Competition for the Yoto Cards?
We’ve had a Toniebox for around 6 years now. We love the Tonie characters but as my daughter has got older she has become more interested in the longer content that she can get on her Yoto Player and Mini with the Yoto Cards. I had wondered whether Tonies would look to become more competitive with the older audience of audio player listeners or whether they would focus their attention on a younger audience. The arrival of Book Pocket Tonies, known as Audiobook Tonies in the US, have made Tonies position firm.
Toniebox for Older Kids!
The Tonie characters are beautiful and hand painted. Yet you can’t make quick, mass production with bespoke designs like this for each character. This makes it hard to keep up with the Yoto cards.
It looks like Tonies have decided to stay in the ring to fight. Keeping an older audience with the launch of Pocket Tonies. There are two types: Book Pocket Tonies and Clever Pocket Tonies that are more learning based. In the US the Book Pocket Tonies are called Audiobook Tonies.
Where to Buy Book Pocket Tonies and Audiobooks
This post will give you information on some of the new Book Pocket Tonies releases in 2024.
Book Pocket Tonies: Tom Fletcher Books
The new A Christmasaurus Carol Tonie from Tom Fletcher is a fantastic holiday release for children aged 6 and up. With approximately 290 minutes of runtime, it offers a captivating mix of Christmas adventure, heartwarming messages, and festive fun.
Voiced by Tom Fletcher himself alongside Paul Shelley, this long-form audio story brings the magical world of The Christmasaurus to life, blending dinosaurs and Christmas in enchanting ways. It’s perfect for road trips, quiet afternoons, or bedtime listening. This Book Pocket Tonie is filled with key themes of friendship, bravery, and kindness woven throughout the story.
Adding to the festive fun, Tom Fletcher’s The Christmasaurus and The Christmasaurus and the Naughty List are also fantastic releases to explore. The Christmasaurus (with a runtime of approximately 60 minutes) introduces children to a heartwarming story of William Trundle and his magical Christmas adventure with the Christmasaurus. The Book Pocket Tonie brings a sense of wonder as William embarks on an unforgettable journey that teaches lessons of love, courage, and believing in the impossible.
Meanwhile, The Christmasaurus and the Naughty List (running approx. 140 minutes) takes listeners on a thrilling new adventure where William finds himself on the Naughty List – but all is not as it seems. This sequel continues the magical world of The Christmasaurus. There’s important messages about second chances and understanding the difference between right and wrong.
I’d recommend these Tonies as perfect companions to build up the Christmas spirit throughout the holiday season. The collection offers a wonderful mix of festive storytelling that’s ideal for sparking creativity and even inspiring some Christmas-themed activities, such as crafting or drawing your own Christmas dinosaur!
Book Pocket Tonies: The Questioneers Series
Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants
Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants Book Pocket Tonie from The Questioneers series is an exciting October release, ideal for curious minds aged 6 and up. With a running time of approximately 76 minutes, this Tonie tells the adventurous tale of Ada Twist. Ada is a young scientist with a love for problem-solving. She faces the challenge of rescuing a pair of helium-filled trousers that have gone astray!
This Tonie beautifully combines science, curiosity, and creativity, making it perfect for young listeners who enjoy learning through fun and engaging stories. Ada’s problem-solving skills inspire children to think critically and ask questions about the world around them, encouraging a love for discovery and exploration.
This Tonie fits brilliantly into any STEM-based activities for kids. After listening, families could dive into experiments or simple science projects that align with Ada’s adventures, helping to extend the learning and spark even more curiosity.
Here are three more exciting releases from The Questioneers series, each designed to inspire young minds with stories of creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Perfect for kids aged 6 and up, these Tonies are packed with engaging content that encourages learning and fun.
Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote
Running Time: approx. 76 minutes
In this story, Sofia Valdez tackles the tricky world of democracy when she runs a class election. This tale helps children understand the importance of voting, making decisions, and leadership, all while delivering a fun, engaging adventure. It’s perfect for sparking discussions about fairness and civic responsibility.
I’d recommend pairing this story with activities around voting, perhaps even holding your own family vote on simple topics like dinner options or activities.
Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters
Running Time: approx. 60 minutes
This Book Pocket Tonie follows Rosie Revere as she and her friends help a WWII riveter fix an old contraption. The story encourages children to think like engineers and problem-solvers while promoting teamwork and persistence. Rosie’s inventive spirit will spark young listeners’ curiosity about how things work.
After listening, families could engage in simple engineering projects, like building a bridge out of household items, to tie into Rosie’s adventures.
Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion
Running Time: approx. 80 minutes
Iggy Peck, the young architect, takes on a new mystery involving an old mansion in this captivating Tonie. As Iggy uses his architectural skills to solve the puzzle, children learn about design, creativity, and the power of observation.
Let children create their own “mystery mansions” using blocks or cardboard to extend their play and learning experience.
These Questioneers Book Pocket Tonies are perfect for blending entertainment with education, fostering curiosity, and helping children see the value of critical thinking and teamwork.
Pocket Tonies: Captain Underpants
My brother used to be a huge fan of Captain Underpants and he used to make his own comic stories up of them. You can find some brilliant free resources if you have a Captain Underpants fan here and here including drawalongs and comic story starters.
Here’s a summary of the Captain Underpants Book Pocket Tonies, perfect for fans of the hilarious adventures featuring the beloved superhero!
The Adventures of Captain Underpants
This Book Pocket Tonie serves as an introduction to the world of Captain Underpants, where George and Harold bring their comic book hero to life. When their principal gets hypnotised, he becomes the bumbling yet heroic Captain Underpants!
This story sets the stage for the series and captures the essence of friendship, imagination, and the fun that comes from being a kid. It’s perfect for new listeners who want to dive into the hilarity of the Captain Underpants universe.
Running Time: Approx. 60 minutes
Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 5+
Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets
In this adventure, George and Harold must battle against an army of sentient toilets that have come to life! These wacky, toilet-themed villains create chaos as they attempt to take over the school. With their creativity and teamwork, the boys must find a way to stop the talking toilets before it’s too late. This story is filled with humour and plenty of action, making it a thrilling listen for kids who love silly antics.
Running Time: Approx. 61 minutes
Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 5+
Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space
In this story, George and Harold face off against some truly bizarre foes: cafeteria ladies from outer space! These mischievous aliens aim to take over the school and serve up some very unappetizing lunches. With their quick thinking and Captain Underpants by their side, the boys have to outsmart the extraterrestrial cafeteria staff and save the day. This installment is packed with the series’ signature humour and unexpected twists.
Running Time: Approx. 65 minutes
Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 5+
Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants
In this exciting adventure, the villainous Professor Poopypants has a plan to rid the world of laughter by eliminating funny words! George and Harold must team up with Captain Underpants to thwart his devious schemes. The story is filled with clever wordplay and laughs, encouraging children to appreciate humor and creativity while enjoying the escapades of their favourite superhero.
Running Time: Approx. 61 minutes
Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 5+
These Captain Underpants Book Pocket Tonies are ideal for children who enjoy humor, adventure, and imaginative storytelling, making them great additions to any young reader’s collection!