In the insightful words of Jane Austen, “I insist after all there is no delight like reading! How much more quickly one grows weary of anything than of a book.”
Whether you have an infant, toddlers, or older children, integrating books into their lives and reading together consistently gives them the optimal chance of becoming enthusiastic readers. Reading benefits youngsters in an array of ways: it nurtures imagination and compassion, enhances self-worth and psychological well-being, and can even aid in developing children’s friendships and social abilities.
A delightful sound book – or three – serves as a fantastic way to introduce kids to the joy of reading. Sound books are similar to typical books, with text and illustrations, but they provide children with the chance to animate the book by pressing buttons to produce realistic sounds. Whether you’re narrating a story about animals, vehicles, people, or food, sound books enable children to visualize narratives even more vividly than through images or illustrations, while learning to push buttons enhances their coordination and fine motor skills.
The finest sound books won’t break the bank, and will be read repeatedly by your children. Most titles on this list are part of a series, so if your child enjoys it, it’s straightforward and economical to expand their collection. Sound books also make wonderful gifts: they’re budget-friendly, sure to be frequently utilized, and loved by kids of all ages and interests. Typically, sound books for younger readers are designed in board book format, ensuring durability and making them perfect for handing down through siblings.
We scoured extensively for the best sound books available, and evaluated each with young readers of different ages. We considered the value for money, aesthetic appeal, storytelling, illustration, and sound quality of each book. We included options for a variety of ages, starting from the simplest ones for infants under one, to more complex tales embellished with classical music for older book enthusiasts. We ensured a diverse range of themes, so whether your child is fascinated by buses, farms, or particular Disney characters, you will discover something suitable in our selection.
Best board books at a glance:
- Best for an educational present: LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book – £21, Argos
- Best for vehicle enthusiasts: The London Noisy Bus – £7.85 Amazon
- Best for stylish looks and sounds: The Story Orchestra The Magic Flute – £17, Kidly
- Best for tactile patches for sounds: Don’t Tickle The Cow – £12.99, Amazon
- Best for a first sound book: See, Touch, Feel: Noisy Book – £12.99, Bookshop.org
- Best for Disney enthusiasts: Disney Moana – I Am Moana Little Sound Book – £8.99, Amazon
- Best for Julia Donaldson admirers: The Gruffalo: A Noisy Storybook – £12.15, Amazon
- Best for farm lovers: The Noisy Farm Book – £14.99, Waterstones
- Best for Christmas gifting: The Very Young Person’s Guide to Christmas Carols – £20, Waterstones