The Best Books in the Audible Plus Catalog
If you have Audible Premium Plus or Audible Plus, you have access to thousands of audiobooks included in the Audible Plus Catalog. Here are some of the best ones!
If you are looking for ways to start listening to more audiobooks, pop in your email address and I’ll send you a list of my best tips for starting audiobooks!
Since Audible released Audible Plus last year, one of the most requested posts is a list of good books included in Audible Plus.
(If you’re not familiar with Audible Plus or how it works, check out this post and it’ll give you the whole rundown!).
We’ve been using Audible Plus for several months now and my girls listen to books from the Audible Plus catalog every single night on their Echo Dots as they go to sleep (I’m pretty certain you need to turn off the FreeTime filters in order to allow them access to audiobooks in the Audible Plus catalog – I couldn’t get it to work until I turned it off).
I’ll be the first to say that Audible Plus catalog is NOT the easiest to navigate – I’m surprised by how much effort it takes to search out new books and that it’s not as easy as I would expect from Amazon.
On the Audible App (which is free), you can push the “Discover” button on the bottom menu and then from the new screen press the “Plus Catalog” button. It will then show you all the different categories and you can see all the included titles in that category. Just press “Add to Library” for any of them that appeal to you and they’ll show up in your library, ready to listen to!
You can also look at all the books in the Audible Plus Catalog on Amazon – you can see them all here and filter by category, rating, length and language.
Also, if you look up a book on Amazon, it’ll show you if it’s included.
Also, you’ll notice that MANY of the audiobooks included in the Audible Plus catalog are old titles – this is because they are books that are now in the public domain and anyone can create recordings of them.
So if you’re looking for all the hottest new titles or want a lot of diverse titles from BIPOC authors, Audible Plus is probably not your best bet.
All of that said, I’ve spend HOURS combing through the Audible Plus catalog and there are certainly plenty of audiobooks worth listening to.
Plus, you can try Audible Plus for a month for free and listen to your heart’s content without paying a dime.
Here are some of the Audible Plus titles we’ve listened to and enjoyed:
The Best Books in the Audible Plus Catalog
KIDS BOOKS IN THE AUDIBLE PLUS CATALOG:
Our Favorite Audible Books for Kids
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
I hardly even need to include Harry Potter on this list because everyone already knows how incredible Jim Dale is as a narrator. But I have to mention it anyway! (Wondering when the right age to read Harry Potter is? I wrote a whole post about how to figure it out for your child here!)
Framed! by James Ponti
Ella has loved the City Spies books, so when I discovered this mystery series by the same author, I snagged them all for Ella who blew through them in a week. This book follows Florian Bates who is the only kid that the FBI Director has on speed dial (and a kid that a whole lot of criminals want taken care of). After a move to DC, Florian and his new friend Margaret uncover a mystery that involves a major crime ring, the FBI and the National Gallery. It’s up to them to solve the mystery AND get their homework done.
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
I mean, just when you think Anne can’t get better, they bring in Rachel McAdams to read it. If you love this fiery redhead, there couldn’t be a more delightful way to experience the story than with this audio version.
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich
I read aloud this story about a Native girl and her family set during the 1800s to my girls and then we finished it on audio during a summer road trip. It’s excellent!
The Flying Flamingo Sisters by Carrie Seim
The Flamingo Sisters, Flo, Faye and Franny, join a flying circus after their pilot parents mysteriously disappear over the Pacific. They discover a mysterious map which they hope might lead them to their long lost parents, but only if they can escape the clutches of their devious Uncle Freidrich who thinks girls should never pilot aeroplanes.
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
It’s a delight to see this classic included, plus The House at Pooh Corner and When We Were Very Young.
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
I’ve listened to this one multiple times and I never get over how GREAT the production is of this one (my girls loved it too) about a remote mountain town that becomes host to a competition to choose the next Princess who is prophesied to come from this town. (Full review here)
Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang
Red Scarf Girl is an eye opening and deeply personal memoir. Jiang’s book recounts the ups and downs of her difficult life and the oppression families of China faced during the Cultural Revolution.
