ECC Book Recommendations

With the start of the summer break, there are many things students look forward to doing: playing with their friends, traveling with their families, staying up all night watching TV, and much more. Included in this list is, of course, reading! Before the break commenced, we asked our Teacher Librarians on some tips and recommendations for all our young readers out there. Please take a look below for ECC Teacher Librarian Suzanne McKemey's suggestions and get started reading!

Summer is here! Reading together is a fun and easy way to help your child continue to develop their language skills over the summer.

Each year, students in Pre-K and KG at the ECC read a selection of the Books for Younger Readers and participate in voting to choose a winner. This year's winner, Do Not Open This Book! by Andy Lee, is a favorite with the children. There are lots of other great books among the shortlisted books from the past 10 years.

Parents can place online orders to purchase both present and past panda books with Obido. The website is: www.obido.cn/pay

Choose age levels "0-3 Early Years" or "3-8 Reading Together" on the top side first. Then choose "Panda" selection on the left side.

You can scroll through the list with your child to find his/her favorite titles!

The ordering process is exactly the same as ordering reading club books with us. Books will be shipped out within 1-2 days once orders are received. A home address is required to be provided. Also, please choose the school (BCIS ECC) when placing orders. In this way, credit can be issued for the ECC school account. This means new books for our students!

Have a great summer!

Ms. Suzanne

ECC Teacher Librarian

ES Book Recommendations

With the summer break in full swing, there are numerous ways students are utilizing their time: playing with their friends, traveling with their families, staying up all night watching TV, and much more. Included in this list, of course, is reading! Before the break commenced, we asked our Teacher Librarians to kindly provide some tips and recommendations for all our young readers out there. Please take a look below for ES Teacher Librarian Jordan Senior's suggestions and get started reading!

Waiting: Kevin Henkes

Interest Grade Level: Grades 1-2

Waiting can be a frustrating part of a child's life - waiting for the holidays, waiting for your birthday, waiting to grow up. In this delightfully illustrated award winning picture book, a pig, a puppy, a rabbit, a bear, and an owl all wait for wonderful things to happen. All arranged on a child's windowsill and all waiting for something different, apart from the rabbit, who just likes to wait. A book about patience, friendship through seasons, imaginative play and surprises.

A subtle text, with short, precise sentences that allow the story to unfold and conclude in celebration.

The Secret Subway

Interest Grade Level: Grades 1-3

Travel back to 1860's New York and descend into "The Secret Subway" of inventor, publisher, and  patent lawyer, Alfred Ely Beach. Charming yet gritty, the text and pictures capture the spirit of a by-gone age brilliantly and tell the true story of a fan-powered train that carried people below the streets of New York over a century ago. This is an intriguing tale that parents and children will enjoy together, the unique art work and story will appeal not just to children but to all ages. There is the added treat of an excellent authors note and bibliography for more advanced readers. A rare book with something for everyone.

Geronimo Stilton: The Secret of Cacklefur Castle

Interest Grade Level: Grades 3-4

The ever-popular Geronimo Stilton is back, this time the intrepid newspaper owner is forced to accompany Creepella Von Cracklefur, to her family castle in the Valley of the Vain Vampires! Our hero will have to contend with all manner of danger's, including flesh eating strawberries and a prank playing ghost, in this action-packed adventure from one of the most popular series in the ES library. The usual cast are all here, as well as some new additions in this fun-filled ­caper­ that has a message of inclusivity, fans of Geronimo will recognize and enjoy.

Dog man: A Tale of Two Kitties

Interest Grade Level: Grades 4-5

From the creator of Captain Underpants comes Dog Man, "part dog, part man, all hero".

In this adventure Dog Man has to battle Petey the world's most evil cat and, Flippy the world's most evil fish. How will the world's greatest cop cope? This is a highly entertaining, light hearted and funny book, that parents will enjoy reading along with their children. Occasional allusions to Dickens, mad cap antics throughout and slapstick humor make this book a real page turner. Bonus features include "fliporama" pages that use the act of physical movement to engage the reader further, drawing lessons and information regarding the benefits to children from reading aloud to dogs. A very popular character from a very popular author, whose books aim to "encourage kids to be creative without worrying about being perfect".

Crenshaw: Katherine Applegate

Interest Grade Level: Grade 5

Against the back drop of a poor family fallen upon difficult times, comes a moving and magical story that deals with resilience in the face of calamity, the importance of family, friendships and honesty. Crenshaw has arrived to try to help Jackson and his troubled family; he's enormous, opinionated and an imaginary cat. A readable and honestly told tale of economic hardship, from the viewpoint of a promising science student preparing to start fifth grade. Never without hope, the family struggle while keeping their sense of humor. A positive message that stresses the importance of love, honesty, and the power of the imagination.

Something Extra

Go Outside: Nancey Blakey

This is a great book, packed with Over 130 out-of-doors physical activities, that parents and children can use to have fun while learning and creating memories outside. Simple instructions and photographs, combine with a whole host of subjects to experiment and engage children with their surroundings year-round, whether on holiday or at home. From the creator of "Mudpies," this book is designed to foster lifelong bonds with nature, adventure, family and friends.

SS Book Recommendations

The summer vacation is here, meaning it is time for students to pursue things that perhaps they did not have time for during the regular school days. This, of course, includes some good reading! To help young minds choose which stories to delve into, please take a look at some of the recommendations provided by Secondary School Librarian Teacher, Mrs. Megan Eddington.

Summer is here! Now is the perfect time to read for pleasure and get stuck into the Panda Book Awards.

The Panda Book Awards are books selected by Chinese International School Librarians for Chinese International students and has been running for ten years. International Schools participate from all over China. Students read, share, and vote for their favorite book around Chinese New Year. So there is quite a lot of reading to be done. Check out this year's nominations below and start reading.

http://libguides.isb.bj.edu.cn/pandabookawards

The Panda Book Awards have four categories. The two categories for secondary school students are below.

Older Readers (11 to 14 years) – Middle School

Mature Readers (15 to 18 years) – High School

Check out past winners for more recommendations.

Happy Reading!