Three years ago, we first met Scottish author Janice Stewart-Yates and her lovable literary pugs in Peking Pugs. Now, the wait is over: Toby and Princess are back with thrilling new adventures! We caught up with Janice to discuss her latest release, Beijing Bonanza and what inspires these charming canine tales set in Beijing.

Check out our first interview with Janice here.

What brings you to China?

I came to China 16 years ago, having previously worked in Valencia and Paris. Like many people, I arrived in Beijing with the idea of staying for two years. The inevitable happened: I fell in love with Beijing and instantly felt very much at home here. Even after being in the city for a few weeks, many people got the impression I had lived here for years. I have always worked in education, with over twenty years of experience as a Montessori educator, peace education workshop facilitator, and mentor. I have also worked in leadership roles as chief community liaison and head of wellness and welfare. I have recently started working in an IB school where I continue to grow as an educator and be charmed by this vibrant city.

Where did your idea for this book come from?

The idea for the book came from many people saying, “You should write a travel book about Beijing with the pugs.” I was inspired to create a book to encourage people to visit Beijing in its glory. I wanted it to be interesting for people living in Beijing and to inspire them to take their children to various places in the city. It is also perfect for people traveling to China to know that there are amazing things to do with children or pugs all year round in Beijing.

 Who is this book perfect for?

This book is ideal for anyone living in Beijing or planning to visit. It is also suitable for anyone who wants to teach their children about various things to do in this amazing capital. It speaks to children and adults alike on some level. It’s been wonderful to see children and adults shout out enthusiastically during school visits. It’s definitely a book for everyone interested in or connected to Beijing or who wants to connect with such a vibrant city. Many people have reached out to share with me how they have enjoyed connecting with the book through personal experiences. They’ve also told me that they’ve been inspired to visit a place in a different season after reading the book.

How did you select the places mentioned in the book? Are these the real Toby and Princess’ favorite places to go?

Despite what the book says, Toby and Princess are definitely in the autumn of their lives, and Toby, sadly, has a hip problem and can no longer walk. He is happy to hang out on my lap, preferably with a lovely blanket around him, because he is a bit of a lush. Princess loves walking around Chaoyang Park and the Maizidian area.

What was your favorite book growing up as a child?

My favorite book as a child growing up was Each Peach, Pear Plum by Janet and Alan Ahlberg. I loved this book because the illustration at the beginning looks precisely like the farm where I would spend my weekends growing up. I felt an immediate connection to the illustrations. If you’re not familiar with the illustration and the little clues on each page, the detail is still magical today. When I got pregnant with my daughter, this was one of the first books I bought for her because I wanted her to experience the magic of Each Peach, Pear Plum. I loved sharing that story with her as a little girl; even though she’s grown into a bigger girl now, it’s been fun to continue sharing this storybook, and that reflects very well on Beijing Bonanza. I feel the same magic and familiarity in the children I’ve been sharing Beijing Bonanza with. They can see the places they live, and things that they’ve done with their families and friends, and they also have that special connection with the book, which gives them some importance and meaning of their existence and what they’re doing just the same as I had with each plant is a little girl.

Where can parents find a copy?

The books are available worldwide on Amazon, as well as at Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and Costco. I’m also working on a partnership with some gift shops in Beijing. If you are in China in the coming months, it will become available on Dangdang and JD. In the meantime, if you’re in China and would like a copy, I’ve got some copies delivered that I can sign and share.

What was the best part about working on this book? How did you select the places mentioned in the book?

What I loved about creating a story was that I got to reflect on everything I like doing in Beijing. The only tricky part was narrowing it down. I drew four squares and marked the four seasons, and thought about what I love to do each season. I genuinely love Beijing all year long – true story: I even love winter! I also adore my pugs; they’ve been the most excellent companions in Beijing.

Additionally, working with Dilia, who is also an old Beijing resident. Our project was made easier with Dilia’s knowledge of the city and our shared love for the Chinese capital, which is a very important element. I particularly loved her painting for the Chinese New Year. You have to know Chinese culture to paint all those details of the hutong house, the fireworks, hongbaos, and the clementine trees.

I’ve been extremely fortunate with both of my books: Peking Pugs, working with Natasha Vota, and Beijing Bonanza, with Dilia. When we are collaborating, they see what I see, or they see more than I can imagine because whatever they do is 100 times better than I could ever have envisioned. It has been wonderful working with Natasha and Dilia.

What’s your advice for parents when it comes to getting their kids to fall in love with reading?