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
This was the June 2020 book for the Everyday Reading Book Club and a PERFECT pick for the whole family to listen to. It’s a full-cast audio performance and our whole family loves Shannon Hale’s writing. All four books in the series are TERRIFIC. (Full review here)
In Grandma’s Attic by Arleta Richardson
Grandma’s attic is full of all sorts of keepsakes that spark the best stories from grandma. This is the first installment of this beloved series.
The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury
This magical book was the first one we listened to together after we joined Audible Plus – it’s delightful!
Stuck by Chris Grabenstein
You probably know Grabenstein from his very popular Mr. Lemoncello’s Library books. This is an Audible original about a boy who makes a wish to never grow up and stays at age 11 as everyone grows up around him.
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
It’s 1940 in London, right in the middle of World War II when three children become orphaned. Unsure what to do, they leave their home and head for the countryside in hopes of finding a good temporary or even permanent home. This one is PHENOMENAL – one of my favorite books I’ve read with my children.
Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry
You know I love Julie Berry (she wrote Lovely War) and this Audible Original is a really fun fantasy listen for kids. Maeve hates how strict her London boarding school is and when she’s forced to sort through the trash as a punishment for bad behavior, she’s delighted to find a sardine can with a grumpy djinni in it (he’s less delighted to have a young girl as his master).
The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett
My girls have listened to these books about the antics of two pranksters on repeat for months – if you have a child who likes humor, some slapstick, and a little naughtiness, these books are for them.
Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott
If you haven’t read any of Louisa May Alcott’s classics like Little Women or Little Men yet, this book is the perfect introduction.
Mockingbird by Kathrine Erskine
Mockingbird is about a girl with Asperger’s syndrome whose brother was recently killed in a school shooting, manages to be meaningful, appropriate, and even (surprisingly) funny. I was far more impressed with this book than I expected to be. (Full review here)
Riding Freedom by Pam Munoz Ryan
Nobody does historical fiction like Ryan and this one, about Charlotte Parkhurst, follows her fight to follow her dreams in the 1800s when women had very few options.
Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
I’ve loved this fantasy story about five normal children who find a magical creature who grants their wishes (but in the most obnoxious ways possible), since my dad read it aloud when I was a child. Her books, The Enchanted Castle, and The Railway Children are also included.
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
A BUNCH of the Mary Poppins books are included in Audible Plus catalog. Also, if you’ve never read the books, you might be surprised that she’s not quite as warm-fuzzy as Julie Andrews.
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin
I know this one is a classic, but I’m not sure I’ve ever actually read it! Now that I have free access to it, it’s probably time to remedy this.
Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix
When adopted thirteen-year-olds Jonah and Chip, learn they were found on a plane that appeared out of nowhere, full of babies with no adults on board, they realize that they have uncovered a mystery involving time travel and opposing forces.
The Brooklyn Nine by Alan Gratz
This book follows the fortunes of a German immigrant family through nine generations, beginning in 1845, as they experience American life and play baseball.
Caddie Woodlawn by Carrie Ryrie Brink
Oh my heavens, I love Caddie Woodlawn. Just as much as Laura Ingalls Wilder. I read this to the girls last year and we all loved this story about brave and strong-willed Caddie. (Full review here).
Miss Daisy is Crazy by Dan Gutman
This is a silly series reminds me of the Wayside School series. This series is geared more for beginning readers, but all the adults at Ella Mentry School are just a little bit weird…maybe REALLY weird!
The Last Last Day of Summer by Lamar Giles
Back in January 2020, Ella and I went to our library’s “Best Books” night where the librarians shared their favorite books from 2019. This was one of their recommendations, and Ella immediately came home and devoured this unique book about two boys who love solving mysteries but are stumped when a mysterious man arrives that can freeze time.
