I was looking for a light listen at OverDrive and stumbled across
Just William by Richmal Crompton, read by Martin Jarvis.
Just William is new to me, although the Brits will be familiar with him. A few years later than
Penrod, he has much the same feel (and I think the licorice water must have been an homage) even though an ocean and the Great War separated them. Both are the of the type directed at children but of appeal to adults, and as well as funny, have a lot to say about class and economics if you look for it. Martin Jarvis is excellent.
As I said, I got it from OverDrive, but it's only $4.80 in the
current Audible sale for a five-hour listen.