The Netherlands Resources
What are you waiting for? Get downloading and don't forget to join the mailing list!
Printables and downloads from The Netherlands


Speculaas Recipe
Download your copy of the Speculaas cookie recipe here.


Van Gogh Starry Night activity
Download your copy of the instructions to make a Van Gogh Starry Night artwork here.


The Netherlands Passport (free version)
Download the free version of the Netherlands Curious Wanderer Society Passport inserts. Get the FULL VERSION bundled with the full GUIDE TO THE NETHERLANDS from the shop.


The full Netherlands Guide
Click here to grab your full copy of the guide to The Netherlands from our shop.
Can we ask a small favour?
All these resources are totally free to download and use. If you love exploring the world from home with the Curious Wanderer Society we'd love you to join our mailing list! Click on the link below to subscribe and get loads of goodies delivered straight to your inbox.
Books about The Netherlands
This section contains affiliate links which means we get a small commission on any purchase that you may make. All this helps to keep the site running and we thank you for the support! These family learning resources have all been hand picked from the resources section of the Explore-the-world-from-home guides.


The Diary of a Young Girl
by Anne Frank
Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank’s remarkable diary has become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit.
Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank’s remarkable diary has become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit.


Meet the Artist! Vincent van Gogh
by Patricia Geis.
Vincent van Gogh: Meet the Artist! takes young readers of all ages on a colourful, interactive journey through the work of this revered Dutch painter. Three-dimensional pop-ups, removable artwork, flaps and tabs, and art activity suggestions and materials are among the many interactive components in the latest addition to the Meet the Artist! series. This book covers Van Gogh's artistic career, focusing on his time in Arles from 1888 to 1889 when he created several of his most famous works, such as Bedroom in Arles, his series on sunflowers, and Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat.
Vincent van Gogh: Meet the Artist! takes young readers of all ages on a colourful, interactive journey through the work of this revered Dutch painter. Three-dimensional pop-ups, removable artwork, flaps and tabs, and art activity suggestions and materials are among the many interactive components in the latest addition to the Meet the Artist! series. This book covers Van Gogh's artistic career, focusing on his time in Arles from 1888 to 1889 when he created several of his most famous works, such as Bedroom in Arles, his series on sunflowers, and Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat.


Hana in the Time of the Tulips
by Deborah Noyes, illustrated by Bagra Ibatoulline.
Hana and her father used to love to walk in the garden and play their favourite game. But ever since tulip fever struck Holland, Hana’s father has been consumed by greed, and now he is too busy even to kiss her good night. It is up to Hana—with some help from a special family friend—to find a way to remind her father of what is truly valuable.
Hana and her father used to love to walk in the garden and play their favourite game. But ever since tulip fever struck Holland, Hana’s father has been consumed by greed, and now he is too busy even to kiss her good night. It is up to Hana—with some help from a special family friend—to find a way to remind her father of what is truly valuable.


The Hero of Little Street
by Gregory Rogers.
Brimming with action, magic, adventure, and time travel, this is Book 3 in the acclaimed Boy Bear series. Brilliant, intricate illustrations will keep children engrossed for hours. Escaping from a gang of bullies, our Boy slips into a grand old gallery…
Brimming with action, magic, adventure, and time travel, this is Book 3 in the acclaimed Boy Bear series. Brilliant, intricate illustrations will keep children engrossed for hours. Escaping from a gang of bullies, our Boy slips into a grand old gallery…


Vincent Can’t Sleep: Van Gogh paints the Sky
by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary GrandPre.
Vincent van Gogh often found himself unable to sleep and wandered under starlit skies. Those night-time experiences provided the inspiration for many of his paintings, including his most famous, The Starry Night. Van Gogh sold only one painting in his lifetime--but he continued to pursue his unique vision, and ultimately became one of the most beloved artists of all time.
Vincent van Gogh often found himself unable to sleep and wandered under starlit skies. Those night-time experiences provided the inspiration for many of his paintings, including his most famous, The Starry Night. Van Gogh sold only one painting in his lifetime--but he continued to pursue his unique vision, and ultimately became one of the most beloved artists of all time.


