Audio Books


Focus on the Family Radio Dramas (very well done, but abridged;  I much prefer having children listen to these read first) Narnia series, Secret Garden, Little Women, Les Miserable, The Hiding Place, Ben Hur, Anne of Green Gables

Look for all of the chapter books in my list in audio versions;  many are available.


A

  • Alcott, Louisa May

    • Little Women
      Gender: G
      Level: 2, 3

    • Little Men
      Gender: G
      Level: 2, 3

    • Jo’s Boys
      Gender: G
      Level: 2, 3

    • Eight Cousins
      Gender: G
      Level: 2, 3

    • Rose in Bloom
      Gender: G
      Level: 2, 3

    • Jack and Jill
      Gender: G
      Level: 2, 3
  • Alsburg, Chris Van

    • The Wretched Stone
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4
  • Anno, Mitsumasa

    • Anno’s Journey
      There are several Anno books. Most are wordless and the reader has to find Anno in various landscapes—very fun even for young children.
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • Ardizonne, Edward
    • The Tim series

      • Tim and Ginger
        and more...
        Gender: B
        Level: 2

      • Ship Cook’s Ginger
        and more...
        Gender: B
        Level: 2

      • Tim and Charlotte
        and more...
        Gender: B
        Level: 2

      • Tim to the Rescue
        and more...
        Gender: B
        Level: 2
  • Armstrong, Jennifer

    • Pockets
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Atwater, Richard

    • Mr. Popper’s Penguins
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

B

  • Banks, Lynne Reid

    • The Indian in the Cupboard
      And sequels; one of them has some weird spiritual aspects—may want to skip that one
      Gender: B
      Level: 2, 3
  • Barker, Cicely Mary

    • The Lord of the Rushie River
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Barklem, Jill
    • The Brambly Hedge series

      • Poppy's Babies
        The illustrations are exquisite
        Gender: G
        Level: 2, 3

      • Summer Story
        The illustrations are exquisite
        Gender: G
        Level: 2, 3

      • Sea Story
        The illustrations are exquisite
        Gender: G
        Level: 2, 3

      • Autumn Story
        The illustrations are exquisite
        Gender: G
        Level: 2, 3

      • The Secret Staircase
        The illustrations are exquisite
        Gender: G
        Level: 2, 3

      • Winter Story
        The illustrations are exquisite
        Gender: G
        Level: 2, 3

      • The High Hills
        The illustrations are exquisite
        Gender: G
        Level: 2, 3

      • Spring Story
        The illustrations are exquisite
        Gender: G
        Level: 2, 3
  • Bernadette

    • Varenka
      a Russian story of a delayed answer to prayer and the miracle that results
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4
  • Beskow, Elsa
     All I’ve read of hers are great

    • Children of the Forest
      all I’ve read of hers are great
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Pelle’s New Suit
      all I’ve read of hers are great
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Peter's Old House
      all I’ve read of hers are great
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • Bishop, Jennie

    • The Princess and the Kiss
      These books are about preserving purity
      Gender: G
      Level: 2

    • The Squire and the Scroll
      These books are about preserving purity
      Gender: B
      Level: 2
  • Blyton, Enid
     A British author born at the turn of the century who wrote around 800 books. She has a cult following; worth exploring.

    • The Famous Five Series
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

    • The Children of Cherry Tree Farm
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

    • Tales of Betsy Mae
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Bolton, Michael

    • The Secret of the Lost Kingdom
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Bond, Michael

    • A Bear Called Paddington stories
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Brett, Jan

    • A Christmas Treasury
      This includes most of her great stories with their gorgeous, lush illustrations; you can easily find many of her individual books.
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • Brisley, Joyce Lankester
    • Milly-Molly-Mandy and Sequels

      • Milly-Molly-Mandy
        Gender: G
        Level: 2

      • More Milly-Molly-Mandy
        Gender: G
        Level: 2
  • Brooks, Walter
    • Freddy series

      • Freddy goes to Florida
        Approx. 20 in the series; written in the 1920’s—about a poet detective pig--humurous and clever) some of our favorites:
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3, 4

      • The Clockwork Twin
        Approx. 20 in the series; written in the 1920’s—about a poet detective pig--humurous and clever) some of our favorites:
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3, 4