Getting your children to read is partly about being a reader yourself. As adults, we often want children to do as we say, not as we do. As my daughter has grown older, especially during holidays and travel, we always take a few books to enjoy at the airport, in restaurants, or poolside. We always make time to read and then share what we’re reading. It’s essential for parents to show love and joy when reading with their children; this sets the tone [and shows]that books are fun and a great place to get lost and become engaged. As a teacher, I love celebrating authors’ work in my class, and I love it when students go home and buy the same series they’ve read in class. One of my favorite children’s authors is Gerald McDermott; his folklore series, which spans the world, is magical. They help us connect with other cultures and traditions. Books can do this, as they are living dreams and can ignite corners of our imagination that we can revisit time and time again.

Images: Janice Stewart-Yates

Xiaozhen Library, a beacon of community learning and empowerment founded by high school students, is once again opening its doors to the youth of Beijing for an enriching summer camp experience. They’re calling for teen volunteers to join in and make a difference by teaching English to eager young learners. This unique opportunity not only fosters a love for learning but also cultivates a sense of social responsibility and leadership among high school students.

Founded on the principle of youth empowerment, Xiaozhen Library has been a hub for community engagement and learning since its inception. Now, they are extending their reach by inviting high school students between grades 9 and 12 to volunteer and contribute to their summer camp program. Fluent in English and passionate about community service, these volunteers will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of young children in Beijing.

Volunteering at Xiaozhen Library’s summer camp offers high school students a platform to make a meaningful impact while honing their leadership and communication skills. By sharing their knowledge and passion for English, volunteers will not only inspire a love for the language but also foster cross-cultural understanding and communication.

The requirements for volunteering are simple yet impactful: Students must be in grades 9-12, have a commitment to community service, be fluent in English, and have a desire to make a difference.

Whether it’s leading interactive language sessions, organizing creative activities, or simply lending a listening ear to young learners, volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to the holistic development of children in the community.

As the summer camp unfolds, volunteers will not only enrich the lives of young learners but also gain valuable insights and experiences that will shape their own personal and academic journeys. From building confidence and empathy to developing leadership and teamwork skills, volunteering at Xiaozhen Library’s summer camp offers high school students a chance to make a difference while growing personally and professionally.

In a world where youth empowerment and community engagement are more important than ever, Xiaozhen Library’s summer camp provides a platform for high school students to step up, make a difference, and inspire positive change in their community. By volunteering their time and skills, teens can become catalysts for transformation, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of others while shaping their own futures.

Xiaozhen Library is now accepting applications to be part of this year’s summer camp volunteers.

Available weeks:
Jun 30-Jul 4 (week 1)
Jul 7-11 (week 2)
Jul 12-16 (week 3)
Jul 17-21 (week 4)
Aug 4-8 (week 5)
Aug 9-13 (week 6)
Aug 18-22 (week 7)

For more information, please contact info@ourtownlibrary.com or fill out the 2025 Summer Volunteer Program forum at https://www.ourtownlibrary.com/summer-camp-volunteer/

Images: Xiaozhen Library, Pexels

Roundabout’s book fairs are truly a hidden gem. These fairs offer an incredible opportunity to discover secondhand books at astonishingly low prices, with some being even as cheap as RMB 1.

Not only does Roundabout provide a haven for those seeking literary treasures on a budget, but it also serves a great cause. The money spent at Roundabout goes back to charity, making your purchases a contribution to a worthy endeavor. It’s a win-win situation where you can expand your personal library while also making a positive impact on the community.

The next book fair will be held this Saturday (Mar 1) at British School of Beijing Shunyi from 10am to 3pm. All proceeds will be donated to children in need.

All the books sold at Roundabout book fairs are donated and then sorted with the help of their hard-working volunteers. If you’ve got unwanted books at home, bring them with you on Saturday and donate them to help a great cause.

If you’d like more information about Roundabout book fairs or if you’re looking for ways to help out, please scan the QR code below.

Find it:
British School of Beijing Shunyi
South Side, 9 Anhua Jie, Tianzhu Development Zone, Shunyi District
顺义区天竺开发区安华街9号南院

Images: Roundabout

With so many digital distractions in our lives today, a book club for kids is the perfect thing for them to discover (or re-discover) the joys of reading. Founded in 2007, Reading Star Book Club has been widely recognized for its systematic curriculum based on accurate diagnosis and analysis. They offer more than 57,000 books, which are classified into 27 levels from PreK to Grade 12. Most books in their library are selected from required reading books by the American Library Association or Newberry Medal winners for literature. The book club provides families with an affordable and convenient way to bring the best in children’s literature into their homes.

Reading Star Book Club is based out of Shanghai, but its services can be used anywhere in China, making it a great resource for those who with limited access to English books in their community.

