The beginning of a new year can often feel long. We're here to sprinkle some hope and positivity across the wintry months with the help of our partners Audible.
Discover ten recommendations for fiction and non fiction audiobooks that will help children aged 5 to 11 explore themes of hope and positivity. Choose from heart-warming stories of friendship, love and loss. Delve into inspiring real stories and be encouraged to look positively on whatever the year might hold for them.
We hope our recommended audiobook list will inspire children to become immersed in the power of audio and be empowered to explore their emotions, hopes and possibilities.
Discover our full series of audiobook recommendations with Audible.
You Can Do It: How to Find Your Voice and Make a Difference
Written by Marcus Rashford and Carl Anka, narrated by Kenton Thomas
Marcus Rashford and Carl Anka are back with another uplifting book to support young people to achieve their goals. We recommend this non-fiction audiobook to inspire positivity and encourage children to make their own difference, however small.
Suitable for children aged 9 to 11
Macmillan Children's Books
The Heart and the Bottle
Written by Oliver Jeffers, narrated by Helena Bonham Carter
We recommend this super short listen, The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers, which is a heart-warming story of love and loss. Children will be introduced to an inquisitive little girl who loses someone important yet rediscovers the wonder of the world around her.
Suitable for children aged 5+
HarperCollins
Born to Run
Written by Michael Morpurgo, narrated by Isla Blair
Born to Run is a true classic from award-winning author Michael Morpurgo. The story is about a greyhound who lives many lives and the friendship between child and dog. Get ready for a real tear-jerker with a hopeful message.
Suitable for children aged 9 to 11
HarperCollins
Seed
Written by Caryl Lewis, narrated by Sam Stafford
Marty's birthday present from his grandad doesn't look like much but brings great hope to all. We were carried away on a tide of dreams by this wondrous tale and hope you will be too.
Suitable for children aged 9 to 11
Macmillan Children's Books
Nura and the Immortal Palace
Written by M.T. Khan, narrated by Shiromi Arserio
When Nura’s best friend is kidnapped by the jinn - enchanted beings of fire - she is determined to rescue him. We were whisked away on a magical adventure in this tale of hope, friendship, and the importance of education.
Suitable for children aged 9+
Walker Books
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World
Written by Malala Yousafzai and Patricia McCormick, narrated by Neela Vaswani
Teen edition retold by Malala for her own generation
Malala’s courageous journey to champion education for girls is thought-provoking and an inspiration for all. This audiobook is a wonderful starting point for listening together and beginning discussions around children’s rights with older readers.
Suitable for children aged 11+
Hachette
Absolutely, Positively Natty
Written by Lisa Greenwald, narrated by Caroline Sorunke
Natty’s motto is 'good vibes only'. Can her new friends convince her that sometimes it’s okay not to be okay? The narrator brings this lovable heroine to life in an entertaining look at the balance between hopefulness and toxic positivity.
Suitable for children aged 8 to 11
HarperCollins
Like a Charm
Written by Ellie McNicoll, narrated by Carmella Brown
Ramya knows her brain works slightly differently to others. But when sinister, magical creatures threaten to take over Edinburgh, she must use her dyspraxia to defeat them. We adore this absorbing, highly entertaining narration about a bold, optimistic protagonist.
Suitable for children aged 8 to 11
Knights Of
The Wall Between Us
Written by Dan Smith, narrated by Charlie Sanderson
It's 1961 and best friends Anja and Monika are separated by the Berlin Wall. Despite many challenges across the decades, their cat Otto shows them how to remain full of hope. We love this historical adventure.
Suitable for children aged 8 to 11
W. F. Howes
A Poem for Every Day of the Year
Written by various, edited by Allie Esiri and narrated by various including Helena Bonham Carter
A huge array of poems, one for each day of the year, narrated by a stellar cast, suitable for all ages. There will be something for everyone in this comprehensive collection.
Suitable for children aged 5+
Macmillan Children's Books