      • Freddy Goes to the North Pole
        Approx. 20 in the series; written in the 1920’s—about a poet detective pig--humurous and clever) some of our favorites:
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3, 4

      • Freddy, the Detective
        Approx. 20 in the series; written in the 1920’s—about a poet detective pig--humurous and clever) some of our favorites:
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3, 4

      • Freddy and Mr. Camphor
        Approx. 20 in the series; written in the 1920’s—about a poet detective pig--humurous and clever) some of our favorites:
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3, 4
  • Browne, Frances

    • Granny’s Wonderful Chair
      Fanciful stories
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Brumbeau, Jeff

    • The Quiltmaker’s Gift
      Phenomenal illustrations
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • Bunting, Eve
    • A Hanukkah story—very moving

      • One Candle
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3
  • Burnett, Frances Hodgson

    • The Racketty-Packetty House
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

C

  • Cannon, Janell

    • Verdi
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Stellaluna
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • Caudill, Rebecca

    • A Certain Small Shepherd
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
    • Fairchild Family Series

      • Happy Little Family
        Others in this series, as well
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2

      • Up and Down the River
        Others in this series, as well
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2
  • Cleary, Beverly

    • Henry Huggins
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

    • Henry and Ribsy
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Collington, Peter

    • A Small Miracle
      Wordless Christmas story—a family favorite
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Cooney, Barbara

    • Miss Rumphius
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

    • Eleanor
      About Eleanor Roosevelt’s life
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Craft, Charlotte

    • King Midas and the Golden Touch
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Cullen, Lynn

    • The Mightiest Heart
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

D

  • Dalgliesh, Alice

    • Bears on Hemlock Mountain
      Great boy story
      Gender: B
      Level: 1, 2

    • The Courage of Sarah Noble
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Deedy, Carmen Agra

    • The Yellow Star
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • DePaola, Tomie

    • The Clown of God
      Great illustrator; many Christian themes and saints’ stories
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Pascual and the Kitchen Angels
      Great illustrator
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • The Holy Twins
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland
      Great illustrator
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • The Night of Las Posadas
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • DeRico, Ul

    • The Rainbow Goblins
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • Dicamillo, Kate

    • Mercy Watson series
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

E

  • Early, Margaret

    • Robin Hood
      Medieval looking illustrations—one plate per story
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Estes, Eleanor

    • The Hundred Dresses
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

    • The Moffats
      And all the sequels
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Everett, Gwen

    • John Brown: One Man Against Slavery
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

F

  • Fair, Sylvia

    • The Bedspread
      Gender: G
      Level: 2
  • Field, Rachel

    • Hitty
      I like the one rewritten by Rosemary Wells and illus. by Susan Jeffers—a cross betw. a picture book and a chapter book—lovely, full page illustrations
      Gender: G
      Level: 2, 3
  • Fisher, Dorothy Canfield

    • Understood Betsy
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

G

  • Graham, Kenneth
    • The Wind in the Willows (2 Editions)

      • The Wind in the Willows
        I do like the one abridged and illustrated by Inga Moore. She doesn’t change the language, but does edit out lengthy description that for some children is cumbersome—including mine.
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3

      • The Wind in the Willows (Inga Moore)
        I do like the one abridged and illustrated by Inga Moore. She doesn’t change the language, but does edit out lengthy description that for some children is cumbersome—including mine.
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3
  • Grover, Wayne

    • Dolphin Adventure
      Great short books; true stories
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Dolphin Treasure
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Gruelle, Johnny
    • Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy

      • Raggedy Ann Stories
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2

      • Raggedy Andy Stories
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2

    • Wooden Willie
      A little known one, but a family favorite
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

    • The Paper Dragon
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Guarnieri, Paolo

    • A Boy Named Giotto
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

H

  • Haas, Irene

    • The Maggie B
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • Haywood, Carolyn
    • “B” is for Betsy

      • “B” is for Betsy
        Gender: G
        Level: 2

      • Betsey and Billy
        Gender: G
        Level: 2

      • Back to School with Betsy
        Gender: G
        Level: 2

      • Betsy and the Boys
        Gender: G
        Level: 2
  • Herriot, James

    • A Treasury for Children
      Great retellings from his veterinarian books
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4
  • Hest, Amy

    • When Jessie Came Across the Sea
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Hobbie, Holly

