Celebrated author Ruskin Bond, who marked his 90th birthday on Sunday, believes that audio books play a crucial role in nurturing children’s interest in reading by fostering story listening habits.

In an endorsement of audio books, Bond highlighted their potential to mimic the traditional art of oral storytelling, making narratives engaging and accessible to young listeners. To commemorate his milestone birthday, audiobook platform Audible has released a special edition titled “All Time Favourites for Children,” featuring 25 of Bond’s beloved stories handpicked by the author himself. The narration for this edition is skillfully performed by Anuj Datta.

Bond expressed his views on the occasion, underscoring that audio books can serve as a gateway for children to develop a fondness for stories, eventually encouraging them to explore and enjoy reading printed books as well.

The collection aims to captivate young audiences with Bond’s timeless tales, blending the charm of his storytelling with the immersive experience of audio narration. This initiative not only celebrates Bond’s literary legacy but also promotes literacy and the joy of reading among children.

As audio books continue to evolve as a popular medium, especially among young listeners, Bond’s endorsement underscores their potential to ignite imagination and foster a lifelong love for literature from an early age.