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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.

One Day at a Time by Rachel Ip and Natelle Quek

When their parents make the painful decision to live in separate houses, Poppy and Robin have mixed-up feelings. Their school and friends stay the same.. But sometimes… it feels like something is missing. It takes time but they know there will always be hugs, laughter and love. Plenty of love.

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Our Nipa Hut by Rachell Abalos and Gabriela Larios

Yelena and papa live in a nipa hut; a Filipino house built on stilts. The hut is part of their family. When a storm comes (and they come more often these days), the hut shudders and flinches. ’The wind is strong, but together, Yelena, papa and the nipa hut are stronger’.

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Our Tower by Joseph Coelho and Richard Johnson

Despite the grey, concrete tower the children live in, there is ‘a power that resides in the smiles of our neighbours. A magic that seeps out when we swap our home-baked flavours.’ A moving and important story to share with children in Key Stage 1 and 2.

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Out of the Blue by Robert Tregoning and Stef Murphy

The child in this story feel sad and alone. Everything in the world is the colour blue; including the grass and he loves… yellow. Is it okay to love yellow? Will his dad still love him? ‘Life is like a rainbow – we all love different things.’ A story to celebrate individuality and diversity.

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Peace on Earth by Smriti Halls and David Litchfield

Peace on Earth by Smriti Halls and David Litchfield

When words hurt and sting, peace can be hard to find. But with brave hearts and kind hands, we can change angry words. “Peace will lever look away, it lights a candle, here to stay’. There is always a way out of darkness to the light. Peace mends hearts and spreads love.

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Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival

Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival

Norman suddenly grows a pair of wings. At first he loves them, but fear of standing out makes him hide them under a coat which only makes him miserable. As Norman overcomes his fear, he learns that being different is wonderful.

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