National Geographic Kids: Val Tonie

We've listened to the humpback segment at least a dozen times on car rides, and Dr. Sylvia's narration keeps my kids genuinely engaged rather than just zoning out. It's packed with real facts about blue and beluga whales that even I didn't know, which makes it a win for quiet afternoon listening.

My five-year-old is obsessed with whales and she hasn't stopped replaying this Tonie since it arrived. The way Sylvia covers everything from humpback to beluga in such an engaging way makes it a perfect bedtime pick, though I do admit I've learned a thing or two myself.

The way Dr. Sylvia narrates actually keeps my five-year-old engaged from humpback to beluga, not just zoning out like with other Tonies. We've heard it three times this week on road trips and she keeps asking to replay the whale sounds.