Are you living abroad and want your child to keep learning Dutch well? Then Dutch books for children abroad are truly worth their weight in gold.

Many parents think of learning Dutch mainly as speaking, practising vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and writing. And of course, all of those things matter. But there is one important piece that is often underestimated: reading.

Especially for expat children, reading is one of the most powerful ways to make the Dutch language truly come alive. When children don’t just hear and speak words, but also see them, recognise them, read them, and understand them in a story, the language develops on a much deeper level.

That is exactly why, at Dutch for Kids, we start working with letters, words, and stories from a very young age. In this blog, you’ll discover:

• why reading is so important when learning Dutch abroad
• how to find Dutch children’s books for expat families
• and lots of practical book recommendations by age, from kindergarten all the way through upper primary

So if you’ve ever thought:

“I want my child to read more in Dutch, but what books are actually fun and suitable?”

…then this blog is for you.

Why reading is so important when learning Dutch abroad

When a child is learning Dutch while living abroad, it is incredibly valuable to include reading from the very beginning.

That is exactly why, at Dutch for Kids, we already start with letters in the preschool and kindergarten years. Not in a heavy or overly academic way, but in a playful, age-appropriate way that helps children build familiarity and confidence.

How we build reading skills at Dutch for Kids

In our youngest groups, one letter is already central in each lesson.
Children begin to recognise sounds, notice letters, and playfully connect the two.

Then, step by step, we build from there:

• Preschool / kindergarten: recognising letters and matching sounds
• Year 1 / group 3: reading simple words
• End of year 1 / group 3: short sentences and mini-stories
• Year 2 / group 4: longer stories and more fluent reading
• Year 3 and above / group 5+: longer texts, reading comprehension, and deeper language development

And this makes such a huge difference.

Because when you include reading and reading comprehension alongside speaking, spelling, grammar, and writing, children:

• build vocabulary faster
• naturally learn more about sentence structure and language patterns
• begin to recognise spelling patterns more easily
• develop a stronger feel for Dutch
• and… often enjoy the language much more

And that last part matters so much.

Because if Dutch only feels like “lesson time” or “something we have to practise,” children are much more likely to lose motivation.

But when Dutch is also connected to:

• cosy bedtime reading
• funny stories
• exciting adventures
• familiar characters
• and books they genuinely enjoy

…then the language stays alive.

Why reading is especially important for expat children

For Dutch-speaking children growing up abroad, reading is often even more important than it is for children living in the Netherlands.

Why?

Because expat children often hear less Dutch naturally in everyday life. At school, with friends, in clubs, in shops, and in daily routines, another language is usually dominant.

That can mean:

• their Dutch vocabulary grows more slowly
• they see fewer Dutch sentence structures in context
• reading comprehension in Dutch becomes more difficult
• and Dutch remains more of a “home language” than a true “reading language”

That is exactly why Dutch children’s books for expat families are so valuable.

They help your child:

and develop a stronger foundation for spelling and writing

keep Dutch active and alive

absorb new vocabulary naturally

understand longer and richer sentence structures

build confidence in reading

How to find Dutch books when you live abroad

One question I hear all the time from parents is:

“But how do I actually find good Dutch books when we live abroad?”

The good news? There are many options nowadays. Even if you don’t live in the Netherlands, you can absolutely build a lovely collection of Dutch books for children abroad.

1. Order Dutch books through Vinted

Vinted can be a surprisingly great place to find second-hand Dutch children’s books.

It’s perfect if you want to build a little home library without spending too much.

2. Search for Dutch books on Amazon

You can often find Dutch children’s books on Amazon, especially well-known titles and popular series.

3. Order Dutch books through bol.com

bol.com is one of the easiest places to order Dutch books internationally, especially if you are looking for a specific title or series.

4. Choose e-books

If you want to avoid shipping costs or long delivery times, e-books can be such a practical solution.

Your child can read straight away on a tablet, e-reader, or screen.

5. Ask grandparents to send a book parcel

This might be my favourite tip of all.

Ask grandma or grandpa to visit a second-hand bookshop, charity shop, or local bookstore in the Netherlands and put together a parcel of fun Dutch books.

How special is it when a box of Dutch stories arrives at your door every now and then?

That instantly makes reading feel extra exciting.

Dutch book recommendations for preschool and kindergarten (group 1-2)

At this age, reading is still mostly about:

• listening to language
• hearing sounds and rhythm
• building vocabulary
• enjoying stories
• and loving repetition

For young children, picture books and read-aloud books are incredibly valuable.

