Volendam, Netherlands is known for its old fishing boats and the traditional clothing still worn by some local residents. The high pointed bonnet and dress style is one of the most recognizable of the Dutch traditional costumes; and visitors can have their pictures taken in traditional Dutch costumes at more than one of the many shops you will find along the waterfront. Volendam was originally the harbor of nearby Edam, situated at the mouth of the IJ bay. In 1357, a shorter canal was dug to the Zuiderzee, and it had its own harbor. The original harbor was dammed. Farmers and fishermen settled here. Vollendam, means 'Filled dam. The artists Picaso and Renoir also spent time time here, and they were most likely inspired by the surrounding natural beauty of this place. Award winning author, attorney and former teacher, Penelope Dyan and photographer John D, Weigand invite you to see some of the things they saw when they went to Volendam. So have fun turning the pages of this 'learn to read' book with its extra-large print that can be easily carried in a kid-sized backpack And to make the learning even more fun, look for the free music video on the Bellissimavideo YouTube Channel that goes along with this book