Grade 5 Red were the winners of best dressed class for book chararter dress up

Kinderboekenweek under the spotlight

CommunityPrimarySecondary

07-10-2026

We were thrilled to celebrate the Dutch Kinderboekenweek (Children's Book Week) school-wide, fostering a genuine passion for literacy by diverse activities for both primary and secondary students.

By Noa Hilevitz Yoseph, Whole school librarian

The first week of October marks Kinderboekenweek across the Netherlands. This is a nationwide celebration (which started in 1955!) of reading with exciting public events throughout the country. Each year features a specific theme, ranging from science, nature, and history to theatre and arts, giving schools and libraries across the Netherlands a unified concept to build activities and dress-up events around. This year’s theme was “Under the Spotlight”.

Secondary students performing in the library

We had an open mic for students and staff during Kinderboekenweek

Students reading out loud in the library during Kinderboekenweek

Open mic in the library for students and staff

Brave students read out loud in the library during Kinderboekenweek

Primary students performing during Kinderboekenweek

Primary students reading out loud in the library during Kinderboekenweek

Open stage

The excitement kicked off on Wednesday 30 September with an Open Stage lunch break in the primary library where students signed up to be risk takers and perform in front of their peers. The following day, we featured the first Battle of the Books information session in the secondary library where we currently have 22 teams signed up.

Story writing with a real author

We were honoured to host Australian Children’s books (and YA) author, Zanni Louise, who visited us during the week to host two engaging sessions with Grades 2 and 3 and later with Grades 4, 5 and 6. Zanni tailored each session uniquely to suit the needs and interests of every grade level. Her enthusiasm was infectious, allowing the students to be curious and creative!

Author Zanni Louis visiting the library for several workshops

Prize winners for Kinderboekenweek challenge

Story writing workshop with author Zanni Louis

Author Zanni Louis signing her books in the library

Celebrations continued with one of our favourite traditions: a whole-school Dress Up as a Book Character Day, complete with prizes for the best and most creative costumes.

Winners

In primary, our winners were:

Divik and Negar from Grade 4, for best dressed students;
Grade 5 Red for best dressed class;
Drama teacher Mr Glen for best dressed teacher.

In Secondary, our winners were:

Yotam from grade 6, for best dressed student;
Olivia, grade 7 and her whole family for best dressed students;
Grade 6U with most dressed up students.

Secondary Open Stage

Additionally, the secondary library hosted two successful Open Stage sessions, showcasing our students and staff through original readings, shared literary favourites, and musical performances.

Book character dress up day during Kinderboekenweek

Back to overview