How to choose audiobooks (or any books) for toddlers

January 20, 2022

(If you missed the first part of this mini series How to Introduce Audiobooks to toddlers, find it here.)

When choosing books for this age group, you’ll want to look for simple, predictable text and also well written rhymes. Toddlers will most likely want to listen to the same few books over and over again, rather than a bunch of different ones. But most of all, pay attention to which stories captivate your child. If their face lights up, and they show pure delight, then you know you’ve got a winner.

I hate to put an age limit on books because some of these books my 8-year old still enjoys. In fact, the best stories are enjoyed by all age groups! So just keep in mind that this is a general list of titles that may interest your little ones–you’ll know what’s best for them.

Places I Love to Find Audiobooks

  1. Hoopla (or any type of Library app like Libby or Audible)
  2. YouTube (an actual gold mine as you will see below)

Like I said in the previous post, don’t get stuck on a library app. YouTube is an AMAZING resource for “audiobooks.” And here’s another word about YouTube: sometimes there are several of the same title, so you might have to poke around for the best one. You’ll find that some of them are cheesy and some of them are awesome. But most likely, your child will care less about the quality and will just enjoy the story.

Individual Titles your toddler may enjoy

Audiobook Series To Check Out

Bonus: Beetlemuse This channel is full of old cassette tapes, so it is not specifically geared towards kids, but there are a lot of gems on here if you look. Just a word of caution, there are probably a lot of cassettes I wouldn’t recommend, so be sure you know what’s playing. We like to listen to the old Disney cassette tapes on this channel.

Other Great Authors to Check Out

  • Allan and Janet Ahlberg
  • Doreen Cronin
  • Dr. Suess
  • Eric Carle (Some Hoopla Titles)
  • Ezra Jack Keats (Several Titles on Hoopla)
  • Julia Donaldson
  • Martin Waddell
  • Paul Galdone
  • Sandra Boynton
  • Tomie dePaola (Some Hoopla Titles)

Check out these Publishers on Hoopla

Twin Sisters Digital Media

Weston Woods

I plan to do a completely separate post on all you need to know about Hoopla, but for now, don’t forget to search for authors, voice actors, publishers, etc., not JUST book titles.

If you have any titles to add, please let me know!!! I would love to add them to this list!

Please note, several links used are affiliate links through Amazon. If used to make a purchase, I will receive a small kickback from Amazon at no extra cost to you! So thank you!

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