Halloween presents a wonderful opportunity for children to listen to audiobooks. There are an increasing number of audiobooks available for youngsters and this is a great way to encourage children to develop their vocabulary, listening and imagination skills, as well as to simply enjoy a good story. Audiobooks are often an easy way for children to access literature and can be a fun occasional alternative to paper books. See Listening to Audiobooks With Children for more information about how to get the most from this rewarding experience.
Six Great Halloween Audiobooks for Children
The range of Halloween books is extensive, offering something for children of all ages. Some of the classic ghost stories are suitable for older readers.
Although age bands are given below for guidance, it should be noted that these are not always available from the publisher and are therefore derived from retailers websites which may not always be consistent.
The Three Little Witches Storybook by Georgie Adams and read by Emilia Fox
This one hour audiobook is accompanied by a paperback making it an ideal way for youngsters to practice their reading. This is the story of three little witches, Zara, Ziggy and Zoe, who live together in Magic Wood, a magical place where cups and saucers wash themselves, letters sprout wings and other strange things happen. There are seven stories in this collection. (Age 2 - 4)
The Littlest Pumpkin by R A Herman
In this 6 minute short story, which is ideal for the youngest of listeners, the Littlest Pumpkin's dreams come true at Halloween in a most surprising way! (Age 3- 6)
Horrid Henry and the Bogey Babysitter by Francesca Simon and narrated by Miranda Richardson
This one hour audiobook comprises four complete stories and is read by the award-winning actor, Miranda Richardson. Horrid Henry is much loved by children (not to mention his many adult fans) and in this set he encounters the babysitter from hell, traumatizes his parents on a car journey, goes trick-or-treating at Halloween and sabotages his school project. (Age 4 - 8) More information about Horrid Henry and his exploits can be found on the Horrid Henry website.
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and read by Josie Lawrence
This 20 minute audiobook is from the creators of the Smarties Prize-winning picture book, The Gruffalo. A witch and her happily purring cat fly through the wind on their broomstick, without a care in the world, until the witch's black hat blows away. In the process of retrieving it, they pick up another passenger, a polite and helpful dog, and disaster strikes! (Age 4 – 8)
The Case of the Halloween Ghost (Hank the Cowdog) by John R. Erickson
In this audiobook for younger children, Hank the Cowdog is a scruffy, smart-alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger! As Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he's usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. (Age 4 - 8)
The Power of Five: W.I.T.C.H., Book 1 by Elizabeth Lenhard and narrated by Kate Simses
This three hour audio book is set around the adventures of five girls as they use their newly discovered special powers at a Halloween dance to battle against evil. (Age 9 - 12)
The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson and read by Elaine Stritch
Older children will enjoy this latest story about the Herdmans, who manage to turn Halloween into a disaster for adults and the best ever fun for the children! (Age 9 - 12)
Further Information
- The Littlest Pumpkin - Scholastic Audiobooks ISBN 978-0439895552
- Horrid Henry and the Bogey Babysitter - Orion Publishing Group Ltd ISBN-13: 9780752868042
- Room on the Broom - Macmillan Audio Books ISBN-13: 978-1405047302
- The Case of the Halloween Ghost - Maverick Books ISBN-13: 978-1591886099
- The Power of Five: W.I.T.C.H., Book 1 - Random House ISBN: 978-0-307-24581-6
- The Best Halloween Ever - Harper Children's Audio ISBN-13: 978-0060735845
- The Three Little Witches Storybook - Orion Publishing Group Ltd ISBN-13: 9780752874500
More information about books for children can be found on the Suite101 Children's Books site.
Happy Halloween listening!
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