Picture Books
The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hess
A young girl sees the injustices suffered by the group of people trapped behind the fence of the Warsaw Ghetto. She wants to help get supplies to them, but isn’t sure how. The cats lurking around Krasinski Square just might be the key.
P is for Poland by Agnieska Mrowczynska
Explore the country and culture of Poland through this pictoral alphabet adventure. From unique wild animals, to delicious food, beautiful landscapes to kind-hearted people, this book will provide a wonderful introduction to Poland.
Din, Dan, Don It’s Christmas by Janina Domanaska
A parade of birds and people wind their way through town to meet the Christ Child. Based on a Polish Christmas carol.
Marta and the Manger Straw: A Christmas Tradition of Poland by Virginia Kroll
While WWII rages, a poor girl is gifted some straw to bring to her poor family. While walking home, she sees others more in need of the straw than her and gives it away, bit by bit. In the end, she has empty hands but a full heart.
Poland Unpacked by Clive Gifford
An epic children’s travel guide to one of Europe’s most intriguing countries. Discover the traditions and special holidays celebrated by the Poles, the fabulous cuisine, and the unique natural landscapes and wildlife of this special country.
The Mermaid of Warsaw and Other Tales from Poland by Richard Monte
Enchanting, funny, and intensely entertaining, these traditional stories from Poland come to life in this collection, complete with lovely illustrations and beautiful colors.
The Glass Mountain: Tales from Poland by David Walser
This collection of traditional stories is made even more interesting because the pictures that accompany them are made from the Polish cut paper technique. Kids are sure to enjoy these stories that celebrate honesty, loyalty, and creativity.
Marie Curie
Marie Curie was a Polish scientist born in 1867. She did a lot of research on radioactivity and made several important discoveries that paved the way for many future medical advancements. She was also the very first woman to receive the Nobel Prize. Discover more about this remarkable woman below:
- Marie Curie Bio for Kids (Article)
- The History of Marie Curie (YouTube)
- Marie Curie’s Search for Radium by Beverley Birch (Book)
- Who Was Marie Curie? by Megan Stine (Book)
- Marie Curie and Radioactivity by Connie Cowell Miller (Book)
- Marie Curie: Scientist Who Made Glowing Discoveries by Mike Venezia (Book)
Nicolaus Copernicus
Copernicus was an astronomer who studied the stars, planets, and the sun. He suggested that instead of the planets and sun revolving around Earth that, in fact, the sun was the center of the solar system.
- Nicolaus Copernicus: The Earth is a Planet by Dennis Fradin (Book)
- Copernicus: His Life (YouTube)
- Biography (Article)
Frederic Chopin
Chopin was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1849. He was a child prodigy at the piano and was giving concerts and composing his own pieces by the age of 8. At the age of 20, Chopin went on the road, playing in several European cities and eventually landing in Paris. There he stayed until he died of tuberculosis at the age of 39.
- Romance (Famous Piece by Chopin-YouTube)
- Chopin Biography (YouTube)
- Classics for Kids Biography (Article)
- Chopin (Famous Children Series) by Ann Rachlin (Book)
- Frederic Chopin (Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Composers) by Mike Venezia (Book)
Virtual Tours
Craft Projects to Help Kids Learn About the Culture of Poland
- Polish Gwiazdy (Paper Cutting Craft)
- Polish Wycinanki (Paper Cutting Craft)
- Fingerprint Corn Poppy
- Red Poppy Lacing Craft
- Stained Glass Flower Craft
- Poland Printable Coloring Pages
Art
Polish folk art is easily recognizable with its intricate patterns and bright colors. Traditional art includes paper cut-outs, straw decorations, painted Easter eggs, and clothing embroidery. Check out some samples of traditional Polish folk art at the site below:
Music
Enjoy these children’s songs, lullabies, and games from Poland.
- A-a-a, kotki dwa (Ah-Ah-Ah, Two Little Kittens, Lullaby)
- Balonik (A Little Balloon, Children’s Game)
- Biedroneczka mala (A Little Ladybug, Finger Play)
- Bog sie rodzi (God is Born, Christmas Carol)
- Kosi, kosi, lapci (Hand Clapping Song)
- Smigus (Easter Song)
- Stary niedzwiedz (The Old Bear, Circle Game)
Recipes
A savory yeast roll filled with farmer’s cheese.
These traditional Polish dumplings can be filled with meat, fruit, potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut.
This traditional dish is simple and yummy, with no hint of greasiness!
These sweet desserts are popular in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, the day when fasting begins until Easter in Poland.
Thick and fluffy, these pancakes are also served with chunks of sweet apple inside. Add a dusting of powder sugar on top to finish it off before serving!
Movies
Felix the Cat: The Movie
An evil scientist takes over the Land of Oriana, leaving Felix the Cat to play hero to the city once again.
The Flying Machine (G)
Two children find themselves stuck in animated movie “The Magic Piano”. Their mother, with the help of a famous pianist, must work to save them. This movie contains the music of famous Polish composer Frederic Chopin.
Janka
Two friends, called Janka and Julka, must navigate their friendship while dealing with their two rivaling families.
The Two Who Stole the Moon
Two brothers are looking to make some fast money and devise a plan to steal the moon. They set off looking for a place where the moon sits low enough to capture, and eventually do snare it in a net. But once the moon is caught, the trouble has just begun!
The Young Magician
A teenager feels rejected by his classmates at school and just can’t seem to find a place to belong. When his parents take him to a magic show, the boy volunteers for one of the tricks and finds his calling as a magician.
Learn Some Polish
- Duolingo (free app)
- Kids’ Guide to Polish (free website)
- Polish Alphabet Song (YouTube)
- Polish Numbers (YouTube)
- Polish Body Parts Song (YouTube)
DK Eyewitness Medieval Life offers an in-depth look at life during that era. It covers several different perspectives from both the town and the country and for the peasants and the aristocracy of the era.
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