What kind of sparks fly when the imaginative mind of an internationally acclaimed illustrator meets the innocent, curious eyes of children at BCIS Courtyard Kindergarten? 

To mark BCIS’s 20th anniversary and the 6th anniversary of the Courtyard Kindergarten, Caldecott Honor winner and renowned illustrator Brendan Wenzel stepped into this historic courtyard to engage in a heartfelt dialogue with the children about “seeing” the world in different ways. It turns out that the endless variety of the world is reflected in every pair of curious eyes.

Every time the children at Courtyard Kindergarten open one of Brendan’s picture books, they are captivated by his unique perspectives and vibrant colors. As they explore the stories, they don’t just follow the plot—they dive into the details: animal characters, illustration style, composition, and color choices. When Brendan visited, the children eagerly presented a special gift—a showcase of their inquiry-based projects inspired by his books. These creations are the fruit of their exploration and a vivid expression of their imagination.

The toddlers in the Montessori group painted the animal world as they see it in their hearts. To them, animals are no longer just shapes but lively bursts of color and playfulness. Each brushstroke carries their unique feelings and understanding, dressing the animals in bright coats that make the world come alive in a riot of color.

In the Nursery group, the children became picture book creators themselves, crafting their own versions of They All Saw a Cat. From brainstorming ideas to painting, every step sparkled with creativity. Some cats became superheroes saving the world; others wandered freely among the clouds. Inspired by Brendan’s animal illustrations, the children also made paintings and collages of bees, caterpillars, and butterflies—carefully observing details and experimenting boldly with different artistic techniques to bring their ideas to life.

The Pre-K children, inspired by Brendan’s A Stone Sat Still, embarked on a magical journey with stones. To them, stones became vessels full of stories and imagination—some saw them as planets in the universe, others as castles from fairy tales. Through art, they gave stones new life and meaning, revealing their unique perspectives and rich inner worlds.

The Kindergarten children explored the concept of perspective with Inside Cat as their guide. They imagined two types of windows: one showing the real world, the other revealing fantastical scenes. Studying Brendan’s distinctive style, they illustrated the different views through these windows, described the real scenes in English, and explained their choices for the imaginary window. Their work beautifully demonstrated how imagination and creativity can transform the way we see the world.

With eager eyes fixed on him, Brendan read They All Saw a Cat aloud in his warm, engaging voice, transporting the children into a world of wonder and imagination. As he described how different animals see the cat in their own unique ways, the children’s faces lit up with surprise and curiosity. Some even mimicked the cat’s movements and expressions. In that moment, the story leapt off the pages and came alive in the children’s minds. Brendan wasn’t just telling a story—he was igniting a passion for reading and imagination, planting seeds of curiosity and exploration that will grow within them.

After the children’s presentations, Suzanne, the experienced principal of the kindergarten and a children’s reading expert, joined Brendan for a conversation that offered parents fresh insights into parenting and education.

Brendan shared the inspiration behind his work: “I grew up surrounded by books and often read with my family. Those were wonderful times. I especially remember hiding away in quiet corners, completely absorbed in stories. For me, reading picture books is a magical journey into the author’s imagination.” He added, “Creativity is innate in all of us. Everyone carries inspiration inside; the key is having space to let it grow—something I always wished for as a child.”

Principal Suzanne reflected warmly, “At BCIS Courtyard Kindergarten, we’re committed to creating and expanding spaces where children can freely express their creativity. We provide rich artistic resources and a nurturing environment that encourages children to explore, learn, and grow in their own unique ways. Education isn’t about trimming branches but about protecting the unique growth of every little seedling.”

In the first courtyard, Brendan and the children co-created “Lele” as a special gift to celebrate BCIS’s 20th anniversary. 

Gathered around Brendan, the children listened closely to his guidance—from choosing colors to sketching lines—and let their imaginations run free. Some painted wings on Lele, hoping to soar alongside it; others adorned it with stars and flowers, sending their heartfelt wishes. Brendan even secretly placed a handcrafted Lele in the courtyard as a surprise gift for the children and BCIS.