Using Spanish Audiobooks for Children to Boost Bilingual Skills

Spanish audiobooks have always been a part of our home library, especially when I began teaching my child to read in the target language: Spanish.

However, throughout the years, I’ve always had difficulty finding bilingual or Spanish language books. Although, in recent years, we have more options including audiobooks.  That doesn’t mean, I’ve haven’t had to place “special order request” at our town’s bookstore, order on-line, or have family members gift my son with Spanish and/or bilingual books. Trips back home meant, buying books when I visited Puerto Rico.

El osito viajero Spanish Audiobook Series

I remember back in 2014, when I found a variety of children’s book in Spanish (at a discount store) I couldn’t help but feel that I had hit the jackpot, and to find books with audio CDs in them was priceless!!! Yeah, CDs!  I know, I know we now have smart phones, iPads, and digital audio players.

Any who, back to my story of when I found the books.  I was fumbling through the books,  I came across the children’s book El Osito Viajero by Christian Hainsworth (a children’s series) and I was in heaven!

I quickly skimmed through it to look at the Spanish. In the past, I’ve come across a few Spanish translations that were horrible! However, this one seemed fine.  When I showed my son the collection of El Osito Viajero he was thrilled.  His response was, “Mommy, now you don’t have to read the books to me in Spanish!”

I love that the series of The Traveling Bear in Spanish series focuses on character building, positive values and winning attitudes in children. The book also has impressive colorful artwork that appeals to my child. It’s fun to look at! Guess what? This series is also available on Audible!

If you’re raising a bilingual child or learning Spanish yourself, audiobooks can be a game-changer. They’re more than just stories. They’re immersive learning tools that bring the language to life.

How can Spanish audiobooks support language learning in a meaningful and enjoyable way?

• Spanish audiobooks train your ears by introducing new words and phrases in context, making it easier to understand and remember them.
• Spanish audiobooks help learners tune into the sounds, rhythm, and flow of the language. Over time, this improves overall comprehension and builds confidence.
• Spanish audiobooks paired with the actual book or digital texts helps learners improve their reading fluency and comprehension.
• Spanish audiobooks don’t drill the grammar rules. It shows how language works in real-life conversations and storytelling.
• Spanish audiobooks are a great alternative when you have reluctant readers, or limited time.  Grab some headphones or earplugs, press play and enjoy. Or find yourself a CD player! Ha! All jokes aside, I still have the books and I too, own a CD player.

Spanish Audiobook Resources

Audible (Amazon) Browse Audible for a large collection of Spanish-language audiobooks for children.

Libby Use your library card to borrow children’s audiobooks in Spanish.  Search by keywords: “español niños”, “cuentos infantiles”, “primeros lectores”

BeelinguappApp with bilingual audiobooks (side-by-side Spanish and English text). Great for kids learning Spanish.

Streaming Platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts. Use playlists or save favorites for repeated listening.

Finally, incorporating digtal audiobooks in the child’s target language is an excellent way to leverage technology in fostering bilingualism.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through the link I will receive a small monetary compensation. Thank you! 

Do you have any suggestions of Spanish audiobooks, or websites that I can include here? Please don’t hesitate in commenting below. Gracias.