The weekly book club sends out books that are specially chosen based on the student’s reading level. Each time, the student receives 2-3 books based on their need. Like a modern-day library, the books are sent by courier to the student’s home every Thursday and returned the following Thursday with all the courier costs covered by the book club. When the student receives their weekly book package, they’ll also receive a supplement of worksheets that can help with vocabulary, grammar, dictation, etc., and essay prompts to write supported by native English speaking teachers, making this a great resource for kids learning English as a second language as well as beginner readers.

Reading Star Book Club was created for all levels of readers, from beginners to advanced. Beginner readers need parents to assist. Fluent and advanced readers can be independent and gain a lot of advantage from their list of specially curated books to improve their vocabulary and writing skills.

When a student joins the book club, they get a member ID that they can use to access the Reading Star website for quizzes and review tests.

To get the books delivered to your doorstep along with access to the review resources, you’ll need to pay a fully refundable RMB 500 deposit to ensure that the books are handed with care along with an RMB 800 subscription fee for a four-week service.

To get more information on Reading Star Book Club, add them directly on WeChat or call them.
* English Service – “sg2829”
* Chinese Service – “sh-readingtown”

Images: Reading Star Book Club, Pexels

The winter break will be arriving soon, and as plans are being made, hobbies and tasks to keep us grounded are also vital amidst all the fun and chaos. With that being said, reading is definitely one of those things that some people overlook in their lives but which plays an important role in shaping our identity and belief systems. With that said, here are five books/series you can indulge in during this winter break.

Dune

Dune has officially become my favorite fiction series. Science fiction was never something I thought I would be interested in, but after I started reading it, I found out that Dune was so much more than simply a story with highs and lows – it was Frank Herbert’s way of telling the world his perceptions, concepts, and philosophies of life. For example (I don’t know if this will be counted as a spoiler, but I will tell you guys anyway), throughout the first novel, there were constant references to the philosophy that “all predictions and affairs of the future are based upon the patterns of affairs of the past.” This may seem cliché and somewhat cringe, but when the novel is being read and details of each character are being analyzed with depth, this concept of how the future is developed will become more and more vivid. That is also why Dune is number one on this list – it is both entertaining and educational. The entire series is quite lengthy (frankly, I have only finished half of the first novel), but as you read, you can clearly see that the author has put a lot of effort into shaping each character and the plot of the story. There are aspects of the world that at first we may not grasp comprehensively, but through the story, character motives, perspectives, and inner thoughts are all revealed (the book is written in third person omniscient). This series is definitely worthy to read and comprehend deeply during the holidays.

Educated

This book is quite a famous one and is a great one to read and taste thoroughly. The book is an autobiography of Tara Westover and is a journey of how education and affairs that happened throughout her life changed her perspectives and opinions on the world. There is one quote that perhaps summarizes her relationship with her family and how her experiences changed her: “You can love someone and still choose to say goodbye to them” as well as “You can miss someone every day and still be glad that they are not in your life.” These two quotes are both ones from the book and show us how complicated our relationships with others can be, but also how our perspectives and actions have to shift with the world around us. Valuable life lessons, relationships with family, and the exploration of the world around us are all topics and plots that are covered throughout. So, why not give it a go?

The Giver

The Giver is a book that is similar to Dune – it teaches us about society through a fictional setting. The main character, Jonas, is the “outsider” of his community, and he perceives things so much differently than the others around him. He faces difficulties throughout the novel on choices he has to make about his life and the burdens that arise along with the life that is set before him. As he experiences life and learns the lessons his community and thoughts teach him, he realizes that life is about how one values one’s own existence and how meaning is given to life and should not be manipulated by rules and the unjust norms of society. When Jonas was being taught and guided by his mentor (I will keep that a secret for now because I feel like I already have told you guys enough secrets about these books), his perceptions of the world open up, and he starts to embrace the indifference of his community towards life and still find a way to live life in the way he imagined. This book would definitely be very healing for people who feel lost in their lives and want to find a way to soothe themselves during hardships.

Little Women

Oh yes, the classic Little Women. Perhaps you have even watched the movie but have not read the book. The story revolves around the theme of gender roles and how the sisters overcome gender stereotypes in their time of living. Even though these gender stereotypes may not be as distinct and existent in modern society, this concept of the hierarchy of genders still exists, and learning that through a story can be so much more moving and empowering than simply reading a book on social justice. The drastic differences in the sisters’ personalities also show the vibrance and livelihood life should be – everyone is the way they are naturally and others are there only to guide and support them to be on the right path. The affairs of the story are based on the context of the American Civil War in the 1860s, so there is also some historical educational value to the book as well.

