DUTCH reading list with dutch children’s books
Reading is fundamental to learning a new language! It is a great way to improve your understanding of the Dutch language, increases your vocabulary, but above all it is relaxing, educative and FUN! The below books are iconic and classic Dutch children’s books that are great for Dutch language students!
JIP & JANNEKE
Written by: Annie M.G Schmidt
Title in English: Jip & Janneke
Reading Level: Suitable for Beginners Dutch language students
Every Dutch child has grown up with stories about Jip & Janneke and these characters have become popular icons of Dutch childhood. This book series is known for its simplicity and wit, making the books a great tool for Dutch language learners.
MEES KEES GAAT VERHUIZEN
Written by: Mirjam Oldenhave
Title in English: Teacher Kees is moving house
Reading Level: Suitable for Beginners Dutch language students
This book is a collection of short stories about teacher Kees and his class 6b. Kees’s mother thinks it is time that he finds his own place, so Kees moves out and his students help him move.
kruistocht in spijkerbroek
Written by: Thea Beckman
Title in English: Crusade in Jeans
Reading Level: Suitable for Intermediate Dutch language students
Dolf Wega allows himself to be flashed back to the Middle Ages in a kind of time machine to take a look there for one afternoon. But due to a mistake, he ends up in a children's crusade in the year 1212...
pluk van de petteflet
Written by: Annie M.G Schmidt
Title in English: Pluk of the Petteflet
Reading Level: Suitable for Beginners Dutch language students
After Jip & Janneke, Pluk is probably Annie MG Schmidt’s second most popular book. There is a room available in the Petteflet. When Pluk hears that, he quickly drives there in his red crane truck and goes to live in the tower room, all the way at the top. Finally, he has a house. And he immediately gains a lot of new friends
ATTENTIE, KOE OP HET SPOOR
Written by: Selma Noort
Title in English: Attention! Cow on the train tracks
Reading Level: Suitable for Beginners / Intermediate Dutch language students
This fun playbook, AVI E4-rated, is a fun read aloud together. Divide the roles and try using different voices for your characters. Which role do you enjoy playing most?
FLODDERTJE
Written by: Annie M.G Schmidt
Title in English: Floddertje (A little mess)
Reading Level: Suitable for Beginners Dutch language students
Floddertje in the bath, Floddertje at the hairdresser, Floddertje in the kitchen, Floddertje cleaning, Floddertje visiting... Whatever Floddertje and her dog Smeerkees do, it turns into a delightful mess. Yet, at the end of her adventures, Floddertje is rewarded with an honorary ribbon from the mayor.
brief voor de koning
Written by: Tonke Dragt
Title in English: Letter for the king
Reading Level: Suitable for Beginners / Intermediate Dutch language students
Tonka’s timeless story about the brave knight Tiuri and that one mysterious letter for the king of Unauwen, inspires children for many generations. An adventurous and compelling story about courage and accepting your fate: there are no better ingredients for a classic!