The Netherlands

Katje, the Windmill Cat
Gretchen Woelfle, Nicola Bayley

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)

Super retelling of the classic winter adventure, set in the 19th century, Hans Brinker and his sister Gretel race for the grand prize on ice – the silver skates. (Picture book)

For the complete version of the story, including a dramatic skating trip on the frozen canals: Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates

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)

Wonderful exploration of Rembrandt's luminous paintings with fascinating details, and including his monumental works such as The Night Watch, and all Rembrandt's self-portraits, from a young person to an old man. (Picture book)

Vincent van Gogh's own words, paired with his paintings, are a magical combination. Poetic phrases focus on colors in each picture – butter yellow chairs, a pink sky, the lady's clothes are black, black, black – and make the paintings really come alive. A fabulous book for all ages, kids and adults alike. (Picture book)

Mini bio of Johannes Vermeer – his paintings are famous, but the man himself is a bit of a mystery. He was a busy guy – Vermeer painted, he also managed an inn and had 15 children. (Picture book)

And for a look at his luminous paintings: Vermeer's Secret World

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)

Boxes for Katje
Candace Fleming, Stacey Dressen-McQueen

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)

In a small town in North Holland, storks that bring good luck no longer roost on the rooftops. A determined little girl and her five classmates involve the whole town, young and old, in their search for a wheel to put on the schoolhouse roof. A children's classic. (Chapter book)

Anna loves tulips, and her father gives her eight tulips for her birthday. The tulips are so precious, she trades seven tulips for a table and bed, a painting, a puppy and cow, two lambs, and six chairs, but she won't trade the last for gold, diamonds or a big house. (Easy reader)

Neat and tidy Kate, who always weeds her garden, is just the opposite of her messy neighbor, an easy-going giant named Bruce, in this charming story from Dutch author-illustrators Ingrid and Dieter Schubert. Irresistible whimsical illustrations. (Picture book)