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.
Many schools also read these wonderful picture books to children in Key Stage 2.
How many of these books do you have in your school?
Find a printable list of the Windows and Mirrors booklist here.
Read our Diversity and Inclusion statement here.
- Word Trouble by Vyara Boyadjieva 16 January 2024Ronnie moves to a new country and learns to speak the language. At first, it’s hard. Soon, he starts to collect more and more words and more and more friends! A wonderful book for the early years, exploring the delight and challenge of starting school when you’re learning English.
- You’re So Amazing! By James & Lucy Catchpole and Karen George 1 June 2023Amazing Joe! Poor Joe! Joe would rather just be… Joe. Is he amazing because he can queue for an ice-cream or go down a slide? ‘People need to relax’ says his friend Simone. An important book: disabled children have their own normal stories.
The Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia Corry
Billy’s two mums like sea shanties, dancing jigs and anything to do with the sea. Billy wishes they could be like normal families. One day however, on a school boat trip, his mums save the day and Billy couldn’t be prouder of his pirate mums.
The Pirate Tree by Brigita Orel and Jenny Poh
Sam loves to play pirate ships on an old, gnarled tree. One day another sailor arrives, a little boy new to the street. ‘No one wants to play with him because he’s a newcomer.’ Will Sam and Agu play on the ship together? A book to celebrate the value of friendship.
The Power of One by Trudy Ludwig and Mike Curato
Small acts of kindness make a big difference; a good listener, a shy smile, a caring friend, a sincere apology or a warm hug.
‘One thoughtful idea can bring a community together.’ It all starts with… one act.
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K Ali and Hatem Aly
A younger sister is worried for her older sister on the first day she wears hijab. But she needn’t be. Written by the first Muslim American woman to compete for the United States in the Olympics – an empowering, beautiful book.
The Queen Next Door by Marcela Ferreira and Sally Agar
There was once a queen who was happy and loved. Until… a new queen moves next door. The first queen becomes angry; she wants a throne like the new queen has! Her people try to please her but she remains cross. Will the queen return to her fair, friendly and kind self? A modern day fairy tale; perfect for Reception.
New to list May ’24
The Smile by Marie Voigt
A book that explores the gift a smile can be. ‘And if you put a smile on just one face…before long there will be too many to count’. Fabulous illustrations that beautifully show everyday situations where smiling makes a difference.
The Tale of the Whale by Karen Swann and Padmacandra
A whale invites a child to join her in the ocean. They experience things that are funny, beautiful, astonishing. Sadly, they also visit ‘a plastic soup sea’. This story shows us the joy of the natural world and how important it is to act to keep it that way. Poetic, accessible, stunningly illustrated.
The Wall and the Wild by Christina Dendy and Katie Rewse
Ana likes her garden tidy and neat. She plants perfect seeds and throws uneven ones over a wall; ‘YOU stay out THERE.’ Soon she realises that the wilderness is beautiful too. A tale of the beauty of diverse ecosystems; including our human one.
See unit in Talk Through Stories
The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds
People collect all sorts of things: stamps, coins, comic books. Jerome collects words. Short and sweet words and two-syllable treat words. The more words he knows, the more he shares his thoughts and feelings. A book to help talk about the fun, the beauty, the power of words.