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.
- Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoet 8 March 2024When she was young, Malala wished that all girls in her country could go to school like her. When girls were no longer allowed to, she spoke up. And, although people tried to silence her, she continues to help ‘make the world a more peaceful place’.
- Mama’s Sleeping Scarf by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Joelle Avelino 1 November 2023While she’s at work, mama lets Chino play with her special scarf. All day, Chino plays, runs and eats with it. The scarf connects her to mama, papa, her grandparents. It wraps them in love until they all come together for a family dinner. The delight of everyday things!
- Max and the Tag-along Moon by Floyd Cooper 8 February 2023Max loves his granpa. When he leaves his house one night, granpa reminds him that the moon will follow Max home. Once in his dark bedroom, Max misses granpa and the moon. But as granpa says, ‘That ol’ moon will always shine for me… on and on!’ And it does. A reassuring story of ...
- Meesha Makes a Friend by Tom Percival 8 February 2023Meesha loves making things but finds it difficult to make friends. Hiding in a quiet corner at a noisy party Meesha discovers she is not the only person who finds it tricky. A book to help children recognise their own feelings and how others might be feeling too.
- My Beautiful Voice by Joseph Coelho and Alison Colpoys 8 February 2023Miss Flotsam’s clothes are ‘a flutter of fabric filled with the spice of colour’. She loves poetry. A little girl in her class rarely speaks. Inspired and nurtured by Miss Flotsam, she slowly finds her voice. And when she does… it is beautiful.
- My Bindhi by Gita Varadarajan and Archana Sreenivasan 11 September 2023It is an important moment in Divya’s life; time to wear a bindhi. She is nervous about what her school friends might say and is ‘all mixed up’. Is she scared or is she proud? She bravely stands up in class and explains, ‘it can see inside me and protect me. It makes me feel ...
- My Dad by Susan Quinn and Marina Ruiz 8 December 2023A little boy tells us what’s so special about his dad: from baking the best cookies to bathtime fun. ‘I love the time I spend with Dad – he’s the best a dad can be. And every day is special when it’s just my Dad and me.’
- My Dad is a Grizzly Bear by Swapna Haddow and Dapo Adeola 17 January 2023This dad is a grizzly bear with fur that scratches and scritches and a very loud roar. Sometimes he laughs and teases. Sometimes he’s grumpy and sleepy. But he always gives the very best hugs. A fun, lively story for Nursery and Reception.
- My Monster and Me by Nadiya Hussain and Ella Bailey 8 February 2023This little boy has a worry monster. ‘It was always BIG. When it stood in front of me, I could see nothing but it’s tummy’. Talking to gran one day, helps the monster get smaller. A book to help children make friends with their monsters. See unit in Talk Through Stories
- My Must-Have Mum by Maudie Smith and Jen Khatun 8 February 2023Jake’s mum can ‘make something new out of any old thing’. Their flat is full of things she has tinkered with, mixed or mended. Jake worries she might want to change him too. A heart-warming bond between a mum and her son with an ‘upcycling’ theme. See unit in Talk Through Stories
- My Name is a Gift by Zeshan Akhter and Asa Gilland 11 November 2024When Sitara is born, her name is the first present she gets from her mum and dad. It’s from Pakistan and means ’shine like a star’. People tumble up her name and say it wrongly. She wishes they would ask her how to say it. When people say her name carefully it lights up her ...
- My Name is Not Refugee by Kate Milner 29 March 2023What is it like to leave your home, your town and your community? To hear words you don’t understand, to taste new food? The child in this story reminds us; ‘You’ll be called Refugee but remember Refugee is not your name.’
The Many Colours of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar and Alea Marley
Harpeet loves to wear colourful patkas (turbans); yellow when he feels sunny and red for courage. When he moves schools, he feels shy and wears his white patka. What might make him feel colourful again? Making a friend, of course.
The Missing Piece by Jordan Stephens and Beth Suzanna
Granny gives Sunny a puzzle to complete. A piece is missing so she sets off to see if neighbours have it. Along the way she gains a window into their homes, gardens and stories and meets new friends. Find stunning, colourful illustrations in this story of community.
The New Small Person by Lauren Child
When a new brother arrives, Elmore Green is not pleased. And, even worse, ‘one awful day the small person moved its bed into Elmore Green’s room’. One night the two brothers connect over ‘making long lines of things’ and… jelly beans! Many children will relate to this funny story.
The Ocean Gardener by Clara Anganuzzi
Ayla lives on a tiny island where her mum takes care of the coral reef. Sadly, the sea becomes too warm, the reef starts to fade and the fish disappear. Ayla and her mum decide to grow a coral nursery at home and plant it in the sea. Will the fish return? ‘Be patient; change doesn’t happen overnight’ says mum.
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.
