Back to school audiobooks for kid is the topic of our post today.
As an educator who has dedicated many years in the classroom, I’ve been privileged to witness the boundless potential, creativity, and resilience of our youngest learners. Their eager minds are akin to sponges, ready to absorb the world around them, and it is our duty to provide them with the tools that foster a lifelong love for learning.
As a new academic year looms on the horizon, it’s time to prepare our little ones for the exciting journey ahead, especially those about to take their very first steps into formal education – kindergarten. This transition, while exciting, can also be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. As a seasoned teacher and an ongoing student of education, I understand the importance of having the right resources to help navigate this new chapter.
One tool that I have found extremely effective over the years is audiobooks. They not only make learning fun and engaging but also play a critical role in language development, comprehension, and listening skills. But most importantly, they spark imagination, whisking children away on amazing adventures right from the comfort of their home or classroom.
Related: Best Back to School Books for Kindergarten.
In this blog post, I’ve curated a list of ten great back to school audiobooks for kids starting kindergarten. Drawing from my personal favorites, years of experience, and extensive online research, these stories, filled with heart, wisdom, and gentle encouragement, will inspire, reassure, and prepare your child for the fascinating school journey ahead.
Back to School Audiobooks for Kids
Here are our top picks for back to school audiobooks for kids
1. Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind, by Jessica Hische
In this heartwarming follow-up to “Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave”, Jessica Hische brings a fresh perspective on teaching kids about kindness, gratitude, and helpfullness. Through captivating hand-lettering and adorable illustrations, this audiobook seeks to inspire young listeners to be better versions of themselves each day.
It carries a powerful message about the importance of kindness and empathy, reminding children that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference.
2. A Happy Start to School: Finding Your Path, by Amba Brown
Transitioning into school can be a daunting experience for many children. Amba Brown’s audiobook, “A Happy Start to School: Finding Your Path,” serves as a friendly guide, equipping children with the emotional, social, and practical tools they need to navigate this significant transition. Infused with positive psychology, this resource helps children understand what school life is all about, encouraging them to approach it with confidence and enthusiasm.
3. Llama Llama Learns to Swim, by Anna Dewdney
The lovable Llama Llama, a character made popular by Anna Dewdney’s picture books, steps into a new adventure in this engaging audiobook. When Llama Llama decides to learn swimming, young listeners join him in overcoming fears and embracing new experiences. The story, which is part of a Netflix series, offers an entertaining yet relatable tale about the trials and triumphs of learning a new skill.
4. Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School, by Emily Jenkins
In “Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School,” listeners follow Harry as he navigates his first 100 days in school, overcoming various hurdles and celebrating numerous milestones along the way. Comprising 100 short chapters, the audiobook offers an authentic representation of first-grade experiences.
From overcoming first-day jitters to understanding the silent “e,” children can easily relate to Harry’s journey, providing them with a sense of comfort and anticipation for their own school adventure.
5. Hello World! by Kelly Corrigan
“Hello World!” is an inspiring audiobook that underscores the value of connections and relationships we build in our journey through life.
Kelly Corrigan, known for her motivational wisdom, uses her words to prepare young listeners for their new adventures, emphasizing that the people they meet along the way will contribute to their growth and learning.
The audiobook serves as a gentle reminder that life’s journey is not just about reaching the destination, but also about cherishing the people we meet along the way.
6. The King of Kindergarten, by Derrick Barnes
Embarking on his first day of kindergarten with pride and confidence, a little boy is all set to take on this new adventure in “The King of Kindergarten”.
The protagonist’s infectious enthusiasm and readiness to embrace new experiences make this audiobook a perfect companion for children stepping into school life.
Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes masterfully crafts a story filled with joy and optimism, providing an excellent confidence boost to kindergartners.
7. Your Name Is a Song, by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
In “Your Name Is a Song,” a young girl grapples with the frustrations of having her unique name mispronounced at school.
Her mother introduces her to the musicality and beauty of names from various cultures, helping her embrace her own name and its heritage.
This audiobook is an empowering celebration of the history and magic encapsulated in names, aiming to teach children about diversity and respect for one’s identity.
8. The Name Jar, by Yangsook Choi
“The Name Jar” presents a heartfelt story of Unhei, a new girl in school who struggles with acceptance because of her Korean name.
The journey to embrace her cultural identity and the courage to assert her name form the essence of this touching narrative.
Author Yangsook Choi tells an engaging story about staying true to oneself and being proud of one’s roots, which will resonate deeply with children facing similar challenges.
9. The Day You Begin, by Jacqueline Woodson
“The Day You Begin” is an emotive exploration of the sense of alienation we sometimes feel when we perceive ourselves as different from others.
Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical prose and warm narration lead listeners on a journey of self-discovery, highlighting the bravery required to share one’s story and reach out to others.
This poignant audiobook aims to remind children that, despite our differences, we are all connected by shared feelings of insecurity and courage.
10. Scavengers, by Marcus Emerson
In his seventh diary entry as a 6th-grade ninja, Chase Cooper finds himself in the middle of an unforeseen storm at Buchanan School.
As he navigates a negative reputation, potential exposure of his secret ninja clan, and the destructive plans of a group called The Scavengers, his resilience and resolve are put to the test.
“Scavengers” is a fast-paced, engaging adventure, offering a relatable tale about resilience, friendship, and the complexities of middle-school life.
