Hello there! Let me introduce the Dutch children’s book Jip and Janneke, by Annie M. G. Schmidt and Fiep Westendorp who are “the uncrowned queens of Dutch children’s literature”. Their stories are remarkable!
These two Netherlands’ preschoolers seem to be the most famous characters from Dutch books for children. I met them last year in The American Book Center in Amsterdam.
They eat pancakes, sing in the street, cut pictures out of books (ouch!), send some letters, do some modelling and/or get married. Well, nothing is too demanding for them.
There are 48 short stories in the book, they are simple but not primitive! They are SWEET. My favourite story? It’s called Cutting Out Pictures.
Here’s the Storyline
It’s a wet day, and Jip and Janneke have nothing to do. Jip’s mother gave them scissors and magazines to cut pictures out of. “Finished,” says Janneke. “Are there any more picture books?” Guess how it ends…
Jip and Janneke are two little sweet kids who live their lifes spontaneously because that’s how life should be lived, and they know it. One stamp on the letter doesn’t look nice? Well, let’s put on another three! They do what they want, and how they want – in the most beautiful and funny way. And that’s why I love them.
English translation of the book has been released by Dutch publishing house Querido. If you don’t know how to read Dutch names, here’s a clue from the book:
The name Jip is pronounced “Yip”. Janneke is a little more difficult. It might be easiest to think of as “Yannicka”, with the “a” as in “father” and a firm stress on the first syllable.
By the way, if you’re looking for more sweet Dutch books for kids, try to find Pluk van de Petteflet, by the same amazing authors.
11 komentáře On Jip and Janneke: An Adventures of Two Dutch Children
I love this! I found Jip and Janneke books in the Netherlands, but not in English, you lucky duck!
🙂 By the way, I’m happy to know you enjoyed your Dutch trip! Jip and Janneke will find you later!
Glad you liked it. Pluk is also in English as Tow-Truck Pluck
Hi David, Thanks for your comment. Really??? That’s pretty amazing because – guess what – I’m going to Utrecht this November… 😉 What about other Dutch books for kids in English? Do you know any?
HI — is there a way to purchase Jip and Janneke in English from the US? Would love to get it for my girl. Thanks!
Hi there,
I’m sorry, I got it in Holland, so I have no idea, unfortunately.
Is here anyone else who could help?
Hi,
I got mine from http://www.bol.com.
Hi, Can you take a picture of the end of “A laughing wolf”? I want to know how it ends! Thank you very much, Bruna.
I’m trying to buy the English version with the 48 stories. How/where can I do this? Thank You
I don’t know, actually, I bought it in Amsterdam years ago…
I found English versions here:https://www.fiepwestendorpwebshop.nl/en/books/childrens-books/
Did not get it myself; have no idea where they ship to, but worth a try