Windows and Mirrors
Our booklist
Windows and Mirrors is a list of suggested books for children aged four to seven that represents the diversity of our world.
Our list gives:
- windows into the lives of all children
- mirrors for children’s own lives.
We include books that help children establish their place in the world, books where all children – especially those from underrepresented groups – get to be the main protagonist in a story.
Windows and Mirrors is updated monthly.
Find a printable list of the Windows and Mirrors booklist here.
Windows and Mirrors is now interactive!
If you have the School Portal, you’ll enjoy discovering the best books using our interactive booklist – now with the power to search, filter and share.
The engagement factor
All books on our booklist engage children, both emotionally and intellectually. They:
- elicit a response – excitement, interest, curiosity, empathy
- have a strong narrative structure and intriguing illustrations
- extend vocabulary
- connect with something that children already know.
Maryanne Wolf says:
“Emotional engagement is the tipping point between leaping into the reading life or remaining in a childhood bog where reading is endured only as a means to other ends.”
Booklist themes
Themes include:
- family and friendship
- exploring feelings
- kindness and community
- our planet
- change and bereavement
- moving home or country
- the power of speaking up.
Our inspiration
Windows and Mirrors is inspired by the work of Professor Rudine Sims Bishop. Her 1990 article “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors” shares the importance of all children seeing themselves reflected in what they read.
Farrah Serroukh says:
“To find a fragment of yourself in the pages of a book is a profound and powerful experience; it holds a mirror up to your existence and suggests that you’re not alone. For children in their formative years, this is life-affirming.”
Our Tower by Joseph Coelho and Richard Johnson
Despite the grey, concrete tower the children live in, there is ‘a power that resides in the smiles of our neighbours. A magic that seeps out when we swap our home-baked flavours.’ A moving and important story to share with children in Key Stage 1 and 2.
Out of the Blue by Robert Tregoning and Stef Murphy
The child in this story feel sad and alone. Everything in the world is the colour blue; including the grass and he loves… yellow. Is it okay to love yellow? Will his dad still love him? ‘Life is like a rainbow – we all love different things.’ A story to celebrate individuality and diversity.
Papa’s Butter Chicken by Monica Saigal and Abeeha Tariq
Dad is making butter chicken, everyone’s favourite. Monica loves to cook with him and listen to his stories. Soon family and neighbours arrive with all sorts of yummy food. It’s a feast! We all have our favourite dishes… what’s yours?
New to list Nov’ 25
Peace on Earth by Smriti Halls and David Litchfield
When words hurt and sting, peace can be hard to find. But with brave hearts and kind hands, we can change angry words. “Peace will lever look away, it lights a candle, here to stay’. There is always a way out of darkness to the light. Peace mends hearts and spreads love.
People Need People by Benjamin Zephaniah and Nila Aye
A fabulous poem that bounces along, why not join in as if it’s a song? A celebration of connection, family, friendship; ‘to make life appealing and give life some meaning, it’s useful to have other people’. Oh yes, people will always need people.
Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival
Norman suddenly grows a pair of wings. At first he loves them, but fear of standing out makes him hide them under a coat which only makes him miserable. As Norman overcomes his fear, he learns that being different is wonderful.
Princesses Break Free by Timothy Knapman and Jenny Lovlie
Princess Tilly is no ordinary princess. She doesn’t wait to be rescued and inspires other princesses to do the same. ‘For the first time, princesses everywhere were doing exactly what they’d always WANTED to do!’ Soon princes, witches and fairy godmothers join in the revolution!
Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival
Like all children, Ravi sometimes feels cross. One day he becomes so furious, he turns into a tiger and ROARS. At first, it feels good. But soon nobody wants to play. A book to help children learn to understand anger – even if they do sometimes still need ‘a bit of a growl!’
See unit in Talk Through Stories
Robin Hood by Bethan Woollvin
The man who rules the land is greedy, mean and steals from the people. A girl decides to steal back from him and give back to the people. She is fierce and brave. Her name is Robin Hood.