Windows and Mirrors
Our booklist
Windows and Mirrors is a list of suggested books for children aged four to seven that represents the diversity of our world.
Our list gives:
- windows into the lives of all children
- mirrors for children’s own lives.
We include books that help children establish their place in the world, books where all children – especially those from underrepresented groups – get to be the main protagonist in a story.
Windows and Mirrors is updated monthly.
Find a printable list of the Windows and Mirrors booklist here.
Windows and Mirrors is now interactive!
If you have the School Portal, you’ll enjoy discovering the best books using our interactive booklist – now with the power to search, filter and share.
The engagement factor
All books on our booklist engage children, both emotionally and intellectually. They:
- elicit a response – excitement, interest, curiosity, empathy
- have a strong narrative structure and intriguing illustrations
- extend vocabulary
- connect with something that children already know.
Maryanne Wolf says:
“Emotional engagement is the tipping point between leaping into the reading life or remaining in a childhood bog where reading is endured only as a means to other ends.”
Booklist themes
Themes include:
- family and friendship
- exploring feelings
- kindness and community
- our planet
- change and bereavement
- moving home or country
- the power of speaking up.
Our inspiration
Windows and Mirrors is inspired by the work of Professor Rudine Sims Bishop. Her 1990 article “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors” shares the importance of all children seeing themselves reflected in what they read.
Farrah Serroukh says:
“To find a fragment of yourself in the pages of a book is a profound and powerful experience; it holds a mirror up to your existence and suggests that you’re not alone. For children in their formative years, this is life-affirming.”
Super Duper You by Sophy Henn
A little sister is sometimes silly, sometimes very quiet; sometimes twinkly, sometimes ‘fighty’. Her big brother notices and likes all the things she is. A vibrant story about sibling love and a celebration of children’s full selves.
Terrible Horses by Raymond Antrobus and Ken Wilson-Max
A brother and sister do not always get along. In fact, they fight and do not use their words. The boy writes stories about how lonely he feels. His sister reads them and begins to understand her brother. Maybe she feels this way sometimes too?
Thank you Omu! By Oge Mora
Omu makes a big pot of thick red stew. Knock, knock! One by one, friends and neighbours follow their noses and Omu shares her dinner. A joyful story of food and community with award-winning illustrations.
That’s not a daffodil! By Elizabeth Honey
Mr Yilmaz, a kindly neighbour, brings Tom a daffodil. ‘That’s not a daffodil’ declares Tom when he sees the brown bulb. Together, they water it and protect it from life’s knocks and bumps. Both friendship and a beautiful yellow flower blossom.
The Beautiful Layers of Me by Sophia Payne and Ruchi Mhasane
Ameena has her first salwar kameez for a wedding. But when a friend says they look like pyjamas, she’s upset. She wants to feel special. Babu explains that beauty comes in all kinds of clothing. And Ameena feels pride and joy for her whole family.
The Bookworm by Debi Glori
Max is determined to have a pet. He chooses, not a kitten, a puppy or a goldfish but a … worm. He sings it songs, strokes its back and reads it stories. It’s a real bookworm! Soon however, his worm begins to grow spikes and breathe fire. Is this the best pet for him?
The Boy with Flowers in His Hair by Jarvis
Everybody likes David, the boy with flowers in his hair. He’s sweet and gentle. When his petals begin to fall out, his best friend acts with kindness and creativity to help. Beautiful illustrations and perfect to explore inclusivity for Reception and Year 1.
The Boys by Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovlie
Four boys; one makes art, one makes music, one tells stories and one likes to understand how things work. As they grow up and difficulties arise, the friends realise ‘the best way to face problems is to talk and listen’. A book to celebrate the value of friendship.
The Bridges by Tom Percival
Mia is a little girl who feels lonely. One day, a book mysteriously appears. The first book she has ever owned and, as she reads it, she begins to cross bridges. Bridges that lead her to new places, new people, new adventures. When she meets a little boy who seems lonely, she knows what to do.