Iceland is a very safe family-friendly destination with many activities and places to visit and the perfect place for a family road trip!
Check out Our Edventures Books for Iceland Family Travel for more ideas as well!
Do you know of any other children’s books featuring Iceland? Please feel free to note it in a comment below!Children's A to Z Books about Iceland
D is for Dala Horse: A Nordic Countries Alphabet: Located in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, the Nordic Countries/Territories are comprised of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Aland. And while they may share a region and some traditions, each has its own distinct geography, history, and heritage. Explore Greenland where, contrary to its name, more than 80 percent of the land is covered by an ice cap. It is home to the polar bear, as well as walrus, reindeer, and seal. Stop off in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark - the statue of the Little Mermaid from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale can be found near the harbor. Visit Sweden's lively Jokkmokk Winter Market which draws visitors from around the world, or sample the tasty fare of a Swedish smorgasbord.
Children's Books about Icelandic Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, and Legends
[Mama Traveler Recommended!] A Giant Love Story: A Giant Love Story, is one of Iceland's most popular children's books. It was first published in Iceland in 1981 and has since been translated into several other languages. A Giant Love Story gives you an unforgettable insight into the magic world of Icelandic legend and folklore. It is an exciting story - filled with love, compassion and humour, that relates to children all over the world.
[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Icelandic Trolls: For centuries, the mountain trolls used to inspire terror in the hearts of the Icelandic people. Nowadays, however, little is herad from these beings, and the old terror seems to have changed to puzzled curiosity. It has been argued that many of the old trolls have turned to stone, the usual evidence for this being the huge, moss-covered, troll-like basalt rock columns that can be found all around the countryside, standing out against the skyline. In this richly illustrated book, Brian Pilkington brings the amazing world of the trolls to life in an amusing and original fashion. The Icelandic folk legends have been used as a background, but a great deal of new and surprising information has been added concerning the living conditions, traditions and customs of these ancient creatures. The wide range of illustrations in the book all testify to this popular artist’s incomparable breadth of imagination.
[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Stumble (An Icelandic Troll Story): The frozen earth had no sound except the trolls. They ask where am I? The troll had slept for a very long time. The troll asked himself who am I he could not remember. The ravens were trying to guide him away from a small farmhouse. He went into a cave and encountered some trolls which declared we are a bundle of fun! He remembered he was surrounded by his loving family. The old troll sorceress had foreseen his awakening and sent her pet raven to guide him safely home.
[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Trolls: Philosophy and Wisdom: Just because you haven’t seen something doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist! Icelandic trolls have always been reclusive but they’ve become even more so with the encroachment of humans on their island. According to folktales throughout the ages, trolls have been deservedly feared. In the more than thirty years that illustrator and author Brian Pilkington has been exploring Icelandic folklore, however, a more characterful, tranquil creature has emerged – a reticent, serene and highly intelligent being living in harmony with nature. These creatures go around barefoot, even in the coldest of winters, because they like to have their feet firmly planted on the planet they revere so much. Trolls – Philosophy and Wisdom is a beautiful collection of paintings showing trolls in Icelandic nature along with their words of wisdom. Of Pilkington’s many books concerning Icelandic folklore, this is his tenth about Icelandic trolls.
Half a Kingdom: An Icelandic Folktale: A peasant girl wins half the kingdom by outwitting the trolls who have kidnapped Prince Lini.
[Mama Traveler Recommended!] The 13 Yule Lads of Iceland: For most of the year, the Lads are locked up in a cave in the remote highlands. But in the days running up to Christmas they are allowed an outing. One by one they come to town. Cloaked by the winter darkness, they sneak into every house and play a prank on the inhabitants before leaving a little treat for the children in their shoes in the windowsill.
