
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.


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’.

Mama and Mummy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour and Kaylani Juanita
When mummy goes away on a work trip, a little girl misses her very much. She and mama keep busy and make a banner to welcome mummy home but the missing is hard. But when she comes home, the little girl feels tearful. They all cuddle together and ‘it feels just right’.

Mama’s Sleeping Scarf by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Joelle Avelino
While she’s at work, mama lets Chino play with her special scarf. All day, Chino plays, runs and eats with it. The scarf connects her to mama, papa, her grandparents. It wraps them in love until they all come together for a family dinner. The delight of everyday things!

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?
New to list June ’25

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

Meesha Makes a Friend by Tom Percival
Meesha loves making things but finds it difficult to make friends. Hiding in a quiet corner at a noisy party Meesha discovers she is not the only person who finds it tricky. A book to help children recognise their own feelings and how others might be feeling too.