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.
- The Tale of the Whale by Karen Swann and Padmacandra 8 February 2023A whale invites a child to join her in the ocean. They experience things that are funny, beautiful, astonishing. Sadly, they also visit ‘a plastic soup sea’. This story shows us the joy of the natural world and how important it is to act to keep it that way. Poetic, accessible, stunningly illustrated.
- The Wall and the Wild by Christina Dendy and Katie Rewse 29 March 2023Ana likes her garden tidy and neat. She plants perfect seeds and throws uneven ones over a wall; ‘YOU stay out THERE.’ Soon she realises that the wilderness is beautiful too. A tale of the beauty of diverse ecosystems; including our human one. See unit in Talk Through Stories
- The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds 8 February 2023People collect all sorts of things: stamps, coins, comic books. Jerome collects words. Short and sweet words and two-syllable treat words. The more words he knows, the more he shares his thoughts and feelings. A book to help talk about the fun, the beauty, the power of words.
- Tibble and Grandpa by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egnéus 29 March 2023Grandpa 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 8 April 2024Two 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 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.
If all the world were… by Joseph Coelho and Alison Colpoys
A 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
What 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
Three 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
Lola 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
Sometimes, 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
‘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
One 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
Julian 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
Julian 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.