Far North by Will Hobbs
Two 15-year-old boarding school roommates are flying over the Canadian wilderness, when the engine of the plane stops. The next thing they know, they are hurtling toward a thundering waterfall. With winter quickly approaching and a forest full of wild animals, will these two boys work together to survive?
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Ella listened to this one and absolutely loved it (you can see it included in one of her reviews here).
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
This is not a fast-moving book, but I read it aloud to Ella a few years ago and she loved it! It’s just so sweet.
Honus and Me by Dan Gutman
Joe loves baseball, but he isn’t always the best at it. When he finds a valuable 1909 Honus Wagner baseball card, it takes him back in time to meet the baseball great!
Mission Unstoppable by Dan Gutman
In this fun novel, Coke and Pepsi have to evade their crazed health teacher and two guys in bowler hats by accomplishing some pretty crazy feats. Jumping off cliffs, escaping their burning school and jumping off sand dunes are just a few of the challenges they face in this thrilling tale.
Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter
When my girls listened to this one a few years ago, they were listening to it non-stop for weeks! I knew then, that it was time to show them them the movie!
The Island by Gary Paulsen
This one would be great for lovers of his book The Hatchet. Fifteen-year-old Wil discovers himself and the wonders of nature when he leaves home to live on an island in northern Wisconsin.
Brother’s Keeper by Julie Lee
Twelve-year-old Sora and her eight-year-old brother, Youngsoo, must try to escape North Korea’s oppressive Communist regime on their own in 1950. This one is full of historical notes, photographs, and a glossary of Korean words.
Houdini and Me by Dan Gutman
My girls were absolutely transfixed by this book. They didn’t know much about Houdini before this and we all loved the photographs of the real Houdini scattered throughout the book. In this story, Harry is a young boy who lives in the house Houdini once inhabited and loves learning more about the famous magician. But things take a surprising turn when he discovers an old flip phone and it starts receiving texts from someone who claims to be the real Harry Houdini.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
A true classic, but prepare to be shocked when the ruby slippers are actually silver!
Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery
I love me some Anne of Green Gables, but I have a special place in my heart for Emily (L.M. Montgomery herself said Emily was her favorite heroine she wrote).
The Case from Outer Space by James Preller
Theodore “Jigsaw” Jones and his partner Mila are hunting for clues or the “missing puzzle pieces” as they investigate missing animals, smelly sneakers, and even haunted houses. These top-secret detectives are ready to take on a new case.
National Geographic Kids Chapters: Horse Escape Artist and More True Stories of Animals Behaving Badly by Ashlee Brown Blewett
This one is bound to create some laughter and shocked faces. It’s all about animals causing chaos including Mariska, the horse escape artist, Milkshake, the charging cow, and Pony, the runaway goat.
The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin
When you think chickens, you might think of birds pecking in the dirt. What you SHOULD be thinking is crime fighters and mystery solvers.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I read this aloud to my girls years ago and it’s fun to hear them relistening to this classic on Audible Plus now. Her book, The Secret Garden, is also included.
Rivals: Frenemies Who Changed the World by Scott McCormick
This was a recommendation from several readers and we listened to it together. It’s laugh-out-loud funny and also really informative. Heads up that it has a little bit of slightly crude humor.
Amos Fortune by Elizabeth Yates
This Newbery winner is about Amos, who was enslaved at age 15 and spends 45 in slavery before finally finding the freedom he’s dreamed of.
The Children’s Homer by Padraic Colum
To be honest, this is the kind of Homer I need too.
The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle
If your knowledge of Robin Hood comes from the Disney movie, this is a fun way to get the full legend!
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
This is one I’ve never actually read (you may know about me that I don’t have a lot of love for wacky and this one has always just felt too over-the-top to me).
The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame
This one is less than an hour long – perfect for quiet time or some errands in the car.