Who was Anne Frank?
by Ann Abramson, illustrated by Nancy Harrison.
In her amazing diary, Anne Frank revealed the challenges and dreams common for any young girl. But Hitler brought her childhood to an end and forced her and her family into hiding. Who Was Anne Frank? looks closely at Anne's life before the secret annex, what life was like in hiding, and the legacy of her diary. Black-and-white illustrations including maps and diagrams provide historical and visual reference in an easy-to-read biography written in a way that is appropriate and accessible for younger readers.
In her amazing diary, Anne Frank revealed the challenges and dreams common for any young girl. But Hitler brought her childhood to an end and forced her and her family into hiding. Who Was Anne Frank? looks closely at Anne's life before the secret annex, what life was like in hiding, and the legacy of her diary. Black-and-white illustrations including maps and diagrams provide historical and visual reference in an easy-to-read biography written in a way that is appropriate and accessible for younger readers.


Anna and Johanna: A Children’s Book Inspired by Jan Vermeer
by Geraldine Elschner, illustrated by Florence Koenig.
This delightful tale about two young friends in 17th-century Holland is inspired by Vermeer's two masterpieces, The Milkmaid and The Lacemaker.
This delightful tale about two young friends in 17th-century Holland is inspired by Vermeer's two masterpieces, The Milkmaid and The Lacemaker.


All in a Drop: How Antony van Leewenhock Discovered an Invisible World
by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger.
A full-colour chapter book biography that shows how a self-taught scientist was the first to observe the microbial life in and around us. By building his own microscope, Antony van Leeuwenhoek advanced humanity's understanding of our oft-invisible world around us.
A full-colour chapter book biography that shows how a self-taught scientist was the first to observe the microbial life in and around us. By building his own microscope, Antony van Leeuwenhoek advanced humanity's understanding of our oft-invisible world around us.


The Tree in the Courtyard: Looking through Anne Frank’s Window
by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated by Peter McCarty.
Told from the perspective of the tree outside Anne Frank's window—this book introduces her story to a young audience.
Told from the perspective of the tree outside Anne Frank's window—this book introduces her story to a young audience.


Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion
by Mo Willems.
Trixie and her family are off on a fantastic trip to visit her grandparents—all the way in Holland! But does Knuffle Bunny have different travel plans? An emotional tour de force, Knuffle Bunny Free concludes one of the most beloved picture-book series in recent memory, with pitch perfect text and art, photos from around the world, and a stunning foldout spread, culminating in a hilarious and moving surprise that no child or parent will be able to resist.
Trixie and her family are off on a fantastic trip to visit her grandparents—all the way in Holland! But does Knuffle Bunny have different travel plans? An emotional tour de force, Knuffle Bunny Free concludes one of the most beloved picture-book series in recent memory, with pitch perfect text and art, photos from around the world, and a stunning foldout spread, culminating in a hilarious and moving surprise that no child or parent will be able to resist.


Katje the Windmill Cat
by Gretchen Woelfle, illustrated by Nicola Bayley.
A heroic tale, based on a true story more than five hundred years old, of a cat, a baby, and a flood.
A heroic tale, based on a true story more than five hundred years old, of a cat, a baby, and a flood.


Boxes for Katje
by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen.
After World War II there is little left in Katje's town of Olst in Holland. Her family, like most Dutch families, must patch their old worn clothing and go without everyday things like soap and milk. Then one spring morning when the tulips bloom "thick and bright," Postman Kleinhoonte pedals his bicycle down Katje's street to deliver a mysterious box – a box from America! Full of soap, socks, and chocolate, the box has been sent by Rosie, an American girl from Mayfield, Indiana. Her package is part of a goodwill effort to help the people of Europe. What is inside so delights Katje that she sends off a letter of thanks – beginning an exchange that swells with so many surprises that the girls, as well as their townspeople, will never be the same.
After World War II there is little left in Katje's town of Olst in Holland. Her family, like most Dutch families, must patch their old worn clothing and go without everyday things like soap and milk. Then one spring morning when the tulips bloom "thick and bright," Postman Kleinhoonte pedals his bicycle down Katje's street to deliver a mysterious box – a box from America! Full of soap, socks, and chocolate, the box has been sent by Rosie, an American girl from Mayfield, Indiana. Her package is part of a goodwill effort to help the people of Europe. What is inside so delights Katje that she sends off a letter of thanks – beginning an exchange that swells with so many surprises that the girls, as well as their townspeople, will never be the same.


