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Librivox has been my favorite go-to collections for free audiobooks since the beginning of our homeschooling days. The selection of public domain books is enormous covering just about every genre you can think of, and all the books are read completely by volunteers. One of the great things about Librivox audios is that the MP3s can be downloaded so you can listen to them wherever you go even without an internet connection. During the holiday season, many families take to the road visiting family and friends. Here are a few suggestions for audiobooks that the whole family can enjoy together.
If you prefer to read these stories or have the kids read along while they listen, I have included links to digital versions found on the Project Gutenberg website where applicable.
Christmas Short Works Collections – Since 2006, Librivox has gather together selections of Christmas short stories and poems. Yu can browse through these to find a wonderful variety from great authors such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, L. Frank Baum, Robert Frost, O. Henry, Clement Clarke Moore (Mark Twain), Hans Christian Anderson, and so many more. Popular selections include “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Little Match Girl,” “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” and more.
The Children's Book of Christmas Stories – this is a collection of 35 short stories ranging from 3 to 20 minutes long, perfect for short trips around town. (Project Gutenberg ebook)
The Pearl Story Book: Stories and Legends of Winter, Christmas, and New Year's compiled by Ada M. Skinner and Eleanor L. Skinner – A collection of 69 tales and poems most of which are under 10 minutes long. (Project Gutenberg ebook)
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – There are quite a few versions of this book in Librivox, but we liked the dramatic reading of this one, with each character’s words read by a different person. (Project Gutenberg ebook)
The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens – Part of Charles Dickens “Christmas Books,” this novella tells the story of the Peerybingle family and the cricket that serves as a guardian angel of sorts that sits on the hearth and chirps when things are going well. (Project Gutenberg ebook)
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Another classic with many versions, but this dramatic reading brings the story to life for listeners. (Project Gutenberg ebook)
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum (the creator of the Wizard of Oz series) – This story takes children on another journey of fantasy and fun in this dramatic reading 0f the non-traditional “biography” of Santa Claus. (Project Gutenberg ebook)
The Christmas Reindeer by Thornton W. Burgess (the creator of Peter Cottontail) – Children who love animal tales will enjoy this story of 2 Eskimo children who take care of reindeer and how they came to help Santa with their reindeer. (Project Gutenberg ebook)
Christmas Holidays at Merryvale by Alice Hale Burnett – Part of the Merryvale series, this charming book tells the story of the Merryvale boys enjoying their winter break and doing something nice for a less fortunate family. (Project Gutenberg ebook)
Nutcracker and Mouse King by E. T. A. Hoffmann – This is the classic German story Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, The Nutcracker, was adapted from. (Wikisource online version of book)
