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Kluitman is a Dutch publishing house founded in 1864, one of the best-known publishers of children's books in the Netherlands.

Last updated September 26, 2026

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Overview

Kluitman is a Dutch publishing house based in Alkmaar, founded in 1864 by Pieter Kluitman. It is one of the best-known publishers of children's books in the Netherlands, with classic series such as Dik Trom, Pietje Bell and De Kameleon. The company began as a bookshop combined with a printing and bookbinding business, and grew rapidly, publishing several books that became Dutch classics. In 1891 the first book in the Dik Trom series by C. Joh. Kieviet appeared, and in 1906 Kluitman took over Afke's tiental by Nienke van Hichtum from the schoolbook publisher J.B. Wolters. Although the Kluitman family is no longer involved, the name has been retained. After a period in Heerhugowaard (1978–2000), the company has been based in Alkmaar again since 2000. In 2010 it expanded with imprints: Blossom Books for young adult and girls' books from age thirteen, and Puur for self-help books for children. In December 2018 the company was acquired by BBNC Uitgevers in Amersfoort and continues under the Kluitman name. Today Kluitman publishes a wide range of children's and youth books, including picture books, AVI reading books, horse books, horror stories, and series such as Bobbi, Koen Kampioen, Gouden paarden, and Horrorzone.

History

Kluitman was founded in 1864 by Pieter Kluitman in Alkmaar, where he started a bookshop in a building that also housed a printing press and a bookbindery. The business grew quickly, and several books that became Dutch classics were published for the first time during this period. In 1891 the first book in the Dik Trom series by C. Joh. Kieviet was published, and in 1906 Kluitman took over Afke's tiental by Nienke van Hichtum from the schoolbook publisher J.B. Wolters. Over time Kluitman became one of the best-known publishers of children's books in the Netherlands, with series such as Dik Trom, Pietje Bell and De Kameleon. Although the Kluitman family is no longer involved in the publishing house, the name 'Kluitman' has been retained. After a period in Heerhugowaard (1978–2000), the company has been based in Alkmaar again since 2000. In 2010 it was decided to expand the publisher with several imprints. In addition to toddler and children's books, Kluitman wanted to publish books for girls from the age of thirteen, with an emphasis on 'young adults'. For this, the imprint Blossom Books was set up. In addition, Kluitman wanted to focus on self-help books for children, for which the imprint Puur was developed. In December 2018 the company was acquired by BBNC Uitgevers in Amersfoort, which continues it under the name Kluitman. Today Kluitman publishes a broad range of children's and youth books, including picture books, AVI reading books, horse books, horror stories, and series such as Bobbi, Koen Kampioen, Gouden paarden, and Horrorzone.

  • 2018

    In December, the company is acquired by BBNC Uitgevers in Amersfoort and continues under the name Kluitman.

  • 2010

    Kluitman expands with imprints Blossom Books (young adult) and Puur (self-help for children).

  • 2000

    Kluitman returns to Alkmaar.

  • 1978

    The company moves to Heerhugowaard, where it remains until 2000.

  • 1906

    Kluitman takes over Afke's tiental by Nienke van Hichtum from schoolbook publisher J.B. Wolters.

  • 1891

    The first book in the Dik Trom series by C. Joh. Kieviet is published.

  • 1864

    Pieter Kluitman starts a bookshop in Alkmaar, in a building that also houses a printing press and a bookbindery.

Products and positioning

A heritage Dutch children's book publisher combining classic series with contemporary children's and young adult literature.

  • Dik Trom series

    Classic Dutch children's book series by C. Joh. Kieviet, first published by Kluitman in 1891.

  • Pietje Bell series

    Classic Dutch children's book series published by Kluitman.

  • De Kameleon series

    Classic Dutch children's book series published by Kluitman.

  • Kruimeltje

    Classic Dutch children's book published by Kluitman.

  • Afke's Tiental

    Classic Dutch children's book by Nienke van Hichtum, taken over by Kluitman in 1906.

  • Bobbi series

    Children's picture book series published by Kluitman.

  • Koen Kampioen series

    Children's book series published by Kluitman.

  • Gouden paarden series

    Horse book series published by Kluitman.

  • Horrorzone series

    Horror book series for children published by Kluitman.

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