Lovely Dutch books for preschoolers and kindergarteners

• Jip en Janneke – Annie M.G. Schmidt
• De leeuw in de muis – Rachel Bright
• Laat maar los, Koala – Rachel Bright
• De walvis wilde meer – Rachel Bright
• Rinus – Ingrid & Dieter Schubert
• Coco kan het! – Loes Riphagen
• Wij gaan op berenjacht – Michael Rosen
• Raad eens hoeveel ik van je hou – Sam McBratney
• Krrrr… okodil! – Catherine Rayner

Don’t be afraid to read the same book again and again. Repetition is fantastic for language development.

Dutch book recommendations for year 1 / group 3 (early readers / AVI M3-E3)

In group 3 (roughly year 1), it is so important for children to experience success with reading.

That means:

• short sentences
• lots of repetition
• interesting topics
• and books that match their interests

For many expat families, this is a key stage. This is often where the foundation for long-term reading confidence is built.

Fun Dutch books for early readers

• ik kan al lezen! books
• Kampioen – especially lovely for children who love horses
• Vos en Haas
• Sem en Saar
• Bobbi leert lezen
• Borre reading books
• Ik lees met Zwijsen books
• maan roos vis-style beginner readers
• Aap leest een letterboek
• Pip en Posy (simple and relatable)

At this stage, always choose books based on reading level + interest. A child who loves horses, football, animals, magic, or humour will almost always be more motivated to read.

Dutch book recommendations for year 2 / group 4

By group 4, many children begin to feel that reading is becoming truly fun. They are moving beyond simple words and short phrases and starting to enjoy real stories.

Great Dutch books for group 4

• De waanzinnige boomhut (first volumes, depending on level)
• Het dorpje Weerwolfia – Paul van Loon
• Dolfje Weerwolfje – Paul van Loon
• Spekkie en Sproet – Vivian den Hollander
• Mees Kees (great for stronger readers or shared reading)
• De Gorgels – Jochem Myjer (wonderful as a read-aloud too)
• Floor regelt het even – Marjon Hoffman
• Pip en Zilver
• AVI M4/E4 books by Zwijsen
• Boer Boris stories (for children who still need a little extra support)

Not every child in group 4 reads at the same level — and that is completely normal. Choose what fits your child, not what “should” fit their age.

Dutch book recommendations for year 3 / group 5

In group 5, many children are ready for longer stories and often start to really enjoy:

• humour
• adventure
• fantasy
• and stronger storylines

Fun Dutch books for group 5

• De mummie – Tosca Menten
• Dummie de Mummie – Tosca Menten
• Matilda – Roald Dahl
• Superjuffie! – Janneke Schotveld
• Mees Kees
• De waanzinnige boomhut
• Juf Braaksel – Carry Slee
• Sjakie en de chocoladefabriek – Roald Dahl
• De regels van Floor
• Het leven van een loser (very motivating for some readers)

For children who say they “don’t like reading,” funny books are often the best place to start.

Dutch book recommendations for year 4 / group 6

By group 6, many children can enjoy books with more suspense, fantasy, and longer plots.

Great Dutch books for group 6

• Harry Potter en de Steen der Wijzen – J.K. Rowling
• De Gorgels – Jochem Myjer
• Dolfje Weerwolfje (later books in the series)
• De Griezelbus – Paul van Loon
• Brief voor de koning – Tonke Dragt
• Hoe overleef ik… – Francine Oomen
• Het ministerie van oplossingen – Sanne Rooseboom
• Superjuffie op kamp – Janneke Schotveld
• De schippers van de Kameleon
• Lampje – Annet Schaap (for strong readers or as a read-aloud)

Even when your child can already read independently, reading aloud in Dutch still has huge value at this age.

Dutch book recommendations for year 5 / group 7

In group 7, books can often become a little deeper. Children are usually ready for:

• historical stories
• richer adventures
• more emotional layers
• and books that invite stronger reflection

Great Dutch books for group 7

• Kruistocht in spijkerbroek – Thea Beckman
• Brief voor de koning – Tonke Dragt
• Oorlogsgeheimen – Jacques Vriens
• Achtste-groepers huilen niet – Jacques Vriens
• Hoe overleef ik… series – Francine Oomen
• Lampje – Annet Schaap
• Gozert – Pieter Koolwijk
• De meester van de zwarte molen
• Het leven van een loser
• De waanzinnige boomhut (still fun for many children)

Not every child in group 7 wants “serious” books. Humour absolutely counts too. Anything that makes reading in Dutch feel enjoyable is a win..