[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Yule Lads Legend: Iceland's Jólasveinar (Previous edition:
The Legend of the Icelandic Yule Lads): After accidentally being seen by a human, an Icelandic Yule Lad named Stekkjastaur finds he must rely on a young shepherd boy to keep his troll identity a secret. Stekkjastaur gives a gift just to ensure the child's silence, but the little boy's happiness makes Stekkjastaur happy as well. He learns that one of the greatest gifts you can receive is the joy in giving to someone else. One by one, the Yule Lads each take a break from his own mischief, and each one learns the happiness gained from gift-giving. Even from a source as unlikely as a troll, a selfish act wrapped up in the Christmas spirit can grow into something wonderful. Iceland's rich history of legends and folktales featuring a host of mystical creatures is reflected in this unique Christmas tale about trolls. This modernized version of the Icelandic Yule Lads brings new life to a very old story. The legend of the Yule Lads is well-known among Icelanders and has been passed down from generation to generation for over 1,500 years.The original tale was told to discourage bad behavior in youngsters and had a distinctly bogeyman vibe. After a law was passed in 1746 by the Danish government to prohibit parents from terrorizing their children with the Yule Lad stories (and their ogre-mother, Gryla), the Yule Lads gradually became the mischievous pranksters they are in modern stories.
Little Krampus And The Mischievous Yule Lads: A Children's Holiday Picture Book: Little Krampus fails to keep his dad’s Yule Log alight, So thirteen greedy creatures visit, in the dead of night. Will the Krampuses be eaten out of house and home? Or will Klaus work out how to stop the Yule Lads on his own?
The Icelandic Yule Lads Mayhem at the North Pole: Follow the misadventures and mayhem of the Icelandic Yule Lads as the search for the source of the amazing holiday smells of goodies cooking. Along the way, they must use their troll magic to defeat the Monster Worm, the legendary ogre Gryla. They cause havoc as they travel through Scandinavia on their search with their puffin, whale and polar bear friends. Their mischief causes trouble at the Reindeer Training Camp and leads to mayhem at the North Pole! When Santa gets involved they find themselves in big trouble.
The Yule Lads: A Celebration of Iceland's Christmas Folklore: A reference book with illustrations about the Icelandic Yule Lads.
The Icelandic Yule Lads: The Yule Lads have been around for many years, their story unchanged. They are a major part of the holiday season in Iceland. What I have done here is to reinterpret them, through the eyes of an outsider, and to modernize them, just a little. With my original text polished by Editor Jose M. Tirado, the Yule Lads are brought to life with all new, all original illustrations by Danya Esposito. Soon to be a holiday classic...
The Yuletide Lads (Series): The main story in the series “The Yuletide Lads is as all the stories in the series about very special and lovable characters which everybody should know “The Yuletide Lads” It happens in Christmas time and is about the troll-family living with their pet in a huge cave in a mountain far away from town. Ogress is the giantess who controls her family with iron hand. She and her companion Ragjerk send their sons “The Yuletide Lads” to town with instructions to collect some Christmas food for the Christmas festive season, but otherwise they sleep the biggest part of the year.
[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Icelandic Folk Tales: Iceland is a country where stories are as important as history. When Vikings settled the island, they brought their tales with them. Every rock, hot spring and waterfall seems to have its own story. Cruel man-eating trolls rub shoulders with beautiful elves, whose homes are hidden from mortal view. Vengeful ghosts envy the living, seeking to drag lost loves into their graves – or they may simply demand a pinch of your snuff. Some of the stories in this collection are classic Icelandic tales, while others are completely new to English translation. Hjörleifur has always been deeply interested in the rich lore of his island. His grandparents provided a second home in his upbringing and taught him much about the past through their own way of life.Hjörleifur is dedicated to breathing fresh life into the stories he loves. He lives on his family farm in Borgarfjörður, and also spends a lot of time in Scotland, where he is becoming renowned on the Scottish storytelling circuit.
: Out of the country’s fascinating geography and history emerge a plethora of poetic and imaginative Icelandic legends that hold a particular wary respect of nature, and a wry wisdom at turns gentle and sharp: that we human beings are mere tenants on earth, with no control over weather or ghosts or wild. On the one hand, these stories come out of the great wellspring of Scandinavian tales that have so influenced the Western imagination: Here are elves and trolls, ghosts, goblins, and monsters; drama and mystery and moral. But Iceland’s particular geography, its long nights and savage weather, also led to the development of a unique oral tradition, from which grew the famous Icelandic family sagas and stories.
