Do Audiobooks Count as Reading for Kids?
Your child has shown interest in listening to audiobooks. Or maybe they’ve been flipping through graphic novels and comics. Perhaps you’ve noticed them turning on subtitles while watching a movie or TV show.
And then the question sneaks in—either from you, a teacher, or another well-meaning adult:
“But… does that really count as reading?”
Short answer? Yes. It all counts.
In fact, it’s time we broaden the definition of reading to match how kids interact with language and stories today.
Redefining What Reading Looks Like for Kids
If you're wondering “Do audiobooks count as reading for kids?”—the answer is a resounding yes, backed by research and reading experts. Listening to audiobooks builds listening comprehension, vocabulary, and narrative understanding—all essential components of literacy. Audiobooks are especially powerful for children who are still developing decoding skills, helping them engage with age-appropriate stories without the barrier of print.
Similarly, graphic novels and comics support visual literacy, combining images with dialogue to convey tone, plot, and emotion. These books often explore complex themes in an accessible way, making them an excellent gateway to a lifelong love of reading.
Even subtitles can be a tool for literacy. When kids watch movies or shows with captions on, they’re matching spoken language with written words. This reinforces word recognition, improves fluency, and helps them become more confident readers—especially when they’re exposed to new vocabulary.
All of these are examples of multimodal literacy—learning to understand and make meaning from a combination of text, image, sound, and movement. It’s how we engage with content in the real world, and it’s absolutely valid as part of a child’s reading journey.
Try These Kids Reading Tips at Home
If you’re looking for ways to encourage reading in all its forms, here are a few easy ideas:
- Play an audiobook during a road trip, quiet time, or bedtime. Pause to ask questions or make predictions about the story.
- Offer graphic novels or comic books that match your child’s interests—even if they’re not “classic literature.” Reading for enjoyment builds stamina and confidence.
- Turn on subtitles when watching a show or movie together. Point out interesting words or talk about how a character’s dialogue shapes the story.
Every one of these activities supports literacy development—they just don’t look like traditional “sit down with a paperback” reading. And that’s okay.
Here’s the Big Idea When It Comes to Reading
When we expand what counts as reading, we help more kids see themselves as readers. And that confidence? It’s everything.
Whether they’re listening, watching with subtitles, or immersed in the visual world of a comic book, your child is interacting with language. They’re making meaning, thinking critically, and building connections—and that’s what real reading is all about.
Reading at Home Teaching Tip
Reading happens when the brain is actively constructing meaning from text or spoken words. If your child is engaged, thinking, and connecting with a story, then yes—they’re reading.
A Summer Reading Program That Celebrates All Readers
Our upcoming Summer Reading Program is designed to meet readers where they are—whether they’re tuning into audiobooks, turning pages in a book, or discovering the joy of a good story in new ways. With tools, prompts, and activities that support story-based learning in all its forms, this program is all about making reading feel fun, doable, and something your child looks forward to.
So yes, audiobooks do count as reading for kids—and so does anything that gets them excited about language, story, and learning!