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
This Newbery winner is set during the Revolutionary War. I remember loving it as a child and am excited to revisit it with my girls.
The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
It’s always fun to read a title that has a Disney movie based on it and then compare what is the same and what is different.
Jack and the Beanstalk and other stories by Lenny Henry
Tally and I listened to this in the car a few months ago when we were running errands just the two of us and it was charming.
Laurie Berkner’s Song and Story Kitchen by Laurie Berkner
I mean, you cannot go wrong with Laurie Berkner and this audio collection is delightful – it’s not just songs but instead nearly five delightful hours of singing, storytelling, and all around fun. Highly recommended if you have a toddler or preschooler in the car with you!
Stella Batts by Courtney Sheinmel
If you have a child who loves short chapter book series, this is a great one!
I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino
This is another Newbery winner about Juan, the assistant to Spanish painter Diego Velasquez. Juan is an enslaved African who, as he helps Velasquez, learns to paint himself, despite such activities being forbidden.
Iron Thunder by Avi
Avi is a master of historical fiction and this one, set during the Civil War and the sea battles that take place in the Atlantic Ocean, is a winner.
Tales of Beatrix Potter by Beatrix Potter
Can’t go wrong with this collection of 18 of her most beloved animal tales!
Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
Growing up with a pilot father, it’s not surprise that all Ida Mae Jones wants to do is fly. But since it’s 1940s Louisiana and Ida is both female and Black? It’s going to be hard for her to make her dreams come true.
Nancy Drew Girl Detective by Carolyn Keene
There are a couple of these Nancy Drew titles in the Audible Plus catalog!
The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss
This book should come with a warning that if you allow your children to read it, they’ll beg to live in a treehouse.
Bambi by Felix Salten
Can I be honest? I didn’t even know this was a book. . . .
The Trouble Begins at 8 in Sid Fleischman
Sid Fleischman does EXCELLENT biographies and this one about Mark Twain is no exception.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
This one’s a classic and fun to listen to as a family or for kids on their own.
Suggestions from followers:
Frozen: Olaf’s Quest for Kids by Disney Press
For little fans of Frozen, this one is a homerun audiobook! Olaf loves books, and when a mysterious message sends him on a quest with Anna, Kristoff, and Sven to find the legendary Haus Biblio – a “sea of stories” – their journey is filled with mountains, friendly creatures, and enchanting tales.
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
This one is so fun! A story about five siblings who are about to lose their beloved brownstone home in Harlem, thanks to a cantankerous (and mysterious) landlord who refuses to budge.
Viva Durant by Ashli St. Armant
Viva Durant, New Orleans’ youngest sleuth, sets out across New Orleans to crack a jazzy treasure mystery tied to the famous song Miss Mary Mack, following clues from lively streets to the haunting paths of the French Quarter. This 3 book series is bursting with music, culture, and colorful characters – perfect for mystery lovers!
Ungifted by Gordon Korman
Donovan Curtis, an ordinary kid accidentally enrolled in a school for the gifted, must navigate the chaos of the Academy of Scholastic Distinction, join the robotics team, and prove that even the “ungifted” have something to teach.
Slacker by Gordon Korman
I’ve read Gordon Korman’s book, Swindle, and loved it for its adventure and wide appeal for my elementary schoolers when I was a librarian. This one is different from Swindle, but still filled with a lot of adventure. Cameron Boxer is the ultimate slacker and hates to do anything but play video games and spend time with his friends. Because of an unpleasant mishap, Cameron ends up being an accidental overachiever.
The Weirdies by Michael Buckley
This one is a darkly whimsical tale about the Weirdie triplets (Barnacle, Garlic, and Melancholy) as they endure tragic mishaps, laughably grim adventures, and the challenge of fending for themselves after being left behind. They prove that even the darkest misfortune is easier with family by your side.
