Tour Europe Through Living Books!
These 20 Classic Chapter books set in Europe capture the culture and flavor of life in a variety of European countries. Since most of us can’t travel the world right now in person, entering these countries through our imagination may be the next best option. Here’s my picks for a literary tour of Europe this summer!
Ireland
Visit the Emerald Isle and experience everyday life in The Cottage at Bantry Bay by Hilda Van Stockum.
Amazon affiliate link: The Cottage at Bantry Bay
England
In The Secret Garden, experience England for the first time through the eyes of Mary Lennox, a sickly child from India. Discover the magic of an English country garden and the moors.
Amazon affiliate link: The Secret Garden
England (Lake Country)
Join the Swallows and Amazons on their summer holidays in England’s beautiful lake country. Capture the flag, camp on a deserted island, and find some treasure in this classic.
Amazon afflink: Swallows and Amazons
Scotland
From the shores of Scotland to early America and back, this sweeping story of the Catholic persecution in Scotland includes realistic Scotch dialect and plenty of castles.
Amazon afflink: Outlaws of Ravenhurst
Sweden
Come join The Children of Noisy Village in life in a tiny Swedish village. Astrid Lindgren of Pippi Longstocking fame brings Sweden to life in this charming chapter book.
Amazon affiliate link: The Children of Noisy Village
Norway
Our part-Norwegian family love Snow Treasure: a true story of brave Norwegian children who smuggled their country’s treasure away from the Nazis on sleds.
Amazon affiliate link: Snow Treasure
Netherlands
In this sadly hard to find Newberry Medal winner, a group of Dutch schoolchildren bring their community together as they work to bring back the storks.
Amazon affiliate link: The Wheel on the School
Netherlands
Learn about windmills and the Dutch resistance in The Winged Watchman.
Amazon Affiliate link: The Winged Watchman
Denmark
In Number the Stars, a young Danish girl and her family embody the heroism of the Danish people who helped save almost all the Jewish citizens of their country during World War II.
Amazon affiliate link: Number the Stars
Poland
Enter the adventures and intrigues of medieval Poland with Josef in The Trumpeter of Krakow.
Amazon affiliate link: The Trumpeter of Krakow
Germany
The Grimm Brothers traveled through the Black Forest collecting the tales that are at the essence of the German soul.
Amazon affiliate link: Fairy Tales
France (Paris)
A homeless man meets three homeless children who take shelter under “his” bridge. An unlikely family emerges.
Amazon affiliate link: The Family Under the Bridge
France (Rural)
Twenty Catholic children living in the French mountains help save ten Jewish refugee children.
Amazon affiliate link: Twenty and Ten
Hungary
The Good Master takes you right into the heart of Hungary with a fantastic description of farm life, the countryside, the celebrations, and folk tale retellings.
Amazon Affiliate link: The Good Master
Switzerland/Alps
This fantastic book about a boy determined to scale a mountain to fulfill his father’s dream brings the Alps to life in all their majesty and danger.
Amazon affiliate link: Banner in the Sky
Austria
Come visit the White Stallion of Lipizza at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.
Amazon affiliate link: White Stallion of Lipizza
Italy (Northern)
A boy and his donkey work to save the local monastery and an American soldier during World War II.
Amazon affiliate link: The Small War of Sergeant Donkey
Italy (Southern)
Everyone is terrified of a cursed grotto; everyone but the mysterious strangers who are determined to uncover its secrets. A story of the discovery of the famed blue grotto of Capri.
Amazon affiliate link: Red Sails to Capri
Greece
Travel back to the days of Greek heroes with Padraic Colum in the iconic Golden Fleece.
Amazon affiliate link: The Golden Fleece: And the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles
Enjoyed this visit to Europe in chapter books? Check out more great books for Catholic kids on My Book lists!
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