As the world of digital reading continues to evolve, parents are increasingly turning to audiobook apps like Audible to foster a love of literature in their children. Audible, a product of Amazon, is known for its vast library of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals, accessible through Android, iOS, and Kindle devices. We will explore whether Audible is a suitable app for children.
An App for Kids?
To begin, yes, there is an app for Audible that kids can use. Available in the App Store and Google Play Books, Audible offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate for both children and adults.
Benefits of Using Audible for Kids
Children can reap several benefits from using Audible. For one, it introduces them to a wide range of literature, including bestsellers, fairy tales, and new books that they might not have access to otherwise. Beyond books, Audible also provides a selection of kid-friendly podcasts and Audible Originals designed to entertain and educate.
As a reading app, Audible can help kids improve their listening skills, enhance vocabulary, and develop a passion for storytelling. It's a particularly useful tool for children who struggle with traditional reading or have specific learning needs.
The Audible app also enables offline playback, meaning children can listen to their favorite books anywhere, anytime, without needing an internet connection. Plus, the sleep timer function allows parents to set a specific time for the audiobook to stop playing, ideal for bedtime stories.
Understanding Parental Controls
Safety is a priority for parents when it comes to any app for their children. With Audible, parents can manage the content that their kids can access through the use of parental controls. This includes blocking certain categories and specific titles, and ensuring that the content is age-appropriate.
Pros and Cons of Audible for Kids
Audible, like all audiobook apps, has its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, its vast library, offline listening capability, and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for many, and the Audible subscription offers a monthly credit that can be used to purchase any audiobook, regardless of its price.
One of the potential downsides of Audible, however, is its cost. While the service offers a free trial, it requires a monthly subscription thereafter. Unlike services like Librivox and Overdrive, which offer free audiobooks in the public domain with a library card, or Scribd and Hoopla which provide access to free books through a local library, Audible generally has a higher cost. Likewise, even if there are in-app purchases for extra material accessible, some users might prefer other applications' all-inclusive offerings over this one.
Selecting Age-appropriate Books with Audible
Audible's vast library may seem overwhelming at first, but the app offers several ways to select age-appropriate books. You can filter by categories, age ranges, and trending topics, and the service often highlights award-winning children's books and other kid-friendly titles.
Best Audiobooks for Kids
Audible boasts a plethora of audiobooks that kids will enjoy. From classic fairy tales to contemporary bestsellers, there's something for everyone.
Some popular titles include:
- the "Harry Potter" series
- "The Chronicles of Narnia"
- "Matilda"
- "The Hobbit"
Parents can also explore Audible's collection of educational titles, which cover a variety of subjects and are often narrated in an engaging manner to hold children's interest.
Free Audiobook for Kids?
Yes, you can get a free audiobook for your child. Audible offers a 30-day free trial that includes one audiobook of your choice. After the trial period, you can continue with a paid subscription or cancel at any time.
Audible can be a great tool for encouraging children's interest in literature and learning. With its vast selection, user-friendly features, and robust parental controls, it's a solid choice for families.
But parents should also consider the cost and explore other options like Libby, Kobo, Audiobooks.com, Spotify, Apple's audiobook player for iPad and iPhone, and Alexa's integration with Kindle App and Kindle Book for a holistic approach to their child's auditory learning experience.