Zero G by Dan Wells
Zero is aboard a spaceship on its way to colonize a new planet. Everyone on board is in hibernation in order to survive the century long trip, everyone that is except Zero. Initially he is excited to roam the ship all by himself, until a family of space pirates tries to hijack the ship. Can he save the ship from being taken hostage?
ADULT FICTION BOOKS IN THE AUDIBLE PLUS CATALOG
The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis
You can watch the show and then read the book or in the reverse order. Either way, you’ll probably need to buy a chess set.
1984 by George Orwell
I still remember reading this one so clearly in my AP English class as a high school junior. Animal Farm is also in the Audible Plus catalog.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
All of her books are available on Audible Plus with some very excellent readers.
A Mind of Her Own by Paula McLain
Wondering about Marie Curie? This historical fiction book about the famous scientist is a fascinating place to start.
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
This best-seller features a woman who goes back to Havana to discover the family secrets that have been hidden for decades.
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride written and narrated by Cary Elwes with Joe Layden.
If you grew up with The Princess Bride like I did, there almost can’t be a more fun book than this one. I LOVED all the behind-the-scenes about the making of this movie. After I convinced Bart to listen to it too, we watched the movie again and loved it even more, knowing so many funny things about various scenes and actors. Best of all, they managed to get almost the entire original cast to record their stories in the book, so hearing their voices is an extra bonus. (Full review here)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Read this and then you’ll never make the mistake of calling the monster Frankenstein again (spoiler: Frankenstein is the doctor who creates the monster).
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
I always think of this book as an audio book since my mom and I listened to it together on a road trip when I was 13. (She kept stopping it to help me keep the characters straight, bless her).
War & Peace by Leo Tolstoy
I always use War & Peace as my example of what NOT to read when you’re just getting into reading again, but if it’s your pick – here it is!
Call Me Maybe by Cara Bastone (and Seatmate)
This is totally fluffy chick lit but it’s a fun audio production and it just was the perfect listen in the fall.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, read by Tim Curry
I love A Christmas Carol and I particularly love this narrated version. It is such a fun way to cozy up during the Christmas season and it’s only about three hours long, so it’s not a big time commitment.
Suggestions from followers:
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
In 1994, when the Winona Ryder and Christian Bale version of Little Women came out, my mom told me that if I read the book, she’d take me to see the movie. I read the book in a few days and loved every second of it. An all-time classic, it’s just so good!
Mistletoe Murders by Ken Cuperus (and Middlebridge Mysteries)
Emily Lane may run a festive shop in Fletcher’s Grove, but when murders strike, her secretive past and sleuthing instincts draw suspicion – especially from smitten detective Sam Wilner.
The Stand-In by Lily Chu (also The Comeback and Rich Girl Summer)
Gracie Reed is holding it together, even though she recently got fired by her boss and she is still trying to get her mother into a nursing home. Her life gets turned upside down when she is asked by a famous actress to be her stand in thanks to their almost unbelievably similar appearances. Gracie thinks the money will make it all worth it, but she might be wrong.
Middle Falls by Shawn Inmon
This audiobook collection of the Middle Falls series follows Thomas Weaver, who wakes up back in his teenage body decades after a tragic life, determined to fix past mistakes – but high school, romance, and even a budding serial killer make rewriting the past far more complicated than he imagined.
Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
No one does suspenseful mystery like Agatha Christie, and this one, where a country-house convalescence turns deadly after wealthy matriarch Emily Inglethorp is murdered, makes every guest a suspect. Only the brilliant Hercule Poirot can untangle the clues and expose the killer.
Once Upon a Crime by Brynn Kelly
When Lana Fleming sneaks onto a TV set to investigate her sister’s disappearance, she’s forced to team up with A-list actor Griffin Hart, and together they uncover a deadly scandal in Hollywood that turns their meet-cute into a race for survival.
The Return of Ruby Darling by Leeanne Slade
Ruby Darling, reeling from heartbreak and career chaos, embarks on a transformative journey to New Zealand with her estranged best friend Nate, where stunning landscapes, rekindled friendship, and family secrets force her to confront her past.