The Trolls in the Knolls: 36 Icelandic Folk and Fairy Tales: Icelandic folktales have lived with the nation for centuries. They served as one of the primary forms of entertainment for people as they sat and worked through long winters. Many of the tales are inspired by Icelandic nature and deal with mountain trolls and elves who live in cliffs and crags, while others are a testament to the powers of imagination, including gruesome ghost stories and tales of strange beasts on land and in the sea. This volume brings together a wide range of stories and beautiful illustrations.
Icelandic Fairy Tales: An old collection of 17 fairy tale stories from Iceland.
[Mama Traveler Note: Mrs. Angus W Hall's 1897 translation softens the original stories for a more juvenile audience and is not the most accurate translation. The text is no long under copyright and can be read for free here: https://openlibrary.org/books/OL7179655M/Icelandic_fairy_tales]Scandinavian Folk & Fairy Tales: Tales From Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland & Iceland: A collection of folk literature from five countries, with illustrations by native artists.
Nordic Tales: Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Denmark: Nordic Tales is a collection of 16 traditional tales from the enchanting world of Nordic folklore. Translated and transcribed by folklorists in the 19th century, these stories are at once magical, hilarious, cozy, and chilling. Welcome to a world of mystical adventure—where trolls haunt the snowy forests, terrifying monsters roam the open sea, a young woman journeys to the end of the world, and a boy proves he knows no fear.
The Dragon's Hoard: Stories from the Viking Sagas: Meet the Vikings and enter their enchanting world full of warriors and battles, heroes and heroines, Berserkers, monsters and zombies, and of course, lots of magic. Illustrated throughout, these eleven amazing stories bring the Viking Sagas, tales they themselves told, to vivid life. A fantastic introduction to Viking mythology, these illustrated tales will have children captivated.
[Mama Traveler Note: The author, Lari Don, notes where each story originates or comes from and where she found them. The stories are set in various locations, including Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Scotland, Greenland, Norway, Wales, and North America.]
Leif the Lucky: Considered one of the finest works of Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire, Leif the Lucky will delight both children and adults with the story of Leif, son of Erik the Red, who sailed with his father and a Viking crew from Iceland to Greenland and then farther west to the continent of America. In this charming and lavishly illustrated edition, Leif is a sturdy, adventurous Viking boy who crosses uncharted seas to arrive at “a beautiful land with forests of strange trees growing all the way down to the shores.” Leif wrestles with polar bear cubs, watches the fierce Norse gods race in the glow of the Northern Lights, and becomes a strong and courageous hunter.
Leif Eriksson (On My Own Biography): As a young man growing up in Iceland, Leif Ericsson had heard stories about a land to the west across the Atlantic Ocean. One day, he gathered a crew and set off to explore the land himself. He visited Greenland and landed at three different places, finally settling at “Vinland”, now Newfoundland, Canada, for the winter. When he returned home, he became a hero, and inspired many other Vikings to explore the new world.
: The world of the Norse people was rich in poetry, legend and song. Whenever there was a feast to greet guests, to celebrate weddings or the safe return of voyagers, the bards were called upon to tell stories and sing songs. Norse Myths and Viking Legends brings together three epic sagas – 'The Saga of King Ragnar Goatskin', 'The Dream of King Alfdan' and 'Thorkill of Iceland' – alongside other dramatic tales in this exciting collection of stories.
Children's Books about Iceland
[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Nights of the Pufflings: A photoessay about the children of an Icelandic community who band together every summer in order to save stranded puffin chicks from predators. By the creator of Penguins at Home.
[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Lundi the Lost Puffin: The Child Heroes of Iceland: Based on the true child heroes of the Westman Islands in Iceland! Life was good for little Lundi the puffin. He lived in Iceland, and his mom and dad fed him fish from the ocean. But one day, his parents left him on his own, and Lundi had to find the ocean. Lundi tried to find the ocean, but he ended up in a town instead! Find out how the children of Iceland rescued Lundi, and thousands of other puffins every year!
