Windows and Mirrors

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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.

View a printable list of the Windows and Mirrors booklist.

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: 

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“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. 
teacher holding up a book

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:

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“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.”

book cover for the missing piece

The Missing Piece by Jordan Stephens and Beth Suzanna

Granny gives Sunny a puzzle to complete. A piece is missing so she sets off to see if neighbours have it. Along the way she gains a window into their homes, gardens and stories and meets new friends. Find stunning, colourful illustrations in this story of community.

book cover for the new small person

The New Small Person by Lauren Child

When a new brother arrives, Elmore Green is not pleased. And, even worse, ‘one awful day the small person moved its bed into Elmore Green’s room’. One night the two brothers connect over ‘making long lines of things’ and… jelly beans! Many children will relate to this funny story.

Book cover of The Ocean Gardener

The Ocean Gardener by Clara Anganuzzi

Ayla lives on a tiny island where her mum takes care of the coral reef. Sadly, the sea becomes too warm, the reef starts to fade and the fish disappear. Ayla and her mum decide to grow a coral nursery at home and plant it in the sea. Will the fish return? ‘Be patient; change doesn’t happen overnight’ says mum.

book cover for pirate mums

The Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia Corry

Billy’s two mums like sea shanties, dancing jigs and anything to do with the sea. Billy wishes they could be like normal families. One day however, on a school boat trip, his mums save the day and Billy couldn’t be prouder of his pirate mums.

book cover for the pirate tree

The Pirate Tree by Brigita Orel and Jenny Poh

Sam loves to play pirate ships on an old, gnarled tree. One day another sailor arrives, a little boy new to the street. ‘No one wants to play with him because he’s a newcomer.’ Will Sam and Agu play on the ship together? A book to celebrate the value of friendship.

Book cover of The Powers of One

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.

Book cover of The Queen Next Door

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.

Book cover of The Secret Elephant

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?