By Janet Galimi

Eight hours, two grumpy kids, 1000km of highway, and one bag of lolly snakes: sound familiar? For many families, the classic school holiday road trip is equal parts adventure and endurance test. Add in the looming ban on YouTube for under-16s from December, and suddenly those tablets in the back seat aren’t quite as useful for keeping kids entertained.

But here’s the good news: the end of endless scrolling might just open the door to something better. Storytelling.

As a former teacher librarian, I’ve seen firsthand how the right story, told in the right way, can capture a child’s imagination more powerfully than any algorithm ever could. They build literacy skills, spark creativity, and best of all, keep the dreaded ‘Are we there yet?’ chorus to a minimum.

Unlike screens, audiobooks demand imagination. Kids picture the characters, the settings, and the action in their own minds. That mental work boosts comprehension, vocabulary, and focus, all while entertaining them.

Many audiobooks are already available for free through school libraries, using digital platforms like Sora, meaning you can access them straight from your phone or iPad at no extra cost. So, instead of packing another packet of gummy bears, load up a few of these gems before you hit the road.

Here’s my curated guide to the best audiobooks for every age, mood, and family dynamic this school holiday season.

For Primary School Giggles

The World’s Worst Teachers by David Walliams

Kids can’t resist David Walliams’ laugh-out-loud stories, and this one is a family favourite. From Miss Petula Perpetual-Motion to Dr Dread, these truly terrible teachers are pure chaos. Ideal if your backseat passengers need a good belly laugh.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney, narrated by Dan Russell

Greg Heffley’s antics never fail. Whether it’s schoolyard politics or disastrous DIY projects, this series is guaranteed to get the whole family giggling.

Spooky Halloween-Ready Thrills

Shark Night by R.L. Stine, narrated by Ramón de Ocampo

Perfect for ages eight to 11 who love Goosebumps-style scares. When Liam is suddenly thrust into filming a dangerous shark documentary with his mum, things go from nerve-wracking to downright terrifying. It’s silly, suspenseful, and guaranteed to keep the kids on edge (in a good way).

Mary, Will I Die? by Shawn Sarles

For high schoolers who like their fiction with a darker edge, this modern horror keeps them hooked while you keep your eyes on the road.

For the Littlest Passengers

On the Road with Peppa by Peppa Pig, narrated by John Sparkes

Simple, sweet, and familiar. Perfect for keeping toddlers happy and calm during those last 30 minutes when everyone’s patience is running thin.

Sporty Inspiration

My Favorite Sport: Cricket by Nancy Streza Lionel Messi and Gymnastics Superstar Simone Biles by Jon M. Fishman

If your child lives and breathes sport, these short biographies of sporting legends are inspiring, fast-paced listens that double as life lessons in resilience and dedication.

For Teens and Tweens

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, narrated by Lola Tung

Trending with teens for a reason, this romance/coming-of-age story is sweet, relatable, and perfect for older kids who might otherwise roll their eyes at a ‘family activity.’

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, narrated by Jefferson White

For Hunger Games fans, this prequel delivers action, moral dilemmas, and unforgettable characters.

Whole-Family Adventures

Cop and Robber by Tristan Bancks

What happens when your dad’s a criminal and your mum’s a cop? Nash finds himself in an impossible position in this gripping story full of twists. Great for sparking family conversations about choices and consequences.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, narrated by Walter Lewis

Greek gods, monsters, and quests: it’s basically road-trip energy in story form. And with Percy Jackson hitting TV screens, now’s the perfect time to start.

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, narrated by Stephen Fry and others

Yes, it’s a classic, but for good reason. These magical tales are perfect for long-haul drives, with enough depth to keep both kids and adults enthralled.

For Parents (and Older Teens)

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, narrated by Rebecca Soler and Teddy Hamilton

If you need something once the kids nod off, this fantasy-romance is addictive.

Honeybee by Craig Silvey, narrated by Genevieve Hegney

A moving, beautifully told story that resonates with older listeners.

Stories That Build Empathy

Wonder by R.J. Palacio, narrated by Madeleine Curry and Kaya McLean

Few books teach compassion like Wonder. It’s a heartfelt, perspective-shifting listen that leaves kids thinking long after the car ride ends.

So, this holiday season, when you’re packing the snacks and loading the car, don’t just think about where you’re going. Think about the stories you’ll take with you. Because the right audiobook can transform eight long hours of highway into a journey kids won’t forget.

Janet Galimi is an Account Executive at OverDrive who supports school libraries throughout Australia and New Zealand. Based in Sydney, she brings the valuable perspective of an educator, having previously worked as a teacher librarian in a K to 12 school.

While studying for her Master of Education in Teacher Librarianship at Charles Sturt University, Janet developed a strong interest in the educational power of digital books. She saw how digital reading tools could unlock new opportunities for students by supporting different learning styles and making reading more engaging.

At OverDrive, Janet works with schools to implement Sora, the company’s digital reading platform designed for education. She helps schools use Sora’s wide range of features, such as reading badges, read-aloud functionality, and access to diverse content including comics, audiobooks, and magazines. These tools support student engagement while aligning with the Australian curriculum.