[Mama Traveler Recommended!] A Puffin Called Fido: Gina lives in the Westman Isles of Iceland. Every spring she looks forward to the return of the millions of puffins that visit the island to mate and raise their families. One of them becomes her special friend. A puffin called Fido! A Puffin Called Fido is written and illustrated by award winning artist Brian Pilkington, who has previously published a number of books on Icelandic folklore and nature.
Rory: An Orca's Quest For The Northern Lights (Ocean Tales Children's Books): Rory’s life long dream is to see the beautiful Northern Lights. None of his family or friends believe that the lights exist, so he sets out on an adventure to find them. Along the way he meets a beautiful beluga, a sleepy polar bear and a fox who loves to dance. This heart-warming tale of big dreams and friendship will have you wanting more.
Wild Emm - Child of Iceland (Emm's Icelandic Adventures): Emm - a curious and energetic child , joins her father for a sheep round up over a mountain range in Iceland . On the way, she encounters trolls, elves and finally finds her way back home. This book is based on my trips to Iceland where I rode horses in the middle of the night while the sun shined. A small child accompanied us , running as wild as the sheep we chased.
My Horse of the North: Living on a sheep farm in Northern Iceland, Margret enthusiastically prepares for her first sheep roundup, or réttir, with her hard-working horse companion, Perla. By the author of Jelly Beans for Sale.
Night Light: This book follows the story of a young sheep, Humi. Humi lives in Iceland, The Land of Fire and Ice. Iceland is a remarkably beautiful country with hot springs, mountains, waterfalls galore, and magnificent sunsets, but during the winter time it's dark for the majority of the day. This is most unfortunate for Humi because he is afriad of the dark. He stays inside, wishing he could go out with his friends, but the dark is too scary. Through a series of adventures however, he learns that not everything that comes out at night is scary - some things are beautiful, too.
[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Quirky Iceland: This highly illustrated introduction to Iceland will fascinate and delight kids of all ages.
Life on Surtsey: Iceland's Upstart Island (Scientists in the Field): On November 14, 1963, a volcano fifteen miles off the shore of Iceland exploded under the sea, resulting in a brand-new island. Scientists immediately recognized Surtsey for what it was: an opportunity to observe the way life takes hold. Loree Griffin Burns follows entomologist Erling Ólafsson on a five-day trip to Surtsey, where since 1970 he has studied the arrival and survival of insects and other species. Readers see how demanding conditions on Surtsey can be, what it’s like to eat and work while making the smallest impact possible, and the passion driving these remarkable scientists in one of the world’s most unique fields ever!
A Kid's Guide to Iceland: A Kid's Guide to Iceland takes young readers (ages 9-12) on an exciting and colorful adventure to amazing Iceland and the Viking explorers who discovered it more than 1,000 years ago. The book helps today’s young explorers learn about Iceland’s fascinating history, geography, culture, wildlife, and more. The large format (8 ½ x 11) includes dramatic full-color photos that help tell the story of Iceland and its people. Designed primarily for recreational, high-interest reading, the book is also a great resource for students to use to research geography topics or writing assignments.
Cultural Traditions in Iceland (Cultural Traditions in My World): Iceland is a country full of unique traditions - some stemming from its Norse heritage and others from religious observances. Readers will learn about the interesting cultural traditions of Iceland, from distinctive food festivals to family traditions, as well as holidays connected to traditional myths and stories. Topics also include Icelandic celebrations of familiar holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
Margrét & The Elves of Iceland's Second Realm (Every Girl Presents: Iceland): Every Girl is a children's book series that tells one true story, from one girls childhood, from every country in the world. In this edition, You'll meet Margrét Jónsdóttir, a nine year old girl from Selfoss, Iceland who for the first time, is feeling the pain of missing someone she loves. With the help of Iceland's infamous elves, she'll go on an adventure to discover that love isn't always about what you see with your eyes, but most importantly what you feel in your heart. A magical story based on true events, you'll follow Margrét's journey to see exactly what it's like to grow up in a place where there's nothing strange about believing in elves.
