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.
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.
Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman and Christian Robinson
Sometimes the world can feel broken and we feel alone. If you find a friend, maybe you can fix things together? Maybe you fix something small that changes something big? ’Something that makes you feel hopeful, happy and loved’. With friends, community and hope we can make the world a better place.
New to list Dec ’24
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’.
New to list Dec ’24
Until You Find the Sun by Maryam Hassan and Anna Wilson
Aminah loves the golden sunshine and mangoes of home. One day, she has to move to a colder, darker new country. She misses home and her grandpa. One snowy day, dressed in a new sunshine yellow coat, she makes a friend and life begins to feel brighter.
New to list Dec ’24
Confetti by Dean Atta and Alea Marley
Ari loves the colours of confetti. She sees the colours at Pride, at her mummy’s baby shower and at her own birthday party. She throws confetti too when her uncle and his husband get married. There are so many different days and ways to celebrate love, joy and family.
New to list Dec ’24
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.
New to list Dec ’24
The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld
In this fairytale, the king and queen have two children; a little wooden robot and a log princess. However, every night the princess turns back into a log. One night, she is taken and her brother sets out on an adventure to find her. Will the robot and princess make it safely home to the king and queen?
I Love You Because I Love You by Muro’n Thi Van and Jessica Love
There are small and big reasons why we love the people we love. Because they care, carry or play with us. Because they cook with care. Because people let us speak or let us make mistakes. Because they know when we’re sad or afraid. In the end, we love them because… we love them.
Dance Just Like So by Annemarie Anang and Natelle Quek
Gran loves to dance the Shooby-Dee Mambo and decides to teach it to the community. She twirls and shimmies and everyone bops, taps, wiggles and shakes along. Gran hurts her knee, ouch. Kwesi has a great idea to keep the joyful dance classes going. Find out how Gran joins in!