At YCIS Beijing, we believe that stories shape us in many ways—nurturing empathy, imagination, and language, the very foundations of human connection. This year’s Book Week brought our community together across ECE, Primary, and Secondary, reminding us that we celebrate stories in every tongue, because every voice adds richness to our shared narrative.

ECE: First Steps into a World of Stories

Our youngest learners began their literary journey by experiencing culture through all five senses. Parents read in their mother tongues, shared traditional dishes, and brought out treasured objects from home. Children found their home countries on the world map, learned dances from different traditions, and discovered festivals through their peers. "Culture is not just a word in a book — it is something to taste, to dance to, and to dress up in." Thank you to our ECE families for planting the seeds of multicultural curiosity and respect.

Primary: Bringing Fables to Life

Over the two-week School Literacy Festival, students from Years 1 to 6 brought fables to life with remarkable enthusiasm and creativity! Pupils shared cherished reads at the Book Swap, discovered new favourites at the Book Fair, and treasured quiet moments during DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time. Older students held storytelling sessions for their younger peers, while Mother Tongue Reading celebrations highlighted our rich linguistic diversity. And a special visit from author Mr. Kev Payne ignited fresh creative sparks.

Mr. Kev Payne is a multitalented author, poet, illustrator, and former primary school teacher come all the way from the UK for the reading workshops with our Primary students. Pupils were on their feet, joining in with lively poetry, drawing animal illustrations, singing along to the ukulele, and soaking up learning. It was informative and inspiring to young minds.

Classroom doors were transformed into vibrant book-cover displays, each featuring a homeroom's favourite story and adding colour to our corridors. During the Chinese "Poetry for You" event, from thoughtfully selected classical poems to skilfully arranged modern verses, pupils recited on stage with both passion and tenderness, allowing poetry to be revitalised through their voices as the beauty of literature quietly unfolded amidst shifting lights and shadows.

The "YCIS Good Voice" contest moved from melodious adaptations of Chinese songs to vibrant performances of contemporary pieces, where non-native speakers' committed and spirited stage presence vividly reflected their versatility, charm, and positive energy. Familiar youthful melodies took on new life through their singing.

Meanwhile, the "Battle of the Books" sparked intellectual excitement through friendly competition. Pupils engaged enthusiastically with classic Chinese and international literary works, from quizzes on general knowledge and close analysis of excerpts to thematic debates, filling the venue with an atmosphere of thoughtful discussion and lively exchange of ideas.

Secondary: Published Authors, Poets, and Creatives Exploration

We started the week with the Year 9 English class going to read to the ECE students in the Primary library. Lots of activities were taking place during lessons and break times, including a Battle of the Books challenge between the houses on Tuesday.

Student Authors Take the Stage

In a special assembly led by the English team, Our talented students shared original published work:

• Emma and Alice C presented their book Jin and Po – Rabbit Tales, which they both wrote and illustrated. Inspired by their own journey learning about the Jin Po community and another culture, their book shares meaningful knowledge with young readers worldwide.
• Aphile M introduced The Fruitinator — a creative story where fruit superheroes come to help children grow in every way, from health to confidence.

These young authors stood proudly on stage, reminding all of us that you are never too young to become a storyteller.

Mother-Tongue Poetry: Voices from Around the World

Our international dimension shone brightly when students stepped forward to read poetry in their home languages:

• Hannah D – a poem in Afrikaans
• Grace M – a poem in Chichewa
• Matilde C – a poem in Italian

Each voice added richness to our shared narrative, showing that at YCIS Beijing, we celebrate stories in every tongue.

Community Celebration

The Grand Parade of Characters

No Book Week is complete without a parade — and ours was unforgettable. It showcased students' imaginative interpretations of literary figures.

All SEC, Primary and Secondary students joined forces, bringing to life:

• Fantasy favourites from Hogwarts and Narnia
• Classic sleuths like Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes
• Beloved characters from Where's Wally?
• A King and Queen, a Rabbit and a Hatter, Burglars, Ladies in Black, and many more original creations

It was a colourful, joyful, and truly inclusive celebration of reading.

Book Fair

Our School Book Fair transformed the campus into a hub of literary discovery. Beyond just a marketplace, the fair offered students a dedicated space to explore new stories and connect with diverse characters, sparking imaginations across all year groups.

From ECE to Secondary, Book Week YCIS Beijing reminded us that reading is a journey we take together—across cultures, languages, and imaginations. Until next time, keep turning the pages.