Stories through sound: How they're engaging for kids, fun for parents, and accessible for all

Published on: 07 March 2022 Author: Louise Goodfield from Soundworlds

Discover stories in a whole new way by incorporating audiobooks into your family life, and make the most of the many benefits to young readers. 



There are so many benefits to discovering stories through sound. Not only can listening to audiobooks promote a diverse vocabulary, clear understanding of phrasing and listening skills, children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) benefit considerably, too.

For children who struggle with reading, audiobooks can offer some much-needed encouragement, since the child focuses on the sound of the words – which helps their understanding of pronunciation and punctuation – rather than the effort it takes to read those words on the page. 

In light of this growing evidence relating to the benefits of audiobooks, the increasingly popular podcast Soundworlds have turned Joanne Schwartz’s award-winning children’s book Town Is By The Sea, illustrated by Sydney Smith, into an immersive audio story.

Town Is By the Sea: Discover an award-winning book in audio

Illustrated by Sydney Smith

[[insert a couple of paragraphs here - explanatory text about the book, target age group, and how it's been adapted for audio. What makes it immersive. And how do the book and the audiobook complement each other?]

Other reasons to try an audiobook, this year:

  • They're a perfect way to strengthen the imagination with inspiring sound, words and music.
  • You can listen to audio stories wherever you are, even in the bath! 
  • If your child struggles to sleep alone, the right audiobook could be a good companion while they settle.
  • Audiobooks are great at developing listening skills, since they require you to quieten down and concentrate.
  • If your child suffers from worry or anxiety, an audiobook helps your child pay attention to their surroundings via sound – a grounding and mindful activity.
  • Children who listen to audiobooks tend to understand language above their reading level.
  • Audiobooks are an accessible way for children with dyslexia or other disabilities to connect with stories and language.
  • If your child has an Attention Deficit Disorder, listening may be more distraction-free than reading.

So many ways to fall in love with a book

Whether your child struggles with reading or absolutely devours all the latest books in a series, audiobooks are a great way to expand their love of stories. Often, they work well alongside the physical book, sparking a child's imagination and deeper sense of that world. Or, if your child doesn't usually pick up a physical book, you may find that the audio version encourages them to do so!

Whether it's Town Is By the Sea or another audiobook, give audio stories a go and see if they help your child fall in love with books in a whole new way.

Like Soundworlds Producer, Eleanor Turney, says,

'We love audiobooks in our house – my three-year-old adores books and is learning to read. Audiobooks mean he can listen to stories while I’m cooking, working, dealing with his baby sister, or otherwise unable to read to him. They’re also brilliant on long car journeys and for quiet time. He can listen to old favourites read by some amazing actors, and we’ve discovered new authors this way, too.'

Town Is By The Sea is available to listen now online or on SpotifyiTunes or your favourite podcast app.

Want Soundworlds to adapt your favourite children’s book into an immersive storytelling experience? Follow Soundworlds on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and tell them your suggestion, or subscribe for more news at www.soundworlds.org.

Topics: Features

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