📖 Overview
In Holland staat een huis is a collection of Dutch children's poems first published in 1938 by acclaimed author Annie M.G. Schmidt. The book contains 20 poems in her signature rhyming style.
The poems cover daily scenes and situations in Dutch life, from a house in Holland to animals, family members, and children's activities. Schmidt uses accessible language and repetitive elements that invite young readers to join in.
The themes focus on imagination, playfulness, and gentle humor while incorporating elements of Dutch culture and traditions. The work stands as an early example of Schmidt's ability to connect with young readers through verse that respects their intelligence and sparks creativity.
👀 Reviews
There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Annie M. G. Schmidt's overall work:
Readers consistently highlight Schmidt's ability to write from a child's perspective while incorporating humor that appeals to adults. Parents note that her stories encourage independent thinking and don't talk down to young readers.
What readers liked:
- Simple yet clever language that translates well across cultures
- Characters who question rules and stand up to authority
- Stories remain relevant decades after publication
- Illustrations (particularly in Jip and Janneke) complement the text
- Short chapters work well for bedtime reading
What readers disliked:
- Some translations lose the original Dutch wordplay
- Older editions contain dated social references
- English versions can be hard to find
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: Jip and Janneke averages 4.2/5 from 1,200+ ratings
Amazon: Pluk van de Petteflet maintains 4.7/5 from 80+ reviews
Dutch book site bol.com: Most titles rate above 4.5/5
One Dutch reader noted: "Schmidt writes precisely how children think and speak - no adult ever successfully copies her style."
📚 Similar books
Pluk van de Petteflet by Annie M.G. Schmidt
A tale of a young boy living in a tiny house who drives through a whimsical Dutch city helping people and creatures with their problems.
The House of Sixty Fathers by Meindert DeJong A Chinese boy's journey through war-torn lands connects him with different households and families who offer shelter and support.
The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren The adventures and daily life of six children unfold across three neighboring farmhouses in the Swedish countryside.
Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kästner A boy's train journey to Berlin turns into a citywide adventure when he follows a thief who stole his money, gathering a network of child helpers along the way.
The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton The story traces a house's experience through generations as the city grows around it and changes occur in the surrounding neighborhood.
The House of Sixty Fathers by Meindert DeJong A Chinese boy's journey through war-torn lands connects him with different households and families who offer shelter and support.
The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren The adventures and daily life of six children unfold across three neighboring farmhouses in the Swedish countryside.
Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kästner A boy's train journey to Berlin turns into a citywide adventure when he follows a thief who stole his money, gathering a network of child helpers along the way.
The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton The story traces a house's experience through generations as the city grows around it and changes occur in the surrounding neighborhood.
🤔 Interesting facts
📚 "In Holland staat een huis" is based on a traditional Dutch children's song that has been sung for generations
🎭 Annie M. G. Schmidt wrote this book as part of her larger body of work that revolutionized Dutch children's literature, breaking away from the moralistic tone common in the 1950s
🏆 The author was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 1988 - often called the "Little Nobel Prize" - for her lasting contribution to children's literature
🎵 The book's title song is still taught in Dutch schools today and often includes hand gestures and movements, making it an interactive experience for young children
🌷 The story reflects typical Dutch cultural elements and domestic life, serving as both entertainment and a window into traditional Dutch society for young readers