The Land of Stories

The Land of Stories is not as famous as the previous books, but it definitely doesn’t lack entertainment and fun. The story revolves around two siblings who magically fall into the Land of Stories and navigates their adventures there. Each story is connected with the other ones in some way, and it is interesting to see how these two teenagers grow throughout the time of their adventures and how the world of realism and supernatural forces contrast. Similar to Dune, this is a series and is perhaps one of those books that would distract you from working due to its captivating words and plots.

Images: Taobao, Pexels

The next Roundabout book sale has been announced, and this time, they’re focusing on French, German, and other foreign language books.

Make your way to Roundabout between Nov 14-18 from 9am to 4pm, and check out the upstairs area to find new additions to your home library.

There will be books in French, German, and other foreign languages, as well as select Chinese and English books at special prices.

Bring the family and discover some hidden treasures together all for a great cause.

Location: 2/F, Roundabout Store. 010-6436 8506. (Please use the outdoor east-side staircase to access the second floor)

About Roundabout:

The Beijing Le Share Foundation Roundabout Special Fund is set by the Roundabout charity store. Roundabout was founded in 2008. It is co-managed by volunteers and full-time staff and located in Cathay View Plaza. The items you donate are either sent directly to different charities in need of them or the proceeds from the sales are channeled towards medical, educational aid, and relief disaster for people in need.

Find it:
Cathay View Plaza, 2 Xiangjiang Beilu, Shunyi District
顺义区香江北路2号

Images: Roundabout

Summer is here, bringing with it endless days of sunshine and play. You’re either traveling around and doing some well-deserved exploring, attending summer camps, or spending some time relaxing at home. To add a bit of structure and a lot of fun to your child’s vacation, we’re excited to share this completely free reading challenge initiated by professional reading tutor Katie Hamons, who specializes in helping children aged 4-12 years old with reading. Hamons has over five years of experience teaching reading to this age group in Beijing and loves to share her wealth of knowledge with others. “My primary goal is to transform early reading experiences into engaging and enjoyable journeys using Koala Go, an online teaching platform that makes learning to read fun for young learners,” Hamons tells us.

Hamons’ Month-Long Reading Challenge on WeChat is designed to keep kids engaged and excited about reading during the break. If you’d like to join, you can enter by sending in a video of your child reading a book they choose, or Hamons can help select an appropriate book for them based on their reading level.

This challenge is perfect for any child who loves reading or wants to develop a love for reading. Parents looking to maintain their children’s reading skills over the summer will find this challenge beneficial. Also, it’s a fun way to spend time together with your kids doing something educational.

Throughout the month, students can submit their videos for feedback and Hamons will provide tips on how they can improve their reading and they can resubmit their video before the deadline of Jul 26 at midnight. At the end of the month, parents can invite friends into the reading challenge WeChat group to vote.

To make this challenge even more enticing, Hamons has even prepared prizes for the participants to win.

Challenge Details and Prizes
– 1st Place: A free 30-minute 1:1 reading lesson with Hamons.
– 2nd Place: A free PDF of a book of their choice.
– 3rd Place: A fun bookmark to print and color.
– Participation: All challenge participants will receive a certificate of participation.

You can reach Hamons through WeChat. Here’s her WeChat ID: [katiehamons]. You can also scan the QR code below to join the reading challenge group.

For parents who are currently teaching their kids how to read, it can be a long and frustrating journey at the beginning. But once children grasp the concept and discover their capabilities on their own, a whole new world opens up to them. Hamons shares five tips from her years of experience as a reading tutor to help parents help their kids onto their reading journey.

1. Read Aloud Daily:
Make reading a part of your daily routine. Choose books your child enjoys and read together. Discuss the stories and ask questions to engage them.

2. Create a Reading-Friendly Environment:
Surround your child with books and reading materials. Have a cozy reading nook where they can enjoy their books comfortably.

3. Incorporate Fun Activities:
Use games, songs, and hands-on activities to teach reading skills. Koala Go’s* interactive resources can also make learning engaging and enjoyable.

4. Be Patient and Encouraging:
Celebrate small victories and be patient with your child’s progress. Encourage them and avoid pressuring them to read before they’re ready.

5. Lead by Example:
Show your love for reading by reading your own books. Your enthusiasm will inspire your child to develop a similar passion.

*Koala Go is an interactive platform that Hamons uses for her lessons. It’s equipped with an interactive whiteboard, a shared browser, and an immersive playground.

This engaging program is designed to motivate kids to dive into books, explore new worlds, and keep their minds active during the break. Scan the QR code in the article to add Hamons on WeChat to join the group.

