Activities Children’s Book Week Groningen 2025

From Wednesday October 1 to Sunday October 12 it is Children’s Book Week in the Netherlands. In Groningen (and surroundings) many fun events are organized, and you can expect exciting activities. You might even discover a book that takes you to other worlds (or just to the couch). With the advent of mobile phones it can sometimes be a challenge to get kids reading. I personally took time with our son to visit our favorite bookstores and enjoy the activities during Children’s Book Week.

Theme of Children’s Book Week 2025

The theme for Children’s Book Week 2025 is “Full of Adventure!” – books that take you on journeys, full of suspense, fantasy and imagination.

Children’s Book Week at Forum Groningen & Forum Libraries

During Children’s Book Week 2025, Forum Groningen together with the Forum Libraries organizes a series of adventurous events: workshops, tours, talks and creative sessions.

• Children’s Book Week Tour (6+): visit the Forum Libraries and take part in comic drawing, sticker hunts and more.
• Medialab Drop-in (6+): crafting, designing and experimenting with stories.
• Kids Talk – Journey to Space (6+): an interactive lecture about stars and planets with astronomer Jeffrey Bout.
• Kids Talk – Wonderful Stories: author Michael Reefs takes children into his fantasy worlds.
• Story Tower Party (8+): stories, creative work and activities on the theme “the ocean.”
• Mini‑exhibit “Wonderland”: illustrations, posters and book covers by Jan Hamstra in the Forum.

Children’s Book Week Gift 2025

During Children’s Book Week 2025 (October 1–12), when you purchase €13.50 worth of children’s books, you receive the Children’s Book Week gift: Lexie, written by Kevin Hassing. In this thrilling and imaginative story Lexie wishes that difficult words disappear — with unexpected consequences! Together with her friend Riff she goes on an adventure to set everything right again. Kevin Hassing, known for the popular Mus & Captain Kwaadbaard series, once again delivers a powerful and adventurous children’s book, perfectly aligned with the theme “Full of Adventure!”
 

Children’s Book Tips 2025 Forum Groningen

Forum Groningen has again put together a lovely selection of book recommendations for this year, fitting the theme “Full of Adventure!”

• Zoef! – Janneke Schotveld
• Twitch and the Flight of the Kingfisher – M.G. Leonard
• You & I and the Land of Lost Objects – Andy Griffiths
• The Secret from the Tunnel of Ptoeh – Tosca Menten
• White Fox – Chen Jiatong
• The Race to Fantasy Island – Mel Taylor‑Bessent
• Splinter & Ash – Marieke Nijkamp

Children’s Book Week at Bookstores in Groningen

Local (children’s) bookstores in the city also participate, offering book joy and events. Van der Velde bookstore has several fun activities, and Riemer in Groningen is also active.

Van der Velde Activities at Akerk & Grote Markt during Children’s Book Week 2025
 

• Van der Velde – Children’s Book Week Party A Kerk Groningen
  Sunday October 5 | 14:00 – 17:00
  The Akerk is transformed into a place full of adventurous activities for children aged 2 to 12, including circus acts, treasure hunts, pirate dance, face painting and much more. Read more 
• Van der Velde Grote Markt – Signing Session Natascha Stenvert
  Wednesday October 8 | 15:00
  Winner of the Gouden Penseel, Natascha Stenvert, signs books at the store on the Grote Markt in Groningen. Read more
• Van der Velde A Kerk – Musical Storytelling with Annet Schaap
  Friday October 10 | 15:30 – 16:30
  Annet Schaap and Frederike de Winter appear at the Akerk for a musical storytelling session full of stories and music. Read more 
• Van der Velde Akerkhof – Kevin Hassing Signing
  Saturday October 11 | 15:30 – 16:30
  The author of the Children’s Book Week gift meets readers at the Akerkhof store. Read more 
• Van der Velde Grote Markt – Pieter Koolwijk Signing Session
  Sunday October 13 | 12:00
  Pieter Koolwijk signs his books at the store on the Grote Markt in Groningen, in honour of Children’s Book Week. Read more 

Activity at Bookstore Riemer during Children’s Book Week 2025

Bookstore Riemer organizes a Teachers’ Evening “Let your students read”, focusing on book recommendations, inspiration, and a goodie bag for teachers of both lower and upper levels of secondary education. More info. Earlier in September, Forum Groningen also held an inspiring kick‑off for primary school teachers. Want to miss nothing? Keep an eye on our agenda!

Celebrate Children’s Book Week in Groningen

Children’s Book Week 2025 promises to be a true adventure. Visit the Forum, discover new books, participate in creative workshops, and also drop by local bookstores for their special events during this festive week.