The Boy who Held back the Sea
by Thomas Locker.
Jan had never done anything more heroic than shout for the guard because he had imagined he'd seen a sea serpent. But when Jan discovered water trickling through a desolate stretch of the dike that protected his low-lying village, he knew he had to act fast.
Jan had never done anything more heroic than shout for the guard because he had imagined he'd seen a sea serpent. But when Jan discovered water trickling through a desolate stretch of the dike that protected his low-lying village, he knew he had to act fast.


The Greatest Skating Race
by Louise Borden, illustrated by Nikki Daly.
In 1941 Piet, a young Dutch boy from Sluis, gets the assignment of a lifetime: He must skate along the frozen canals of the Netherlands and across the Belgian border, in order to guide two neighbourhood children to their aunt's house in Brugge, where the children will remain for the duration of World War II. Their father has been taken by German soldiers, and the children are no longer safe in Sluis -- but the journey with Piet, past soldiers and enemies, is fraught with danger.
In 1941 Piet, a young Dutch boy from Sluis, gets the assignment of a lifetime: He must skate along the frozen canals of the Netherlands and across the Belgian border, in order to guide two neighbourhood children to their aunt's house in Brugge, where the children will remain for the duration of World War II. Their father has been taken by German soldiers, and the children are no longer safe in Sluis -- but the journey with Piet, past soldiers and enemies, is fraught with danger.


Camille and the Sunflowers
by Laurence Anholt.
"Where Camille lived, the sunflowers grew so high they looked like real suns. . .One day a strange man arrived in Camille's town. He had a straw hat and a yellow beard." So begins this fascinating tale of Camille, a little boy who is the son of a small-town postman. Camille meets the man with the yellow beard, and they become friends. This bearded man is a painter named Vincent van Gogh. The story, based on a true-life incident, is beautifully illustrated in full colour by the author. This unusual picture storybook will appeal to children who love art, and to children who simply enjoy a good story.
"Where Camille lived, the sunflowers grew so high they looked like real suns. . .One day a strange man arrived in Camille's town. He had a straw hat and a yellow beard." So begins this fascinating tale of Camille, a little boy who is the son of a small-town postman. Camille meets the man with the yellow beard, and they become friends. This bearded man is a painter named Vincent van Gogh. The story, based on a true-life incident, is beautifully illustrated in full colour by the author. This unusual picture storybook will appeal to children who love art, and to children who simply enjoy a good story.


Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists: Rembrandt
by Mike Venezia.
Clever illustrations and story lines, together with full-colour reproductions of actual paintings, give children a light yet realistic overview of each artist's life and style in these fun and educational books.
Clever illustrations and story lines, together with full-colour reproductions of actual paintings, give children a light yet realistic overview of each artist's life and style in these fun and educational books.
Curated Youtube playlist (The Netherlands)

The unexpected math behind Van Gogh's "Starry Night" - Natalya St. Clair
Play Video

Better Know: The Starry Night | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios
Play Video

Art Cooking: Dutch and Flemish Still Life Painting
Play Video

Art Cooking: Vincent Van Gogh | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios
Play Video

Dutch Golden Age: Crash Course European History #15
Play Video

What causes economic bubbles? - Prateek Singh
Play Video

Why isn’t the Netherlands underwater? - Stefan Al
Play Video

Why is Vermeer's "Girl with the Pearl Earring" considered a masterpiece? - James Earle
Play Video

The Netherlands - Explore the World from Home
Watch Now

Better Know: The Starry Night | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios
Play Video
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Tumblr
Copy Link
Link Copied