Encouraging children to read is very important for their development. Some children take to it naturally whilst others have to be cajoled. One way to arouse interest in both fiction and non-fiction books is to present them in the form of audio books for children. These come in CDs and cassettes and are sometimes accompanied by CD-ROM. The sets also have informative and entertaining booklets.

There is a vast market for children's literature and education. Famous actors and writers often present audio books for children. They cover age ranges from infants to teenagers and can make many long, boring car journeys a lot more pleasant. Bedtime stories can still involve child and parent as they each snuggle up to listen. Schools can also make use of this audio medium. Poorly children may not have the energy to read but can listen. They can even listen in hospital on personal headphones.

One of the most anticipated books ever to be published is the final installment in the Harry Potter series by J.K.Rowling. The publication date for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has been announced as July 21st 2007 and the audio version comes out on the same date. There will be a children's and an adult edition. Previous books in the series have been read by actor and comic writer, Stephen Fry.

Classic children's stories from the past make up a lot of the audios available. A 3 CD pack contains the Just So allegorical stories by Rudyard Kipling with original illustrations by the author. Actress Jenny Agutter reads The Secret Garden, a perennial favorite amongst audio books for children since it was adapted from the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Other classics include Robin Hood, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Black Beauty by Anna Sewell and Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stephenson.

Children love to hear about legends, especially if they involve adventure and heroic deeds. Tales from the Greek Legends includes the tale of Jason and the Argonauts. Medieval England is represented in King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

For younger listeners, there are Anderson's Fairy Tales, which include The Emperor's New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling. Beatrix Potter stories are still immensely popular and the recent release of a movie about the author's life has sparked even more interest. The film features Renee Zellwegger in the title role and co-stars Ewan McGregor. They both read stories on Favorite Beatrix Potter Tales: Read by Stars of the Movie, Miss Potter. Other audio books for children, particularly suitable for younger children include the Winnie the Pooh series. This is part of the BBC Radio Collection and the reader is writer, Alan Bennett.