It may be short, but admit it: Reading before bed is one of the best moments of the day. These are our favorite reading books (for kids and adults).
Don’t Forget: The Story of a Little Mole
Lots of toddlers and preschoolers know it literally: “About a little mole…” It’s been one of the most popular picture books for years, and rightfully so: text and graphics tell a hilarious story together.
Werner Holsworth/Wolf Erbruch. About the little mole who wants to know who shits on his head
Read aloud from the age of 3
From Abeltje to Wiplala: All of Annie MG’s heroes collected in one book
If we could only pick one book by Annie MJ Schmidt, what would it be? Blogof course, or still Otji… Less famous, but just as cute Grote Annie MG Schmidt reading a book. With stories and rhymes about every character Schmidt has ever created. From Abeltje to Wiplala, and from Veronica sheep to Pietertje Pluim.
Annie MJ Schmidt, The Great Reading Book Annie MJ Schmidt
Read aloud from the age of five
Fun stories about a squirrel and his friends
In the Creek stories, the main character (the cheerful squirrel) marvels at the world around him – especially the role people play in it. Hannah Crane is best known for her widely read wicked witch stories, but her stories about animals are worth it too: cheerful, pretty cute, and all-rounders (and they’re easy to read aloud). in a I’m Crick, Crick is me All the stories about animals have been collected together.
Hannah Crane. I’m Crick, Crick is me
Read aloud from the age of five
A poem for children’s imagination: This book was written by Astrid Lindgren
Pippi Longstocking is still pretty cool 70 years later (!), but the Bolderburen Kids are unforgettable. It is an ode to children’s imagination and creativity, because in “Bolderburen” adults rarely play a role and the six children from the village know how to spend quality time together.
Astrid Lindgren, The Neighbors’ Boldest Kids
Read aloud from 6 years old
Cute, dirty and very smart: De Griezels
Also an absolute classic: The Twits by Roald Dahl. The writer was able to empathize with children like no other: his books are not only resoundingly witty and deliciously sloppy, but also quite interesting enough and they all share the same moral: adults are often completely inappropriate in their minds. Mr. and Mrs. Tweet are making life miserable for each other and the animals until the animals get them back.
Roald Dahl, The Creepers
Read aloud from the age of seven
Still one of the most beautiful main characters of all time: Madelief
For many parents, this is the feeling of pure youth: a series about Madelief by Guus Kuijer. Have they stood the test of time? really. Madelief is and still is a fantasy girl who experiences things that are recognizable (move around, make new friends, go on an adventure in the land, fall in love) that are exciting at the same time. Kuijer’s dry sense of humor also remains.
Guus Kuijer, Madelief’s Big Book
Read aloud from the age of seven
Exciting, but not scary: Ravioli
It’s an amazing ravioli dish, juicy, smart and original. The second part of the series “Costa Banana” (the first part is also recommended, but can be read separately) is somewhat reminiscent of the stories of Roald Dahl. Rosa and Vico completely distrust the famous hypnotist Ravi Ravioli. They make and make an amazing discovery. Part 3 is on its way.
Joshua Douglas, Costa Banana 2: The Amazing Ravioli
Read aloud from the age of seven
More children’s books?
Five beautiful children’s books that will delight you.