If you think childrens audio books are just the good old stuff of nursery rhymes, fairy tales and a little music, then you've missed out lately. Check out some websites for the newest and most popular titles and you'll be surprised to find some really creative and entertaining audio stories and literature for kids.

You also do not need to be stuck with kids audiobooks where readings are too bland or too syrupy. Most of today's audiobooks feature narrations by professional voice talents and actors other than the author. Some even feature several voice actors for more variety and characterization.

What to look for in childrens audiobooks:

Most sites and many book shops allow potential customers to listen to samples of audiobooks for kids. When shopping for one, make sure you take note of the following:

Does the narrator sound pleasant? Is his or her voice appropriate for the audiobook topic and characters? Is the volume of the music just right, do the sound effects help push the story along and make it more exciting?

It is not true that playing audiobooks to your child will make him a lazy reader. There are certain years in a childs life when their reading ability is not at par with their intellect, which is why it is very important to use audiobooks to help them learn words, build their vocabulary and enhance their imagination and listening skills.

Kids audiobooks are also helpful in developing his comprehension skills, considering that he needs to focus on words and not be distracted by illustrations. And, lets admit it, audiobooks are a great way to substitute parent reading during moments when we are not available.

Where to find audio books for children:

Other than regular and specialty book shops, many websites offer thousands of titles for kids audiobooks. Sure, you can browse through the more popular sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but do not miss out on the offerings by Blackstone and Naxos.

Houghton Mifflin offers cassette tape sets of audiobook recordings for kids that feature narrations and sound effects. One side features prompts for page turning while the other side is uninterrupted narration. If you want your kids to get to know 'Mike Mulligan' and 'Curious George', check out their site.

First-Class-Audiobooks site features hundreds of kids audiobook titles to choose from and if you want to listen to samples, there are audio clips available on the website. Check for great stuff like 'Charlottes Web', and 'Black Beauty'.

Some recommendations for kids audiobooks:

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Join Charlie on his fantastic world-famous adventures in Willy Wonka's miraculous chocolate factory.

The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz

What kids collection of audiobooks without the Wizard of Oz? Dorothy and Toto will keep your little ones entertained for hours on end and are a great, entertaining book to use during long trips. It could be scary for younger kids, though but may be quite popular with older ones.

The Chronicles Of Narnia

Narnia has been at peace since Peter, Lucy, Susan and Edmund helped rid the kingdom of the evil White Witch. But now the children have returned to their own world,and in their absence a dark presence rules the once harmonious land.

The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders

A very entertaining audiobook with poems set to music, this title was named by the American Library Association as one of the Notable Children's Recordings of 2003. The poems are funny and music is played with a guitar, percussion, mandolin and keyboards. Great for two-year-olds and up.