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.
Forever Star by Gareth Peter and Judi Abbot
Tim and Tim, the space heroes, would like to be dads and decide to adopt a child who needs a new start. They travel through space and find… Little Jim. ‘I think that’s our boy! Our very own starlight, our very own joy.’ Their very own forever family.
Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke and Paul Howard
Jay Jay is at his gran’s house and asks again and again ‘Is dinner ready, Gran?’ Her house is full of warmth, love, affection and… food! ‘Buttery peas, chicken and yams, macaroni and cheese, potatoes and ham’. A perfect book for children in Nursery and Reception.
Geoffrey Gets the Jitters by Nadia Shireen
Geoffrey sometimes worries and feels as if his tummy is full of wiggly worms. He feels so bad in fact, he just wants to hide. How can he stop feeling so jittery? How about a deep breath and a stretch? Yes, that helps! It’s normal to worry but we can help ourselves feel better. Perfect for Reception.
Gina Kaminski Saves a Wolf by Craig Barr-Green and Francis Martin
Often, Gina finds school 1) hot, 2) smelly or 3) loud. (Gina likes things in threes).Sometimes she uses her sticker chart to explain how she feels. Today, she decides to retell the story of Red Riding Hood with her in it. And in her way.
New to list May ’25
Girls on Wheels by Srividhya Venhat and Kate Wadsworth
Three girls who love to skate; except one of them is nervous. Her friends practise with her until she is brave and ready to fly. ‘Like the cool sea breeze, her friends blow away her doubt.’ Hurray for friendship and for the courage to get up again!
Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate
Grandad and Gramps travelled the world in their camper van but sadly Gramps isn’t around anymore. The child in this story listens as Grandad remembers their joyful trips. Will Grandad take one more trip to the beach? Stunning illustrations and a powerful story of love and loss.
Halima, Superhero Princess by Emily Hoof and Asa Gilland
When Halima’s friends say she can’t go to a fancy dress party as her favourite person because she doesn’t look like them, she feels sad and small. Her mum reminds her of all the amazing women who look like her. Who will she dress up as? Find out Halima’s great idea!
Hello! A Counting Book of Kindness by Hollis Kurman
Families running away from war, floods or scary places need a safe place to live. This counting book beautifully illustrates hope, action and the importance of kind gestures. From beds ‘to keep us safe and warm’ to ‘sharing new stories and words’.
Home for Grace by Kathryn White and Rachael Dean
A little girl and her mum befriend a homeless woman called Grace. They share gifts with her; she shares stories with them. Sometimes they eat soup together. Grace tells them how she had to ‘leave her home and cross the sea’. A story to celebrate kindness and connection.