The world of children's books is colourful, imaginative, and sometimes... overwhelming. Because which book do you choose for your child or grandchild? One child wants to count, another is just learning to name emotions, and yet another prefers to dream of a space trip.
At HÖNGRY, we believe that every child deserves a story that suits him or her. That's why we created this selection guide to help you find the right book!
For the little ones (1 to at least 5 years): Discover with sturdy booklets
Booklets are ideal for toddlers: sturdy, compact, and easy for them to hold. Our board books can be roughly divided into two types:
Playful learning
Toddlers love to discover colours, numbers, and patterns. These titles are a perfect fit:
- Gaan met die banaan
Have you met Lola Banana and her cheerful friends? Their superpowers, beautiful colours, and funny shapes amaze everyone. A surprising rhyming book in which children playfully learn all the colours of the rainbow.
- Wortel je mee
Tilly Carrot counts from one to ten. Everyone is hiding: in the bathroom, in the attic, or behind a chair. Can you find all the friends? A cheerful rhyming story that playfully introduces children to counting.
Emotions & closeness
The other booklets are all about feelings. They help young children recognise emotions and experience the value of friendship:
- Jij maakt mij framblij
Robby Raspberry is sometimes berry happy, sometimes berry angry, and sometimes even berry blushing. This book helps toddlers name feelings and shows that all emotions are allowed.
- Jij bent mijn tomaatje
Teddy Tomato is the sweetest friend: he takes care of everyone. But who takes care of him? A tender rhyming story about friendship and caring for each other, and a first introduction to 10 fruity words.
View all booklets here
For preschoolers and young schoolchildren (from 3 years): picture books with a message
Our picture books are larger in size, richly illustrated, and deal with recognisable themes such as feelings, emotions, big dreams, and making choices.
Feelings & self-image
For children who are sometimes angry or insecure, but also for those who want to discover how wonderful it is to show feelings and embrace themselves.
- Framboos
Robby Raspberry grumbles all morning. His friends try to cheer him up, but Robby just wants to be angry for a while. A disarming story that shows that anger is also allowed. - Wat als ik pof?
Nacho Corn Cob dreams of being a superhero, but pops at the slightest tension. Until he discovers that being brave doesn't mean you're not afraid. A heartwarming story about courage and daring to be scared. - De beste
Barry Blueberry desperately wants to be the best in sports and games, but he doesn't always succeed. Luckily, he discovers that being yourself is the greatest victory. - Goed in mijn schil
Gina Eggplant constantly compares herself to others. Until she learns that you truly shine when you dare to be yourself. A cheerful and moving story about self-confidence and self-image.
Fantasy & adventure
For children who prefer to dream away in another world! Erwtjes in de ruimte takes you on a wild cosmic adventure with Pipa Pea, who thinks sleeping is boring. She'd rather fly into space with her pod rocket! An adventurous story about curiosity, imagination, and the power of dreams. Perfect for little explorers who want to discover the world (or the universe!) themselves.
Choose your own story
De Brock-’n-Roll Show is no ordinary picture book, but a rocking adventure where you decide what Freddie Broccoli does! Will his performance go smoothly or end in a hilarious blunder? With more than 30 possible storylines, children discover that every choice has consequences. Perfect for children who love variety, influence over the story, and a good dose of music and humour.
View all picture books here
How to choose the right book?
- Look at your child's age
Age advice is tricky because every child is different and how you approach it can also vary. But on average, booklets are for young children up to about five years old. Picture books are more suitable from three to four years old. Even if a picture book is for an older child, reading a picture book to a 1-year-old is only to be encouraged. A love for language starts early. - Choose a book that aligns with what's happening now
Every child is in a different phase. Perhaps they are just discovering numbers and colours, or learning to name feelings. Perhaps they primarily need adventure and fantasy, or stories about friendship or a positive self-image. By connecting with what is currently important, you give a book that truly sticks. - Look at your child's interests
Sometimes the choice is very simple: align with your child's interests. Do they love music? Then De Brock-’n-Roll Show is a perfect fit. Do they dream of rockets and stars? Then Erwtjes in de ruimte is a bullseye. Is your child sporty and always on the move? Then De beste is a great match.
And don't forget your child's favourite fruit or vegetable! A broccoli fan will naturally feel an immediate connection with Freddie, while a corn lover will quickly want to be as much of a hero as Nacho. But... it also works the other way around! Children who aren't particularly fond of broccoli or eggplant will look at them with completely different eyes when they get to know Freddie or Gina. In this way, the stories not only bring joy but also help them playfully discover tastes, feelings, and characters.
“HÖNGRY surprises both picky eaters and gourmands. There’s always a place for fruits and vegetables full of imagination.”
Recognisable characters, recognisable feelings
What makes HÖNGRY books extra special are the recurring characters. Each character has their own personality and recognisable traits: from Robby Raspberry who gets angry quickly to the wise lessons of Tilly Carrot and the insecure Gina Eggplant. This way, children grow up with the HÖNGRY bunch: they recognise emotions, learn that everyone can be different, and discover that this is precisely what is most beautiful.
Discover the entire collection here
Frequently Asked Questions
From what age are booklets suitable?
Our booklets are ideal from 1 year old. They are sturdy enough for little hands and contain short, playful texts and clear illustrations.
From what age are the picture books suitable?
Höngry picture books are suitable from about 3 to 4 years old. They contain longer stories, deeper themes, and encourage conversations and imagination.
What is the difference between a booklet and a picture book?
A booklet is small, sturdy, and designed for independent exploration (among other things). A picture book is larger, with more text and more complex themes; perfect for reading together and talking about.
Can I give a book as a gift without knowing the exact age?
Yes! Choose booklets for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, and picture books for preschoolers and young schoolchildren. Themes like friendship (Jij bent mijn tomaatje) or emotions (Framboos, Jij maakt mij framblij) are always a hit.