Pinkeltje facts for kids

Pinkeltje (known in English as Fingerling) is a tiny, fictional character from a famous children's book series. The books were written by the Dutch author Dick Laan. Pinkeltje is a white-bearded gnome who wears a pointed hat. He is as small as your pinky finger, which is how he got his name! In Dutch, "Pinkeltje" means "little pinky."

A total of 29 books were published in the series between 1939 and 1977. The last four books came out after the author passed away. A successful film based on the books was also released with the same title.

The Pinkeltje Book Series

The first stories in the series mainly follow Pinkeltje's adventures inside the "Grote Huis" (Big House). A family lives there: a father, a mother, a boy, and a girl. Pinkeltje never shows himself to the people living in the house. However, he is always ready to help them quietly without being seen.

Later on, the books focus more on his adventures in Pinkeltjesland, which is where he originally came from. In Pinkeltjesland, he is married to Pinkelotje. In the very last books, Pinkeltje even becomes a detective! He helps solve different mysteries and crimes. The books feature lovely drawings by Rein van Looy.

Pinkeltje's Friends and Other Characters

Pinkeltje meets many interesting characters in his adventures. Some of his animal friends include Wiebelstaartje, the dog, and Snorrebaard, the cat. There are also five mouse characters: Knabbeltje, Grijshuidje, Zwartsnoetje, Kraaloogje, and Langstaartje. Another unique character is Wolkewietje, a cloud that is as big as an arm!

Even though Pinkeltje is always kind and helpful, he usually stays hidden from people. He isn't sure if he can trust them. The main exception is Mr. Dick Laan himself, the author. Pinkeltje appears to him and shares all his exciting adventures.

Books in the Pinkeltje Series

Here is a list of the books in the Pinkeltje series:

1. De avonturen van Pinkeltje (1939)
2. Pinkeltje en zijn vriendjes (1949)
3. Pinkeltje op reis (1950)
4. Pinkeltje in Artis (1952)
5. Pinkeltje en het grote huis (1953)
6. Pinkeltje op zoek naar Klaas Vaak (1954)
7. Pinkeltje in Madurodam (1955)
8. Pinkeltje gaat naar Pinkeltjesland (1956)
9. Pinkeltje en de flonkersteen (1957)
10. Pinkeltje ontmoet Wolkewietje (1958)
11. Wolkewietje is ondeugend geweest (1959)
12. Een grote verrassing voor Pinkeltje (1960)
13. Pinkeltje en de raket (1962)
14. Pinkeltje en de gouden pen (1963)
15. Pinkeltje en de parels (1963)
16. Pinkeltje en de aardmannetjes (1964)
17. Lach jij maar, Pinkeltje (1965)
18. O! o, die Wolkewietje toch (1966)
19. Het grote avontuur van Pinkelotje (1967)
20. Pinkeltje en de boze tovenaar (1968)
21. Pinkeltje en de autoraket (1969)
22. Pinkeltje en de ijsheks (1970)
23. Pinkeltje en 10 spannende verhalen (1971)
24. Pinkeltje en het gestolen toverboek (1972)
25. Pinkeltje en het verdwenen kindercircus (1973)
26. Pinkeltje en de spannende avonturen om de gouden beker (1974)
27. Pinkeltje op zoek naar de maandiamant (1975)
28. Pinkeltje en de Bibelebonse pap (1976)
29. Pinkeltje op zoek naar de vurige ogen (1977)
30. Pinkeltje in de Efteling (Studio Dick Laan; 2014)
31. Pinkeltje in het Rijksmuseum (Studio Dick Laan; 2015)
32. Pinkeltje in het Dolfinarium (Studio Dick Laan; 2016)
33. Pinkeltje in het Spoorwegmuseum (Studio Dick Laan; 2017)

A special book called Pinkeltje – het verhaal van de film was published in 1978. It was released to go along with the movie.

Book Adaptations and Translations

Starting in 1995, the Pinkeltje book series was re-released. These new versions were adapted by Suzanne Braam and featured fresh illustrations by Julius Ros.

Pinkeltje's adventures have been enjoyed by children all over the world! The books have been translated into many different languages, including English, German, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, and Icelandic.

Film Adaptation

The film Pinkeltje was released in 1978. It was produced by P. Hans Frankfurther. The movie featured talented actors like Emmy Lopes Dias, Aart Staartjes, Wieteke van Dort, and Lex Goudsmit. A soundtrack for the film was also released, with songs sung by Harrie Geelen and Joop Stokkermans.

See also

In Spanish: Fingerling para niños