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.
- That’s not a daffodil! By Elizabeth Honey 8 February 2023Mr 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 Bookworm by Debi Glori 23 February 2023Max 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 1 November 2023Everybody 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 8 February 2023Four 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 Can Caravan by Richard O’Neill and Cindy Kang 1 June 2023Mrs Tolen has a broken hip and worries she will have to move from her caravan into a house. Her young friends decide to help. With hard work and a visit to the recycling plant, her home is safe for her. A story celebrating the traditional Traveller values of community and recycling.
- The Comet by Joe Todd-Stanton 11 October 2023Nyla’s dad gets a new job and they move from the country to the town. She is used to her dad cooking dinners, reading stories; she is used to seeing the sky. Change is hard but seeing a comet reminds Nyla of what she loves. Can Nyla and her dad make their new house a ...
- The Drama Llama by Rachel Morrisroe and Ella Okstad 11 October 2023When Alex worries or has a drama, a llama appears and causes mayhem. Alex can’t get rid of it. We learn that ‘when a fear or worry starts to leave you feeling stressed, find someone to talk to because talking is the BEST.’ A book with fabulous rhymes and funny illustrations.
- The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton 10 July 2023Jo lives in a grey world and has a wondrous imagination. One day, he decides to plant a tiny seed. The seed turns into a plant and he decides to grow all sort of other things, in all sorts of new places. Jo turns the ordinary… extraordinary. See unit in Talk Through Stories
- The Family Tree by Kate Ferdinand 9 February 2024Amongst magical forest families, live Ash, Willow and their dad. Dad introduces them to a new person. The children like her but also miss their mum. What will bring this blended family together? As they bake, they get to know one another and their home starts to glow with love and magic.
- The Girl Who Planted Trees by Caryl Hart and Anastasia Suvorava 8 December 2023A small girl decides she wants to bring the forest back to her mountain. She plants pips and seeds and gives them water and love. Despite storms and the blazing sun, she never gives up. And soon the whole community is involved. A beautiful tale of hope, resilience and connection.
- The Girls by Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovlie 8 February 2023Four little girls are best friends and ‘as different as they are the same’. One is an adventurer, one has good ideas, one is practical and one makes everyone laugh. They stay rooted together as they grow, just like the tree they used to play beneath. A book for children in Year 1 and above.
- The Great Storm Whale by Benji Davies 16 January 2024Grandma tells Noi a story about a storm that destroyed a little girl’s home. And how, bit by bit, things from her old home began to turn up on the beach. Who has been bringing them to her? A tale of family, history and connection to nature.
Forever Star by Gareth Peter and Judi Abbot
Tim and Tim, the space heroes, would like to be dads and decide to adopt a child who needs a new start. They travel through space and find… Little Jim. ‘I think that’s our boy! Our very own starlight, our very own joy.’ Their very own forever family.
Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke and Paul Howard
Jay Jay is at his gran’s house and asks again and again ‘Is dinner ready, Gran?’ Her house is full of warmth, love, affection and… food! ‘Buttery peas, chicken and yams, macaroni and cheese, potatoes and ham’. A perfect book for children in Nursery and Reception.
Geoffrey Gets the Jitters by Nadia Shireen
Geoffrey sometimes worries and feels as if his tummy is full of wiggly worms. He feels so bad in fact, he just wants to hide. How can he stop feeling so jittery? How about a deep breath and a stretch? Yes, that helps! It’s normal to worry but we can help ourselves feel better. Perfect for Reception.
Girls on Wheels by Srividhya Venhat and Kate Wadsworth
Three girls who love to skate; except one of them is nervous. Her friends practise with her until she is brave and ready to fly. ‘Like the cool sea breeze, her friends blow away her doubt.’ Hurray for friendship and for the courage to get up again!
Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate
Grandad and Gramps travelled the world in their camper van but sadly Gramps isn’t around anymore. The child in this story listens as Grandad remembers their joyful trips. Will Grandad take one more trip to the beach? Stunning illustrations and a powerful story of love and loss.
Hello! A Counting Book of Kindness by Hollis Kurman
Families running away from war, floods or scary places need a safe place to live. This counting book beautifully illustrates hope, action and the importance of kind gestures. From beds ‘to keep us safe and warm’ to ‘sharing new stories and words’.
Home for Grace by Kathryn White and Rachael Dean
A 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
Nefertiti’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
When 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.
