The 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)

Color-filled biography of Vincent Van Gogh with pop-ups, lift the flap, 3-D sunflower, swirls of Starry Night, fold together furniture in his yellow house. Van Gogh is one of the most popular artists today, but he sold only one painting in his lifetime. (Pop-up book)

Also, Van Gogh biography: Vincent Van Gogh: Sunflowers and Swirly Stars

On a summer day, Rembrandt and his son Titus spend the morning sketching outside the city; Titus wishes he could paint like his father. Titus practices for weeks, until he gets one just right, a drawing of his three dogs. A charming story, filled with examples of Rembrandt's paintings. (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)

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)

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)

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)

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)