
Windows and Mirrors
Our booklist
In 1990, Professor Rudine Sims Bishop published an article called “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors”. The article shared the importance of all children seeing themselves reflected in what they read.
Our list of suggested books for children aged 4 to 7 offers:
- windows into the lives of all children
- mirrors for children’s own lives.
All children see themselves in stories. All children are seen. Stories help children become empathetic and reflective. Themes on our list include: family and friendship; exploring feelings; kindness and community; our planet; change and bereavement; moving home or country; the power of speaking up.
Find a printable list of the Windows and Mirrors booklist here.


Super Duper You by Sophy Henn
A little sister is sometimes silly, sometimes very quiet; sometimes twinkly, sometimes ‘fighty’. Her big brother notices and likes all the things she is. A vibrant story about sibling love and a celebration of children’s full selves.

Terrible Horses by Raymond Antrobus and Ken Wilson-Max
A brother and sister do not always get along. In fact, they fight and do not use their words. The boy writes stories about how lonely he feels. His sister reads them and begins to understand her brother. Maybe she feels this way sometimes too?

Thank you Omu! By Oge Mora
Omu makes a big pot of thick red stew. Knock, knock! One by one, friends and neighbours follow their noses and Omu shares her dinner. A joyful story of food and community with award-winning illustrations.

That’s not a daffodil! By Elizabeth Honey
Mr Yilmaz, a kindly neighbour, brings Tom a daffodil. ‘That’s not a daffodil’ declares Tom when he sees the brown bulb. Together, they water it and protect it from life’s knocks and bumps. Both friendship and a beautiful yellow flower blossom.

The Bookworm by Debi Glori
Max is determined to have a pet. He chooses, not a kitten, a puppy or a goldfish but a … worm. He sings it songs, strokes its back and reads it stories. It’s a real bookworm! Soon however, his worm begins to grow spikes and breathe fire. Is this the best pet for him?

The Boy with Flowers in His Hair by Jarvis
Everybody likes David, the boy with flowers in his hair. He’s sweet and gentle. When his petals begin to fall out, his best friend acts with kindness and creativity to help. Beautiful illustrations and perfect to explore inclusivity for Reception and Year 1.

The Boys by Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovlie
Four boys; one makes art, one makes music, one tells stories and one likes to understand how things work. As they grow up and difficulties arise, the friends realise ‘the best way to face problems is to talk and listen’. A book to celebrate the value of friendship.

The Bridges by Tom Percival
Mia is a little girl who feels lonely. One day, a book mysteriously appears. The first book she has ever owned and, as she reads it, she begins to cross bridges. Bridges that lead her to new places, new people, new adventures. When she meets a little boy who seems lonely, she knows what to do.

The Can Caravan by Richard O’Neill and Cindy Kang
Mrs Tolen has a broken hip and worries she will have to move from her caravan into a house. Her young friends decide to help. With hard work and a visit to the recycling plant, her home is safe for her. A story celebrating the traditional Traveller values of community and recycling.