Nuptse and Lhotse Go to Iceland: Nuptse and Lhotse are back for their third mountain expedition! After traveling to the mountains of Nepal and the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, these two adventurous cats head into the land of fire and ice: ICELAND! While digging in their garden, Nuptse and Lhotse uncover an ancient Viking helmet. Excited by their discovery, the two cats make their way to Iceland to find out more about the Vikings. Throughout their epic journey, the cats learn all sorts of new things related to Iceland: longboats, sweaters, horses, volcanoes, geysers, and local cuisine! Nuptse and Lhotse Go to Iceland is a colorful, illustrated story for adventurers of all ages who long to travel to far away places.
Cosmo Leads in the Land of Fire and Ice (Diamond in the Ruff): Cosmo, the most lovable golden retriever, is back for another exciting adventure!! When he and his dad lose their way in Iceland, Cosmo must use his different senses to lead them back to their hotel! Join Cosmo on this thrilling journey over beautiful terrain as he learns the importance of believing in himself!
Let's Visit Reykjavik!: Adventures of Bella & Harry: Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Reykjavik and visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur Geyser, Langjokull Glacier and other fun places. Come along with us as we explore this volcanic island and experience the Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights) and learn about tectonic plates. Along the way, enjoy local cuisine (fish stew) and learn basic Icelandic phrases. The Adventures of Bella & Harry is a children's book series that chronicles the escapades of a pup named Bella, her little brother Harry and their family, who travel the world exploring the sights and sounds of new, exciting cities. The Bella & Harry series is an informative, interactive and exciting way to introduce children to travel, different countries, customs, history and landmarks with the educational value of this book cleverly disguised amidst dozens of illustrated pages which are sure to win the hearts of young readers.
Rikka and her Magic Ring in Iceland: Hendrikka Waage, the international jewellery designer, has now written her first childrens book. Rikka has a magic ring which transports her and her friend to all wonderful and exhilarating places in Iceland. At each location the girls have fun and interesting adventures, while also sharing their knowledge of the landscape, culture and history on this mystical island. Part of the proceeds of the book will be donated to the Kids Parliament charity, whose objective is to create a world where children want to live, where respect for human rights and the environment is certain and where equal chances without discrimination are given to all.
The Twins Go to Iceland: Follow along boy/girl twins Jack and Olivia as they discover new places, meet new friends, and learn about different cultures through their many adventures. In Volume 2 of the series, The Twins go to Iceland, Jack and Olivia get to travel on a plane, see the Northern Lights, visit the Blue Lagoon, and see how fun it is to learn about new cultures.
Kids On Earth: A Children’s Documentary Series Exploring Global Cultures & The Natural World: Iceland: In this book, Helga and Magnus take us on a whirlwind adventure around the cold Nordic island of Iceland. They give us a peek at their ancestral traditions, the food they eat, the clothes they wear and show us the beautiful landscapes, animals, plants and places they like to visit in their home country! Iceland is one of the most geographically interesting places on the planet. If you want to get your shoes dirty and explore heated hot springs, active volcanoes and hear about local trolls and elves who are believed to live on the land, follow Helga and Magnus on a fascinating trip around Iceland!
Chicken Pot Turtle Goes to Iceland: Chicken Pot Turtle Goes to Iceland is a perfect read aloud book about travel and friendship for children ages 2-7 years. Chicken Pot Turtle is no ordinary chicken. He wears a pot on his head like a turtle shell and loves to travel. On his adventures in Iceland he almost gets eaten by a big blue whale, sees a geyser powerfully erupt in the air, and meets a happy new friend. Join Chicken Pot Turtle as he discovers the fun, friendly and unique culture of Iceland!
Bonus! Coloring Book about Iceland
Iceland Coloring Book For Kids: With Interesting Facts: This coloring book is designed for children who want to learn about the wonderful country that is Iceland! This unique coloring book includes over 30 high-quality pages designed to entertain and engage, providing hours of coloring fun. Each page contains an interesting fact about Iceland which will help your child learn about the country, culture, food, language and people.
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