Banner to say that the title off the page is Windows and Mirrors

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. 

Image of a teacher holding up a book featured in our Windows and Mirrors list to show the class the story during Storytime.

Weirdo by Zadie Smith and Nick Laird

The animals at Kit’s house think the new pet is a weirdo. At first, the new pet thinks about ‘ways to make herself more like the others’. She soon realises that being different has its own special joy. Is she a weirdo or is she just… Maud?

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Whirly Twirly Me by Manjeet Mann and Amanda Quarty

A girl wakes up feeling whirly and twirly; her stomach in a knot, she’s in a strop! Her favourite cereal runs out, a boy takes her favourite pencil. She’s angry but doesn’t know why. Mum helps her see that sometimes she might be sad, worried or nervous. Being whirly twirly is normal. Some days are like that…



New to list June ’24

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Word Trouble by Vyara Boyadjieva

Ronnie moves to a new country and learns to speak the language. At first, it’s hard. Soon, he starts to collect more and more words and more and more friends! A wonderful book for the early years, exploring the delight and challenge of starting school when you’re learning English.

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