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.
- Town is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz and Sydney Smith 1 November 2023A 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 10 July 2023When 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 8 December 2023A 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 11 October 2023When 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 23 February 2023Eddie 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 8 March 2024The 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 8 March 2024Beanie 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.
- 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. New to list January ...
- 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.
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.
New to list April ’24
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.