By Declan Doheny, ISB Communications
Published on October 24, 2025
Book Week 2025 didn’t disappoint! This year’s celebration of literacy and imagination brought our entire ISB community together — from our youngest readers in Early Years to our High School book lovers. From book swaps and costume parades to visiting authors and the launch of the Panda Book Awards, Book Week had it all.
Visiting Authors Who Inspired
Our students and parents were treated to visits from three extraordinary authors and illustrators:
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Heidi McKinnon, creator of Floof
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Peter Cheong, author and illustrator of Where We Can Hear the Giants Sing
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Brandon Mull, beloved author of Fablehaven
Through workshops, read-aloud sessions, and a special parent panel, our guests reminded us of the magic that happens when creativity and storytelling come together.
The Panda Book Awards: A Tradition Born at ISB
First launched right here at ISB in 2008, the Panda Book Awards have grown to include more than 60 schools across China and around the world. Students, parents, and teachers now join this global community in voting for their favorite books — celebrating the power of stories to unite readers of all ages.
Book Fair & Book Swap
Throughout the week, the Upper Gallery buzzed with excitement as our community explored hundreds of English and Chinese titles at the Book Fair, hosted by BookWin. Meanwhile, our Book Swap encouraged Elementary students to donate gently used books and discover new favorites — a wonderful way to share stories sustainably.
Book Character Parade
One of the highlights of the week was the Elementary School Book Character Parade, where students and parents dressed up as their favorite literary heroes. From wizards to wild things, the creativity on display was incredible — and a reminder that reading is about stepping into new worlds.
A Week to Remember
ISB Book Week is more than a celebration of books — it’s a celebration of connection, creativity, and community. Thank you to our librarians, teachers, parents, and volunteers for bringing this tradition to life and helping our students see that every story begins with the joy of reading.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible work of our Library Team, whose creativity, organization, and passion for literacy brought Book Week 2025 to life. Their dedication ensured a week filled with discovery, inspiration, and joy for readers of all ages.