Recently as I was updating the Let’s Go Geography Norway lesson, it dawned on my that I have several great kids books about Norway.
If you’re wondering why that’s a big deal, keep in mind that finding good picture books or story books for kids about ANY country is a momentous occasion. These books are not a dime a dozen.
So I wanted to share these. And rather than just list them in the lesson itself, I thought it would be great to do a separate blog post for everyone. Partly to share with the world, and not just our subscribers, and partly so that it’s easy-peasy for me to update it at a moment’s notice should other books about Norway come to mind.
Which, incidentally, means that if you know of any great ones, please-please share them so I can add them to this list.
I am not listing books here to fill a page. Or randomly choosing out of an Amazon list.
No, these are kids books about Norway that I have read myself, read to the kids in my life, and loved.
And books about countries for kids that are entertaining and noteworthy are few and far between.
But…for kids books about Norway…you are in luck.
The bad news is that so far I only have TWO to share. But they are 2 great choices!
If you have a library, reserve them! If you don’t, I’m linking each to Amazon. This is primarily so you can read more and see pictures. But I will receive a small commission if you purchase at my links. In the range of pocket change, but something! Just so you know…
So here’s the list:
Norway for Kids: Book #1
First is Welcome Back Sun by Michael Emberley.
And why do I like this book? When you introduce Norway, or any far north country, to small kids, it can be difficult for them to understand the concept of the sun not coming up at all in the winter months. You can see their troubled faces as they try to visualize what that would be like.
No more visualizing. This book shows them through the eyes of a small Norwegian girl.
They are captivated.
No child likes the dark, so they can empathize when she is surrounded by darkness all the time and wishes for the sun to come back and light up her days.
And while you read the story, the pictures feature snippets of traditional Norwegian clothing and scenery of snow and mountains. Also very Norway.
You won’t be disappointed.
Now for my second favorite kids book about Norway…
Norway for Kids: Book #2
This is Trouble with Trolls by Jan Brett.
This one is a charmer!
Even though it is set on Mount Baldy, which is in California, the illustrations are very Norway-esque. The snow, the house on the title page, the clothing, and, of course, the trolls.
So what do trolls have to do with Norway? Their whole culture loves trolls! They have a heritage of stories about trolls. And some of their landscape is named after trolls.
Really famous landscape.
Does Troll’s Tongue ring a bell? AKA Trolltunga? It’s the most jaw-dropping rock overlook over a Norwegian lake existing in the world.
It’s also something I will only see in pictures. It’s a fear of heights thing. But back to trolls…
Jan Brett has taken Norwegian heritage and made tricky trolls almost lovable. Almost. You still want to root for the little girl in the story to outwit them, which she does. And she is oh-so-clever!
Kids will love the story, the illustrations, and the fun look into the world of trolls.
So there you have it. My two favorite kids books about Norway. Real books. “Living books.” About a Scandinavian country in the far North. Don’t miss them!
Oh, and the Norway lesson is part of Let’s Go Geography Year 1. Or you can purchase it from our sister-store as a stand-alone product here.
