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 four to seven 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 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.
This is Who I am by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane
A little girl feels connected to two beautiful worlds. India, where her parents were born; a land of sarees, dance, family and history. And England where she lives now. She says, ’this is who I am and I’m proud to be me’.
New to list Nov’ 25
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.
To the Other Side by Erika Meza
Two young refugee children leave home in search of safety. The journey is long and tiring and involves lots of waiting. They try and make it fun but sometimes… it isn’t. Finally they reach a new home where they can grow roots; where they will feel safe.
Town is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz and Sydney Smith
A little boy lives in a seaside mining town. His father works ‘deep down under that sea, digging for coal’. As he works, the boy explores the town, nature, home. A window into the lives of an important community historically.
Two Families to Call My Own by Phil Earle and Jess Rose
Florrie and her brothers live half the week with mum and half with dad. One day, dad tells her he has a girlfriend. Florrie is worried. Will dad still love her? Will she like the girlfriend’s children? It’s often busy and crowded but it soon becomes… fun.
Two People Can by Blessing Musariri and Maisie Paradise Shearring
Shingai’s dad doesn’t live with him anymore and he misses him. He feels a jumpiness inside and does wild things. Then, mum starts doing wild things too. They are both sad but begin to realise they can do fun things together. Two people is a good number.
Two Places to Call Home by Phil Earle and Jess Rose
When Florrie’s mum and dad separate, she lives in two different houses. She finds it hard. Mum and dad both help her feel brave. And when dad is finding it hard too, Florrie knows what to do.
In the end, Florrie loves both her homes. There are lots of ways of being a family.