    • Toot & Puddle
      The Toot and Puddle series is good, but these are our favorites
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Wish You Were You Here
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • Hodges, Margaret

    • Merlin and the Making of the King
      Great retellings of many stories
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

    • The Kitchen Knight
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

    • Saint George and the Dragon
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Houselander, Caryll

    • Petook, an Easter Story
      Illus. by Tomie dePaola
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Hughes, Shirley
      A house favorite—author and illustrator

    • All About Alfie
      This is a compilation of Alfie stories. They also are published individually as Alfie Gets in First, Alfie’s Feet, Alfie Gives a Hand, and An Evening With Alfie or individual stories.
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Dogger
      Had to read this one every night for weeks.
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Alfie Wins a Prize
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • The Big Alfie Out of Doors Storybook
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • The Big Alfie and Annie Rose Storybook
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Tales of Trotter Street
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Alfie and the Birthday Surprise
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • Hyman, Trina Schart
     Mostly an amazing illustrator

    • Little Red Riding Hood Retold
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Sleeping Beauty
      Mostly an amazing illustrator
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Rapunzel
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

J

  • Jones, Elizabeth Orton

    • Big Susan
      Gender: G
      Level: 2

    • Twig
      Gender: G
      Level: 2

K

  • Kellogg, Steven

    • Paul Bunyan
      Gender: B
      Level: 1, 2

    • Mike Fink
      Gender: B
      Level: 1, 2
  • Kinsey-Warnock

    • The Bear That Heard Crying
      Based on a true story about Sarah Witcher
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

L

  • Lasker, Joe

    • A Tournament of Knights
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • LeFeuvre, Amy

    • Teddy’s Button
      Written in 17th century? republished by Lamplighter Publishing. Great boy story!
      Gender: B
      Level: 2, 3
  • Lewis, C.S.
     All of his books as soon as children can read them, esp. The Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce (L4)

    • The Chronicles of Narnia Boxed Set
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Lindman, Maj

    • Flicka, Ricka, Dicka
      and all the different stories
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Snip, Snap, Snurr
      And all the different stories
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Lovelace, Maud Hart

    • The Betsy-Tacy Treasury: The First Four Betsy-Tacy Books
      Gender: G
      Level: 2, 3
  • Lunge-Larsen, Lise

    • The Race of the Birkebeiners
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

M

  • MacDonald, Betty

    • Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
      And sequels
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • MacDonald, George

    • The Princess and the Goblin
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4

    • The Princess and Curdie
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4

    • The Light Princess
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4
  • MacLachlan, Patricia
     I find her books painfully beautiful

    • All the Places to Love
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Through Grandpa’s Eyes
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Mayer, Marianna

    • Beauty and the Beast
      Beautiful illustrations
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • McClintock, Barbara

    • Dahlia
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • McCloskey, Robert

    • Lentil
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Make Way for Ducklings
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • One Morning in Maine
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Blueberries for Sal
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • McLerran, Alice

    • Roxaboxen
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Meisel, Paul

    • Zara’s Hats
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Mills, Lauren

    • The Rag Coat
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Milne, A.A.

    • Pooh's Library: Winnie-The-Pooh
      Certainly this is one of the best children’s books of all time. Make sure to read the real version, not just all the picture book selections. The whole family can enjoy the different levels of humor.
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2, 3, 4

N

  • Nesbit, E.

    • The Book of Beasts
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Northcote, Nancy

    • Pottle Pig
      Hilarious stories with great illus. about a very mischievous pig
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Norton, Mary

    • The Borrowers Series
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

O

  • O’Connor, Sandra Day

    • Finding Susie
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Oram, Hiawyn

    • Badger’s Bring Something Party
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

P

  • Paterson, Katherine

    • The Angel and the Donkey
      a wonderful, beautifully illustrated retelling of the story of Balaam and his donkey
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Pearl S. Buck

    • Christmas Day in the Morning
      A boy gives his father a gift of service--beautiful
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Peet, Bill

    • Capyboppy
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Perkins, Janet and John

    • Haffertee Hamster Diamond
      And sequels
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Peterson, John

    • The Littles
      And sequels, 18 books total
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Philbrick, Margaret

    • Back to the Manger
      Lovely Christmas story with great local (Chicago) references & illus.
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Phillips, Mildred

    • The Sign in Mendel’s Window
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Polacco, Patricia
     Great current children’s author who illustrates her own books; appeals to a broad range of children; celebrates family, miracle, and heritage. I do not like all of her books because they express attitudes or moral choices with which I disagree, but the ones listed below are excellent.

