Netherlands

Naughty young Jan plays hooky for the day, but discovers a small leak in the dike. While the rest of the town sleeps, Jan spends the night with his hand in the dike to prevent a flood. Luminous illustrations, like old Dutch master paintings. (Picture book)

Before visiting Zaanse Schans windmill village outside Amsterdam, read about historic uses for windmills – to grind flour, colors for dye, make paper, pump out water for more land to grow tulips. Plus map and fun facts about the Netherlands. (Picture book)

When a dike breaks, Katja the cat saves a baby, tossed about in her cradle in the swirling flood. Illustrations so real and warm, you can almost hear the wind pushing the great arms of the windmill. Based on a true story, the Kinderdijk is named to celebrate the baby that survived the flood in 1421. (Picture book)

llustrated biography of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most popular artists today, but he sold only one painting in his lifetime. What did van Gogh see when he walked in the Dutch countryside as a boy, looked at paintings in art museums, practiced drawing people in fields, lived in a yellow house and painted sunflowers in France? Plus activities to try yourself, good for older kids. (Picture book)

Rembrandt is one of the most famous Dutch artists. Look at the details of his paintings, such amazing color and texture. Filled with examples of Rembrandt's works, including self-portraits from young to old man, his lovely wife Saskia, and stories from the Bible. Fun to read before you visit the Rijksmuseum. (Picture book)

Wonderful exploration of Vermeer's luminous paintings with fascinating details, including an astonomer twirls a globe, a young woman makes lace, and his famous The Girl with a Pearl Earring. (Picture book)

Also, another picture book: Meet Johannes Vermeer

A story inspired by two of Vermeer's paintings, The Milkmaid and The Lacemaker, two girls, born on the same day, exchange birthday presents for each other. And discover a secret. (Picture book)

Illustrated biography of Anne Frank, about her life growing up in Amsterdam, going into hiding when the Nazis take over, living in the secret annex, capture and imprisonment, and enduring author of her famous diary. (Chapter book)

"By remembering and telling Anne's story, we make sure nothing like this ever happens again."

As a girl Anne liked to go to the movies and write stories, but her family was Jewish. In 1942, the Nazis started rounding up Jews to send to concentration camps. The Frank family went into hiding in a secret annex. Anne started to write in her diary. "I believe that people are truly good at heart." (Picture book)

After World War II, "Sugar is not found in Holland these days, so anything sweet is precious." Based on true events, in a tiny Dutch town, Katje receives a box from America with soap, socks and chocolate. Soon, more boxes arrive with food and warm clothes for the townspeople. In spring, the town sends a surprise to America – tulips. An endearing story, with heart-warming illustrations. (Chapter book)

It's 1941, the Germans control of the Netherlands, and the canals are frozen. Ten year old Piet dreams of skating in the great Dutch race, the Elfstedentocht, but he has a bigger challenge, guiding a Dutch girl and boy to Brugge, across the Belgian border. An exciting story, with wonderful local color. (Picture book)

Take a trip around Amsterdam with Sophie Stork biking to the Vondelpark, visiting Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House, playing in Artis, exploring the National Maritime Museum, and having a snack at the indoor food market Foodhallen. (Picture book)

Insider Amsterdam A to Z – from Amstel River to bucket bikes, canals, eetcafes, houseboats, tulips, windmills, to tot ziens (see you later). (Picture book)