
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.


The Power of One by Trudy Ludwig and Mike Curato
Small acts of kindness make a big difference; a good listener, a shy smile, a caring friend, a sincere apology or a warm hug.
‘One thoughtful idea can bring a community together.’ It all starts with… one act.

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K Ali and Hatem Aly
A younger sister is worried for her older sister on the first day she wears hijab. But she needn’t be. Written by the first Muslim American woman to compete for the United States in the Olympics – an empowering, beautiful book.

The Queen Next Door by Marcela Ferreira and Sally Agar
There was once a queen who was happy and loved. Until… a new queen moves next door. The first queen becomes angry; she wants a throne like the new queen has! Her people try to please her but she remains cross. Will the queen return to her fair, friendly and kind self? A modern day fairy tale; perfect for Reception.

The Secret Elephant by Ellen Rankin
During a terrible war, a baby elephant in a zoo became scared of the bangs and flashes. Her keeper sneaks her home at night to comfort her. The elephant gets bigger… and bigger and soon the secret is out. What will become of her? Will she go back to the zoo? Will she be okay without her keeper?
New to list June ’24

The Smile by Marie Voigt
A book that explores the gift a smile can be. ‘And if you put a smile on just one face…before long there will be too many to count’. Fabulous illustrations that beautifully show everyday situations where smiling makes a difference.

The Tale of the Whale by Karen Swann and Padmacandra
A whale invites a child to join her in the ocean. They experience things that are funny, beautiful, astonishing. Sadly, they also visit ‘a plastic soup sea’. This story shows us the joy of the natural world and how important it is to act to keep it that way. Poetic, accessible, stunningly illustrated.

The Wall and the Wild by Christina Dendy and Katie Rewse
Ana likes her garden tidy and neat. She plants perfect seeds and throws uneven ones over a wall; ‘YOU stay out THERE.’ Soon she realises that the wilderness is beautiful too. A tale of the beauty of diverse ecosystems; including our human one.
See unit in Talk Through Stories

The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds
People collect all sorts of things: stamps, coins, comic books. Jerome collects words. Short and sweet words and two-syllable treat words. The more words he knows, the more he shares his thoughts and feelings. A book to help talk about the fun, the beauty, the power of words.

Tibble and Grandpa by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egnéus
Grandpa is quiet lately and always gardening so Tibble tries playing his favourite game – Top Threes. Finally, Tibble asks, ‘What were Granny’s Top Three Stars?’ The sorrow and love of family life are explored in this gentle, moving book.