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.
- Home for Grace by Kathryn White and Rachael Dean 8 March 2024A little girl and her mum befriend a homeless woman called Grace. They share gifts with her; she shares stories with them. Sometimes they eat soup together. Grace tells them how she had to ‘leave her home and cross the sea’. A story to celebrate kindness and connection.
- I am Nefertiti by Annemarie Anang and Natelle Quek 27 April 2023Nefertiti’s grandma chose her name and she is proud of it. When Nefertiti plays drums with a band, her new music teacher shortens her name to “Nef’. Nefertiti feels her body shrink. Will she be able to play the drums when she feels this way? Our names matter.
- I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith 8 February 2023When the boy in this story starts to speak, the words get stuck. On bad speech days, he stays ‘quiet as a stone’. His dad helps him see how his voice bubbles and churns like a beautiful river. A book to help children understand stammering.
- If all the world were… by Joseph Coelho and Alison Colpoys 10 July 2023A stunningly illustrated book about the love between a little girl and her grandad. When he passes away, she has a ‘kaleidoscope of memories’ that she writes and draws. A book to explore families, love and loss.
- If I Were Prime Minister by Trygve Skaug and Ella Okstad 16 January 2024What would you do if you were prime minister? This child would buy ice cream for everyone and have cars powered by legs. Anyone who wanted a dog, could have one. Anyone who wanted a friend could have at least two. A funny, lively tale and a great stimulus for writing in Year 2+.
- If I Were The World by Mark Sperring and Natelle Quek 23 February 2023Three children explore what the planet is facing: harmful gases, extinction and floods. They also help us see the action we can take as a community. An uplifting, energetic book, stunningly illustrated about looking after our amazing planet.
- Islandborn by Junot Diaz and Leo Espinosa 8 April 2024Lola left the Island as a baby. Her teacher asks the class to draw a picture of where they are from, so Lola asks her community for memories. She hears of mangoes, music and dolphins. Also a scary monster; a hurricane. She may have left the island but she still belongs.
- It’s a No-Money Day by Kate Milner 23 February 2023Sometimes, in this girl’s house, it’s a no-money day. There are still fun things to do; go to the library or practise your singing. Today, they are going to the food bank. This simple story explores the reality of some children’s lives with dignity, positivity and gentleness.
- Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall 8 February 2023‘I’m jumping off the diving board today’ says Jabari when he visits the swimming pool with his dad and sister. It’s a bit high, a bit scary. ‘It’s OK to feel a little scared,’ says his dad. Children will identify with Jabari’s fear and bravery in this story.
- Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall 8 February 2023One day in the garden with his dad and sister, Jabari decides to make a flying machine. Planning and building can be frustrating. Jabari’s dad encourages him to ‘blow away all the mixed feelings inside’. The moment of achievement makes Jabari, his family and the reader smile!
- Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love 8 February 2023Julian and Marisol are all dressed up to go to the wedding of two brides. When Marisol’s dress gets dirty, Julian has an idea. Julian is very good at dressing up and the party continues with dancing and joy. A book to celebrate love in all its glory.
- Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love 8 February 2023Julian decides he wants to be a mermaid and creates an outfit for himself. How does his nana respond? Why, she takes him to visit other mermaids. ‘Like you, honey’ she says. ‘Let’s join them’. A story of love, acceptance and swishy tails that challenges gender stereotypes.
Tibble and Grandpa by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egnéus
Grandpa is quiet lately and always gardening so Tibble tries playing his favourite game – Top Threes. Finally, Tibble asks, ‘What were Granny’s Top Three Stars?’ The sorrow and love of family life are explored in this gentle, moving book.
To the Other Side by Erika Meza
Two young refugee children leave home in search of safety. The journey is long and tiring and involves lots of waiting. They try and make it fun but sometimes… it isn’t. Finally they reach a new home where they can grow roots; where they will feel safe.
Town is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz and Sydney Smith
A little boy lives in a seaside mining town. His father works ‘deep down under that sea, digging for coal’. As he works, the boy explores the town, nature, home. A window into the lives of an important community historically.
Two Places to Call Home by Phil Earle and Jess Rose
When Florrie’s mum and dad separate, she lives in two different houses. She finds it hard. Mum and dad both help her feel brave. And when dad is finding it hard too, Florrie knows what to do.
In the end, Florrie loves both her homes. There are lots of ways of being a family.
Valentine’s Guest House by Sam Sharland
A tiger comes to stay at the guest house and the humans all leave. The new guests all have differing needs; Elsie and her mum do their best to make it ‘just right for anyone who came’. A great starting point to discuss inclusion. After all, some guests like to burrow underground.
We Want Our Books by Jake Alexander
When the library closes, Rosa and her sister decide to put on a protest. At first, nobody notices them, nobody listens. But eventually, crowds of book lovers join them and the precious library is saved. A book about the power of using our voices, the power of… community.
We’re Going to Find the Monster by Malorie Blackman and Dapo Adeola
Eddie and Charlie set off over the ocean, up a mountain and through a jungle to find the monster. And all before breakfast! Who is the monster exactly? A fabulous story for children in Reception to join in with.
Weirdo by Zadie Smith and Nick Laird
The animals at Kit’s house think the new pet is a weirdo. At first, the new pet thinks about ‘ways to make herself more like the others’. She soon realises that being different has its own special joy. Is she a weirdo or is she just… Maud?
When the Storks Came Home by Isabella Tree and Alexandra Finkeldey
Beanie loves birds. She finds out that storks used to live near her but were hunted to extinction. She and her neighbours hatch a plan to bring them back. Based on a real project, a book to inspire budding environmentalists.
