Windows and Mirrors
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 regularly.
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.”
The Beautiful Layers of Me by Sophia Payne and Ruchi Mhasane
Ameena has her first salwar kameez for a wedding. But when a friend says they look like pyjamas, she’s upset. She wants to feel special. Babu explains that beauty comes in all kinds of clothing. And Ameena feels pride and joy for her whole family.
The Boldest White by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K. Ali and Hatem Aly
Every week Faizah goes to fencing classes. She worries she won’t be able to compete in the competition if everyone is watching her. Unlike her sister, she doesn’t feel brave. Mama tells her, ‘bravery will grow exactly when you need it to’.
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.
The Comet by Joe Todd-Stanton
Nyla’s dad gets a new job and they move from the country to the town. She is used to her dad cooking dinners, reading stories; she is used to seeing the sky. Change is hard but seeing a comet reminds Nyla of what she loves. Can Nyla and her dad make their new house a home?
The Drama Llama by Rachel Morrisroe and Ella Okstad
When Alex worries or has a drama, a llama appears and causes mayhem. Alex can’t get rid of it. We learn that ‘when a fear or worry starts to leave you feeling stressed, find someone to talk to because talking is the BEST.’ A book with fabulous rhymes and funny illustrations.