aged 4 to 8.
Listen to the full festive audiobook list.