Images: Katie Hamons, Pexels

Xiaozhen Library, a beacon of community learning and empowerment founded by high school students, is once again opening its doors to the youth of Beijing for an enriching summer camp experience. They’re calling for teen volunteers to join in and make a difference by teaching English to eager young learners. This unique opportunity not only fosters a love for learning but also cultivates a sense of social responsibility and leadership among high school students.

Founded on the principle of youth empowerment, Xiaozhen Library has been a hub for community engagement and learning since its inception. Now, they are extending their reach by inviting high school students between Grades 9 and 12 to volunteer and contribute to their summer camp program. Fluent in English and passionate about community service, these volunteers will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of young children in Beijing.

Volunteering at Xiaozhen Library’s summer camp offers high school students a platform to make a meaningful impact while honing their leadership and communication skills. By sharing their knowledge and passion for English, volunteers will not only inspire a love for the language but also foster cross-cultural understanding and communication.

The requirements for volunteering are simple yet impactful: Students must be in Grades 9-12, have a commitment to community service, be fluent in English, and have a desire to make a difference.

Whether it’s leading interactive language sessions, organizing creative activities, or simply lending a listening ear to young learners, volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to the holistic development of children in the community.

As the summer camp unfolds, volunteers will not only enrich the lives of young learners but also gain valuable insights and experiences that will shape their own personal and academic journeys. From building confidence and empathy to developing leadership and teamwork skills, volunteering at Xiaozhen Library’s summer camp offers high school students a chance to make a difference while growing personally and professionally.

In a world where youth empowerment and community engagement are more important than ever, Xiaozhen Library’s summer camp provides a platform for high school students to step up, make a difference, and inspire positive change in their community. By volunteering their time and skills, teens can become catalysts for transformation, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of others while shaping their own futures.

Application for the volunteer teaching positions for this year’s Xiaozhen Library summer camp is now open. Scan the QR code below to apply.

Images: Xiaozhen Library, Pexels

As a parent, finding meaningful activities to bond with my daughter over has always been a priority. So, when Camilla Kongshavn posted about the beautiful Easter Magic e-book that she and her 4-year-old daughter created together, I had to make a day of it with my little girl. It felt like discovering a treasure trove of imagination waiting to be unlocked. Little did we know that diving into its pages would lead us on an unforgettable journey of creativity, laughter, and heartfelt moments.

From the moment we opened the e-storybook, we were captivated by its vibrant illustrations and engaging storyline. I had every intention of explaining the idea behind the book to my daughter since this was the first time we did anything like this together, but she jumped right into it before I even had a chance.

Together, my daughter and I embarked on an adventure where we became the authors of our tale, inspired by the enchanting world of Camilla, the bunnies and their woodland creatures, all paired beautifully to relaxing Celtic tunes.

Sitting side by side, we let our imaginations run wild. With each page, we added our unique touches, infusing the story with bits of our personalities and shared experiences. It was a collaborative process that not only sparked our creativity but also strengthened our bond as parent and child.

As we delved deeper into the story, I watched my daughter’s eyes light up with excitement and wonder. She eagerly contributed her ideas, coming up with things and pointing out images on the pages that I never would have noticed. Her imagination soared as she breathed life into the characters we created together. In those moments, I saw her confidence grow as she realized the power of her imagination and the joy of storytelling.

But our journey with Camilla’s Easter Magic e-book wasn’t just about crafting a narrative; it was about cherishing the precious moments we shared. From spontaneous bursts of laughter to quiet moments of reflection, each word we wrote and each illustration we drew became a testament to our love and connection.

The book was a catalyst for unforgettable, cherished memories. It brought us closer together, sparking our imagination and igniting our love for storytelling. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

So, to all the parents out there looking for a way to connect with their children, I highly recommend diving into the world of Camilla’s Easter Magic e-storybook. Who knows what magical adventures await you?

To get yourself an e-copy of the book, add Camilla on WeChat by scanning the QR code below. Each order is RMB 99, and the proceeds all go toward helping Camilla’s dream of one day owning her own bakery in Beijing come true.

“Camilla is a force of kindness and creativity in Beijing. For years we have seen her raise her daughter and grow her business, while also being available around-the-clock to lend both her time and talents to everyone in need in the most open manner. She’s one of the humblest humanitarians I know, and definitely the best baker — this campaign is a genius way that only she could come up with, to let us finally support her in both roles,” shares Erin Crocetti.

Camilla has given her heart and time to countless causes in Beijing to help others during their hour of need. And when the opportunity arises for us to be able to give back to a pillar of our community all while purchasing a genuinely well-thought-out product in return, what other reason do you need?

Images: Camilla Kongshaven