11 Best Basque Children’s Books To Read In 2024

As a learner of the Basque language, you know that reading is one of the best ways to improve your language skills. If you’re at the start of your journey, reading Basque books for children is a great way to ease yourself into the language.

Not only are children’s books typically shorter and easier to read than adult books, but they often contain repetition and simple grammar structures that make them ideal for language learners.

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 11 great Basque children’s books that we think you’ll love. The list is composed of eBooks and paperbacks, and we’ve included a range of books to suit different ages, from toddlers to teenagers. You’ll find the easier stories at the beginning of the list, and the more challenging ones towards the end.

Pupu eta Lore (Nor gara?)

Pupu and Lore (Who Are We?) is a book about four people who introduce themselves using a few words and some fun situations. This book is perfect for young children who are just learning to read. It’s also a great way to learn some basic Basque words and phrases.

A Wild Day at the Zoo / Egun Zoroa Zooan

In A Wild Day at the Zoo, Dylan and Isabella take their pet chicken to the city zoo. However, when Kiki is left unattended things get out of control.

Through this fun and colorful story, kids will learn to think unconventionally and use their imagination to solve problems. Additionally, they’ll be exposed to new Basque words and phrases.

This book is perfect for children and adult learners new to the Basque language.

Nire Ohetxoa

My Little Bed is a story about a little girl who loves her bed and learns to sleep in it alone. The story is full of emotion and experience and is meant to be helpful for children who don’t want to sleep alone. It is also full of magic and charm, making it a wonderful bedtime story.

According to an article published in El Mundo, My Little Bed is one of the top 10 books to help children sleep alone. If you’re new to the Basque language, this book can be a great way to learn some key phrases and bedtime vocabulary.

Metroko mamua: Geronimo Stilton Euskera 12

In this latest Geronimo Stilton adventure, Ghost of the Subway, the fearless mouse newspaper editor must solve the mystery of what is haunting the Sagurain metro. Is it a giant cat, as some rodents claim, or is it a ghost? Geronimo will have to brave the underground tunnels to find out!

The Geronimo Stilton series is a best-selling children’s book series written by Italian author Elisabetta Dami. The series follows the adventures of its titular character, a mouse who is also a journalist and publisher.

Kids and adults will love this story, which has been translated into Basque.

Harri Berdea: Txano eta Oscar anaien abenturak

Green Stone: The Adventures of Txano and Oscar is a book about twin brothers who find a meteorite and decide to investigate it. They soon discover that the mysterious green stone has strange powers. The secret the stone holds changes their lives forever.

Join the brothers in their first adventure. Aimed at young readers aged 7-12, though if you’re a new Basque reader of any age you’ll also love this book and find it useful for picking up new vocabulary. If you like this book, you’ll have several more to read in the series.

Euskal Mitologia. Haurrentzako Ipuinak: Euskaldun Ipuin Herrikoien Bilduma

Basque Mythology. Stories for Children: A Collection of Popular Basque Stories is a book of popular Basque myths and legends adapted for children.

The stories are accompanied by illustrations and the language is simplified to be accessible to younger readers and Basque language learners at the start of their language journey.

HILERRIKO ALTXORRA (Bat Pat Book 1)

Cemetery Treasure is the first book in the Bat Pat series. It follows the story of a bat and his human friends who investigate a hooded man they see in their local cemetery. They must decide whether to get away or stay and investigate.

The book includes fun illustrations that bring the story to life. It’s aimed at young readers aged 7 and up, which also makes it perfect for second-language learners of Basque.

Zisne beltzaren misterioa. Rara avis

The Mystery of the Black Swan: Rare Notice is about a group of friends who set out to solve the mystery of the black swan. They use an old letter and a drawing with the words RARA AVIS as their only clues.

Throughout their adventure, they will visit different parts of Bilbao and discover hidden secrets along the way. In the end, they will uncover the truth behind the mystery.

Aimed at readers aged 7 upwards, this book is sure to keep you engaged from beginning to end!

Atzaparra zubian: Lur eta Amets. Euskal Herriaren historia

Claw on the Bridge: Lur and Amets. History of the Basque Country is about two friends, Lur and Amets, who are trying to escape from Roman soldiers. They come across a bridge that is not finished and are captured. They’re then sentenced to finish the bridge.

With the help of her friends, their Grandmother Ander gets them out of their predicament and they finish the bridge together.

This is a great story for children and adult readers alike who are interested in Basque history. This illustrated book is short (36 pages) but engaging.

Nur eta Olentzero

Nur and Olentzero is a book about a little girl named Nur who is excited for Olentzero (the Basque Santa Claus), to visit her. Nur has written him a letter asking for a silver-colored scooter, and while she waits for his arrival, she spends the day with her friends and family.

When Olentzero finally arrives, Nur gets to talk to him and ask him questions about where he lives and if she can visit him. In the end, Olentzero leaves Nur with a promise to come back next year.

This story will introduce young children to the Basque tradition of Olentzero, and teach them the value of patience and good deeds. You’ll love this if you’re new to the language, and there are plenty of pages to keep you busy.

Bizitza motor gainean

Life on the Engine is about Ainara, an 18-year-old girl who has finished high school but doesn’t know what to do with her life. She goes to stay with her grandmother and starts writing letters to a friend, telling them about her thoughts and experiences.

These letters give us a glimpse into Ainara’s life and the challenges she faces as she tries to find her place in the world.

This book is aimed at older readers and teens, so if you’re very new to Basque, you might want to leave this one until you’re a bit more confident with the language. However, if you’re up for a challenge, this book promises to be an interesting and heart-warming read.