Dutch book recommendations for year 6 / group 8

By group 8, many children can handle more substantial books, depending on their reading level and interests.

This is a wonderful age to introduce books that also support:

• reading comprehension
• vocabulary growth
• spelling awareness
• and preparation for Dutch education if you ever return

Great Dutch books for group 8

• Oorlogswinter – Jan Terlouw
• Kruistocht in spijkerbroek – Thea Beckman
• Brief voor de koning – Tonke Dragt
• Koning van Katoren – Jan Terlouw
• Oorlogsgeheimen – Jacques Vriens
• Harry Potter (later books in the series)
• Lampje – Annet Schaap
• Gozert – Pieter Koolwijk
• Luna or other modern middle-grade novels depending on interest
• De gebroeders Leeuwenhart – Astrid Lindgren

If there is even a chance your child may return to the Netherlands one day, reading in Dutch in the upper primary years becomes even more valuable.

What if my child doesn’t enjoy reading in Dutch?

Honestly? I hear this a lot. And it is completely normal.

For many expat children, Dutch can sometimes feel like:

• the language of lessons
• the language of “you have to practise this”
• or simply the harder language compared to the school language

That is exactly why reading should feel:

• low-pressure
• fun
• connected to your child’s real interests
• and never like extra homework

What helps if your child doesn’t like reading?

• Let your child choose between 2 or 3 books
• Pick books about their hobbies: horses, football, animals, magic, adventure, or humour
• Read together and take turns
• Choose books with lots of illustrations
• Create a cosy routine (for example before bedtime)
• Keep reading aloud, even if your child can already read independently
• Start with funny books, comics, or highly visual stories if needed

Anything that increases reading enjoyment in Dutch is a step in the right direction.

My most important tip for parents abroad

You do not have to do this perfectly.

You do not need a full Dutch library at home.
And you do not need to spend an hour every day working on Dutch.

But if you want to help your child learn Dutch abroad, reading is one of the most powerful things you can do.

Even something simple like:

• 10 minutes of reading aloud a day
• one new Dutch book a month
• reading one chapter together now and then
• or simply keeping a small shelf of Dutch books at home

…can make a huge difference over time.

My most important tip for parents abroad

You do not have to do this perfectly.

You do not need a full Dutch library at home.
And you do not need to spend an hour every day working on Dutch.

But if you want to help your child learn Dutch abroad, reading is one of the most powerful things you can do.

Even something simple like:

• 10 minutes of reading aloud a day
• one new Dutch book a month
• reading one chapter together now and then
• or simply keeping a small shelf of Dutch books at home

…can make a huge difference over time.

How Dutch for Kids helps expat children learn Dutch

At Dutch for Kids, we always look at the bigger picture.

Children do not learn Dutch well through vocabulary lists alone. Language grows strongest when children work on a combination of:

• speaking
• listening
• spelling
• grammar
• writing
• reading
• and reading comprehension

That is why we build reading step by step in our lessons, always matched to your child’s age, level, and interests.

From letters in the early years…
to words in group 3…
to stories, reading comprehension, and richer texts in the higher groups…

This way, Dutch is not just something children “practise.”
It becomes a language they truly use, understand, and enjoy.

Final thoughts: Dutch books really do make a difference

If you want your child not only to speak Dutch, but to truly feel it, recognise it, understand it, and stay connected to it, then Dutch children’s books abroad are not just a nice extra.

They are an important part of language development.

By including letters, words, sentences, and stories from a young age, you help your child:

• understand Dutch more easily
• become stronger in reading and writing
• build a richer vocabulary
• enjoy the language more
• and feel more prepared if your family ever returns to the Netherlands

And the best part?
Even when you live abroad, there are so many ways to make Dutch books part of your family life.

Looking for personalised advice or Dutch lessons tailored to your child?

Not sure which book fits your child’s level?
Or would you like your child not only to enjoy Dutch books, but also to build skills in:

• reading
• vocabulary
• spelling
• grammar
• and reading comprehension?

At Dutch for Kids, we help expat children around the world with personalised online Dutch lessons, fully tailored to their age, level, and world.

Feel free to get in touch if you’d like help choosing the right books or if you’d like to explore what type of Dutch support would suit your child best.