The Ten Best Children's Audio Books

Keep kids occupied throughout the summer holidays with our choice of children's audio books

Chosen by Rebecca Armstrong

Tuesday 01 July 2008

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Meltdown - Robert Rigby/Andy McNab

Deadly drugs, gangland hideouts and criminal masterminds may not sound suitable for children, but this is an updated Boy's Own adventure that younger teens - and dads - will love.

Narrated by Daniel Weyman; £14.99





Tunnels - Roderick Gordon/Brian Williams

A thrilling romp through a world of tunnels that snake beneath London. When Will Burrows' father vanishes, he heads underground to find him but discovers more than he bargained for.

Narrated by Jack Davenport; £9.99





Best of Paddington - Michael Bond

Here's a double-whammy of national treasures: Stephen Fry reading the adventures of Britain's favourite bear. Fifty this year, Paddington is still going strong - as these stories prove.

Narrated by Stephen Fry; £19.99



Tamar - Mal Peet

Set in Holland in the Second World War, this Carnegie Medal-winner explores how two young soldiers' actions affect their families' futures.

Narrated by Anton Lesser and Anna Maxwell Martin; £24.99





Utterly Me, Clarice Bean - Lauren Child

Unlike the best-selling Clarice Bean picture books, this CD is based on a novel-length story, so there's plenty of action - and giggles - in this addictive listen aimed at those over six.

Narrated by Claire Skinner; £9.99





A Giant Slice of Horrid Henry - Francesca Simon

Packed with 12 stories detailing the atrocious antics of the world's naughtiest boy, this CD should keep any little horrors of your acquaintance quiet during long car journeys.

Narrated by Miranda Richardson; £14.99



Akimbo... - Alexander McCall Smith

From the creator of The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, this story is aimed at the over-fours, but will delight elephant-lovers of all ages. At its heart is a message of conservation.

Narrated by Paterson Joseph; £5.99





The Worst Witch to the Rescue - Jill Murphy

Anyone who has ever felt clumsy or out of place will warm to the wonderful - if unlucky - Mildred Hubble, whose days at Miss Cackle's Academy are marked by regular doses of chaos.

Narrated by Barbara Flynn; £9.99





Anne of Green Gables - L M Montgomery

This is the perfect way for little listeners to become acquainted with Anne, the red-headed whirlwind who shakes up Avonlea. Also a great listen for nostalgic mothers.

BBC Radio 4 full cast; £9.99





Prince Caspian - C S Lewis

If your offspring enjoyed the film version of this tale, try slipping this into the CD player. If it's a winner, go for broke with adaptations of the previous three Narnia books.

Narrated by Lynn Redgrave; £14.99

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