    • Uncle Vova’s Tree
      An Epiphany story
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • The Trees of the Dancing Goats
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Betty Doll
      Gender: G
      Level: 2

    • Thunder Cake
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Rechenka’s Eggs
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Just Plain and Fancy
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Chicken Sunday
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Thank you, Mr. Falker
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • The Christmas Tapestry
      An amazing Christmas story
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • An Orange for Frankie
      A touching Christmas story
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Tikvah Means Hope
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Pink and Say
      For older children—a Civil War story
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

    • The Bee Tree
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • January’s Sparrow
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Poole, Josephine

    • Joan of Arc
      Illus. by Angela Barrett
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Potter, Beatrix
     Try getting the very small books as she published them

    • The World of Peter Rabbit
      Can be purchased individually
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Provensen

    • The Master Swordsman and The Magic Doorway
      Gender: B
      Level: 2

R

  • Rand, Gloria

    • Sailing Home
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Riordan, James

    • Jason and the Golden Fleece
      A beautifully illustrated retelling
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Robertson, Bruce

    • Marguerite Makes a Book
      Beautiful in showing how illumination was done
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Robinson, Joan

    • Teddy Robinson
      An easy chapter book—a house favorite
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • Rogasky, Barbara

    • The Water of Life: A Tale of the Brother’s Grimm
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Rylant, Cynthia

    • Let's Go Home
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
    • Cobblestreet Cousins

      • In Aunt Lucy's Kitchen
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3

      • Some Good News
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3

      • A Little Shopping
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3

      • Special Gifts
        Gender: Both
        Level: 2, 3

    • The Relatives Came
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4

S

  • San Souci, Robert D.

    • A Weave of Words
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Sanderson, Ruth

    • The Crystal Mountain
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • The Twelve Dancing Princesses
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • Rose Red and Snow White
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Seredy, Kate

    • A Tree for Peter
      An amazing redemptive story; a generational favorite in our family
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Sherman, Josepha

    • Vassilisa The Wise
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Steig, William

    • Brave Irene
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • Dr. DeSoto
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2

    • The Library
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2
  • Stewart, Sarah

    • The Money Tree
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • The Gardener
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2

    • The Journey
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Sutcliff, Rosemary
     Retells a lot of ancient classics very well

    • Black Ships Before Troy
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4

    • Eagles of the Ninth
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4

    • The Wanderings of Odysseus
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4

T

  • Tudor, Tasha
     Mostly known for her lovely illustrations

    • Pumpkin Moonshine
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2, 3, 4

    • A Time to Keep
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2, 3, 4

    • A Doll's Christmas
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2, 3, 4

    • Wings from the Wind
      An anthology of poems
      Gender: Both
      Level: 1, 2, 3, 4

V

  • von Stockhum, Hilda

    • A Day on Skates
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3

W

  • Waddell, Martin

    • The Hidden House
      Gender: G
      Level: 2
  • Wangerin, Walter, Jr.

    • Peter’s First Easter
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4

    • Mary’s First Christmas
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4
  • Wells, Rosemary

    • Lassie Come Home
      A retelling—beautifully illustrated
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • White, E.B.

    • Charlotte’s Web
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4

    • The Trumpet of the Swan
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3, 4
  • Wilde, Oscar

    • The Selfish Giant
      Retold by many different authors; I like the one by Fiona Waters, illus by Fabian Negrin, but I have seen others I love
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Wilder, Laura Ingalls

    • The Little House Box Set
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Williams, Margery

    • The Velveteen Rabbit
      This is a lovely story; just make sure you find one with equally beautiful illustrations, as the options are plentiful
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2
  • Wise, William

    • The Black Falcon
      From the Decameron, retold by Wise
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Wood, Audrey and Don

    • A Cowboy Christmas: The Miracle at Lone Pine Ridge
      Gender: Both
      Level: 2, 3
  • Wynne-Jones, Tim

    • The Zoom Trilogy
      Gender: B
      Level: 1, 2