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 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. 

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

Look Up! By Nathan Byron and Dapo Adeola

Rocket is a little girl with big ambitions; she wants to be an astronaut one day. The story is full of Rocket’s fabulous facts and contagious enthusiasm. She is a girl on a mission.

Love Grows Everywhere by Barry Timms and Tisha Lee

Love grows on the street…and reaches out to those we meet. A neighbour from across the way. A friend from school who’d like to play.’ A book that pays homage to the fact that love makes a brighter world. Wonderful illustrations to reflect all children’s lives.

Love, the Earth by Frances Stickley and Tim Hopgood

A poem from the Earth to inspire us to love and look after our world. The Earth gives us animals, weather, forests, oceans and plants. ‘Please share my food, my lakes, my land, but try to lend a helping hand’. If we take care of the planet, it will take care of us.

Luna Loves Christmas by Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers

Sometimes Luna spends Christmas at her mum’s, sometimes at her dad’s. This year, her whole family are doing something special. They are volunteering and making deliveries for the food bank and being part of a Christmas dinner where everyone is welcome.

Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoet

When she was young, Malala wished that all girls in her country could go to school like her. When girls were no longer allowed to, she spoke up. And, although people tried to silence her, she continues to help ‘make the world a more peaceful place’.

Mauntie and me by Rajani Larocca and Nadia Alam

Priya’s favourite aunt, Mauntie, plays games with her and cooks treats. When cousin Aditi comes to stay, Priya feels confused. She isn’t used to sharing Mauntie. Will she learn to play with Aditi and her aunt?

Max and the Tag-along Moon by Floyd Cooper

Max loves his granpa. When he leaves his house one night, granpa reminds him that the moon will follow Max home. Once in his dark bedroom, Max misses granpa and the moon. But as granpa says, ‘That ol’ moon will always shine for me… on and on!’ And it does. A reassuring story of family love.



See unit in Talk Through Stories

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