International Children’s Book Day: Lose Yourself in the World of Fiction

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Albert Einstein

Countless studies have shown the importance of creativity in childhood. It plays an intricate part in their ability to develop emotionally, physically, mentally, and socially. Creativity helps us improve our ability to solve problems, work as a team and manage stress. Embracing a child’s imagination is a fantastic way to delve into a child’s creativity. One of the best ways to embrace an active imagination is reading fiction. It’s been proven that from as early as 18 weeks pregnant, infants have a strong grasp of speech from a young age, so playing audiobooks while doing other activities such as drawing or playing with toys, will further encourage their creative abilities.

To celebrate International Children’s Book Day, we’ve picked our favourite audiobooks to embrace your child’s imagination for all ages.

Baby & Toddler

The Tiger Who Came For Tea Written by Judith Kerr & Narrated by Geraldine McEwan

A classic story about Sophie and her mother and a tiger who invites himself to their afternoon tea and eats everything in their kitchen.

The Gruffalo Written by Julia Donaldson & Narrated my Imelda Staunton

When a little mouse goes for a walk in a dangerous forest, he invents tales of a fantastical creature called the Gruffalo to scare off a fox, an owl and a snake. After scaring them away, he soon meets a real-life Gruffalo.

Fungus the Bogeyman Written by Raymond Briggs and Narrated by Mark Haddon & Martin Clunes

The 1977 picture book follows a day in the life of Fungus, a working-class Bogeyman whose job it is to scare humans.

Left to right: the Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Gruffalo and Fungus the Bogeyman

5-8 years old

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Written by Roald Dahl & Narrated by Douglas Hodge

Charlie Bucket lives on the outskirts of town with his parents and four grandparents in poverty. The chocolate factory on his way to school, owned by Willy Wonka is re-opening and has invited five lucky children to come on a tour after finding a Golden Ticket in a Wonka bar. On his birthday, Charlie finds the fifth ticket.

Wind in the Willows Written by Kenneth Grahame & Narrated by Mary Woods

A classic children’s book about a group of animal friends: a mole, a rat, a badger and a well-intended but mischievous toad in the English countryside.

The Lion, The Witch and the wardrobe Written by C. S. Lewis & Narrated my Michael York

Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie are four siblings sent to live in the country with the eccentric Professor Kirke during World War II. While exploring the house, Lucy finds an enormous wardrobe. She steps inside and finds herself in a strange, snowy wood.

Left to right: The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Wind in the Willows, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

9-12 years old

Harry Potter Written by J. K. Rowling & Narrated by Stephen Fry

Harry Potter, a boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of a powerful witch and wizard and possess magical power of his own. He becomes a student at Hogwarts, he meets his closest friends who helps him discover the truth about his parent’s mysterious deaths.

Billionaire Boy Written & Narrated by David Walliams

David Walliams narrates the story of Joe Spud, the richest boy in the country who has everything he ever want, except a friend.

A Wrinkle in Time Written by Madeline L’Engle & Narrated by Hope Davis

When Meg and her brother go looking for their missing father, they find themselves on an unexpected adventure through a ‘wrinkle in time’. With cosmic evil forces threatening to swallow the universe, Meg must find her inner strength to save her family.

Left to right: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Billionaire Boy and A Wrinkle in Time

Ready for an audio book?

An audiobook is only as strong as it’s audio equipment, so we’ve handpicked our Majority favourites for superior listening of dialogue.

Majority K2 Soundbar and Subwoofer

Experience fiction in surround sound with the Majority K2 soundbar and Subwoofer. With a wireless subwoofer, the K2 delivers audio excellence for every adventure-filled chapter you could hope for. From Bluetooth connectivity to USB port, the K2 is ready to plug and play using a variety of connection options.

Majority K2 Bluetooth Soundbar Subwoofer Living Room Lifestyle Black
Majority K2 Bluetooth Soundbar & Subwoofer

Majority Homerton Music System

Most children audiobooks are in CD format, so the Majority Homerton Music System is ideal to play your child’s favourite books plus stream any downloaded files via Bluetooth, USB, MP3 and Aux-In port.

Majority Homerton DAB+ and Internet Radio Music System

Majority D40 Bookshelf Speakers

The perfect device to keep the kids entertained and out of reach, the Majority D40 Speakers is a great upgrade for your home entertainment. Offering a range of connectivity including Bluetooth and Optical, the D40 is ready is plug and play your favourite sounds.

Majority D40 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers

What your child’s favourite book? Drop us a message below to let us know which of our picks you enjoyed the most. If you’re using a Majority product to celebrate International Children’s Book Day, we want to hear all about it on social media at @majorityaudio. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #lovequalitysound #majorityaudio #carbonneutralaudio #internationalchildrensbookday