4 fantastic audio recommendations for children and teenagers

Audio media bring plenty of variety to children's daily media routine. Parents are perfectly happy with this form of leisure activity, as it doesn't involve screens. It also proves useful as a stopgap when children need to take a break from their smartphones, computers and TVs.

In an age of dwindling attention spans, it is well known that audio stories can help improve concentration and expand vocabulary. And who knows, perhaps exciting audiobooks might serve as a gateway for those who aren't keen on reading, encouraging them to pick up a book themselves.

Audio stories give children a sense of security – especially when they are alone in their room.

From the children's perspective, this form of media offers further benefits: audio stories give them a sense of security – especially when they are alone in their room. As they listen, images form in their minds, even whilst they are drawing or playing at the same time. Once the story has come to an end, they can continue the tale or act it out. We present four recent new releases.

Tip 1: Heavysaurus: Metal

The band Heavysaurus is a phenomenon that captivates even the youngest children and appeals to ten- and eleven-year-olds too. This is partly because the four professional musicians perform in elaborate dinosaur and dragon costumes, and partly because they play wonderfully raucous heavy metal music for children (yes, you read that right).

Ever since the song «Pommesgabel», the band has built up a large fanbase. Their new album is called «Metal». But don't worry: whilst the guitars wail powerfully, the music is quite catchy with its driving rhythms. The German lyrics are easy to understand and tailored to the target audience.

In «Das weltbeste Versteck» (The World's Best Hiding Place), for example, the song is about a treehouse and the chorus goes: «Climb up, climb up, because no one can find us here». The song «Kuhglocke, Go!» naturally wouldn't be complete without the instrument of the same name. It's all very melodic. «Pattaja Hai» even has hit potential. The band is particularly popular with parents who weren't into pop music in their youth.

Tip 2: Ferdinand von Schirach: Alexander

The bestselling author Ferdinand von Schirach is likely to be well known to adult readers. His books, some of which have been adapted for the screen, explore socially critical themes such as justice and guilt. *Alexander* is his first children's book – and a rather remarkable one at that. He reads the audio version himself in his typically precise tone.

The story is set in the ancient city of Kaliste. The king who ruled there had instigated a war that destroyed half the city and cost many people their lives. Now that the citizens have driven out the king and his ministers, they are faced with the question of how they can live together in future without falling under the rule of a tyrant once again.

The story of Penguin Island is full of surprises and is a musical treat.

The answer is: they need fair laws. Unfortunately, however, all the potential candidates put their own interests first. That is why the choice falls on the young Alexander. The son of a cloth merchant is seen as innocent and, unlike the adults, is not out to look after his own interests.

He goes from place to place, talking to different people to find out how they envisage a just democracy. *Alexander* has a fairy-tale-like quality at times and a philosophical tone at others, yet it never feels out of touch with its young audience aged ten and above. Listening to it together as a family can spark some wonderful conversations.

Tip 3: Nepomuk & the Rabel: Penguin Island

This musical audio play is so special that we are featuring it here, even though it is aimed at younger children up to the age of eight. The first part is about a boy called Nepomuk who looks after an injured bird named Rabel. The second part is about winter. Musicians and music teachers Annika and Martin Bosch narrate the story and accompany it with enchanting songs.

The third instalment, *Die Pinguininsel* (The Penguin Island), which has now been released and was funded through a crowdfunding campaign, is the most ambitious of the series. This is because the Staatskapelle of the German National Theatre in Weimar, a large orchestra, was secured to provide the musical accompaniment. This lends the recordings a sense of excitement and opulence that is hard to resist.

The story is set on Penguin Island in Namibia, though it remains unclear whether it is a true account or a dream. The musical journey begins with a flight over the desert and leads to the penguins.

The heroes just manage to stop them from being eaten by a hungry sea dog. The sea bear is left behind, saddened, and laments: «I'm a sea bear. / I've had enough. / My stomach's empty. / Life's unfair!» The story is full of surprises and, above all, a musical feast. This audio play is available on CD or for download from the publisher. The booklet contains the lyrics.

Tip 4: Marie-Aude Murail: Sooner or Later

Louis is 14 years old and is struggling at school. Maths, French and German are proving particularly difficult for him. When the pupils in his class are asked to find work experience placements, his parents arrange a position for him at a radio station.

But Louis has absolutely no interest in that. Instead, he is determined to do his work placement at a hair salon. Naturally, his parents are less than enthusiastic about his choice, particularly his father, who, as a surgeon, would prefer his son to pursue a more prestigious career.

This story, suitable for ages 12 and over, encourages young people to have more confidence in their own inclinations.

But Louis gets his way. He takes such a keen interest in the work that he even comes up with excuses so he can spend more than just a week at the salon. The ruse is discovered, but the headmaster comes up with a solution.

This story, suitable for ages 12 and up, encourages young people to have more confidence in their own inclinations. This witty, atmospheric and highly acclaimed coming-of-age novel was first published in book form several years ago and was released as an audiobook in April 2026. Narrator Johannes Quester reads it in such a way that you'll want to listen to the four-hour story in one sitting.

Tip: All the titles listed are available on audio CD. Many libraries offer these on loan free of charge. With the exception of the two most recent episodes of *Nepomuk*, the titles listed can also be listened to on the Spotify streaming platform with a suitable subscription.