The Dispatcher by John Scalzi
For a quick, two-hour listen, this sci-fi thriller follows professional Dispatcher Tony Valdez as he navigates a world where nearly everyone who’s killed comes back and races against time to find a missing colleague before even his skills can’t save them.
An Arrangement of Sorts by Rebecca Connolly
In this regency romance, Moira Dennison enlists the mysterious Nathaniel Hammond to help find her fiancé, unaware of his noble title, and as secrets and attraction draw them together, their carefully planned paths may lead to love instead of duty.
ADULT NON-FICTION BOOKS IN THE AUDIBLE PLUS CATALOG
This Is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live by Melody Warnick
You already know I love love love this book – for anyone trying to feel more at home in a new (or old!) place, this book is a must read.
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
This WWII book is such an incredible memoir about a woman who, along with her sister, is arrested for hiding Jews and survives the concentration camps.
Where the Light Gets In by Kimberly Williams-Paisley
This book is heartbreaking and wonderful about losing a parent to dementia. (I included it on my Summer Reading Guide a few years ago).
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
This memoir is sweet and heartbreaking and funny all at once.
Delancey by Molly Wizenberg
I LOVE this book about a couple opening a restaurant together and what that really looks like.
Any other favorite audiobooks that are included in the Audible Plus Catalog? I’m always looking for more recommendations!
And if you’d like a printable copy of this list that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!
If you liked this post about the best books in the Audible Plus catalog, you might like these posts too:
- Tips for introducing kids to audiobooks
- How to start listening to audiobooks as an adult
- 20+ activities for kids to do while they listen to audiobooks
Photos by Heather Mildenstein
I have been on the search for familiar audio books for my 2 year old to listen to after following all your content. Does Audio Plus have a good supply of non chapter children’s books? Dr. SEUSS, Laura Numerous books, Mo willems, etc. Thank you!
There are a few short fairy tales, but overall, if you’re looking for picture books, I’d suggest Pinna instead.
Great List! FYI—there are TWO Pollyanna movies that are equally delightful. The original Disney is the fun one, and when I saw the BBC version on PBS a few years ago I thought, “How dare they?!”, but after 5 sold seconds, I was hooked. No music, and no Haley Mills, but it’s closer to the book and now I can’t pick a favorite! (Huge Pollyanna fan. ☺️)
Thanks for sharing!!
I have been hooked on the Coffeehouse Mysteries and The Tree farm mysteries! Such easy listens for getting things done around the house and during puzzles 🤗
is there a way for me to print these two lists? I know you’re moving and probably don’t have time to do anything, but let me know if I missed something and can easily print this.
@Kara Kaess
If you are on computer, press right click and it shows “print”
Another one to add to the list for adult fiction is Goodnight June by Sarah Jio. The main setting is a children’s bookstore (that I wish was real so I could visit) and includes some letters between the store’s founder and Margaret Wise Brown to give context about the earlier history of the store and possible inspiration for some of her books. The reviews mention the narrator speaks to quickly but I listened at 2x speed and didn’t have an issue. Could always slow the audio if she is speaking too quickly.
The Flying Flamingo Sisters is so good! It’s styled like an old radio show and they just came out with the sequel. Highly recommend for children.
I just was pleasantly surprised to find ‘The Only Woman in the Room’ by Marie Benedict as an Audible exclusive and part of the Audible Plus Library when it was selected by my book club!
The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew is a sweet children’s book that’s included.
My kids love the Candymakers (2 books) that are included.
Also the Framed set by James Ponti. We are currently listening to the Vanderbeekers (most of the series is included). The Prince Warrior series by Priscilla Shirer and the Van Gogh Deception by Deron Hicks.
Also have loads of Henry and Mudge, Cam Jansen and Encyclopedia Brown for younger listeners.
Forgot to mention that they have alot of the very popular Redwall series.