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.
That’s not a daffodil! By Elizabeth Honey
Mr 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
Max 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
Everybody 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
Four 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
Mrs 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
Nyla’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 home?
The Drama Llama by Rachel Morrisroe and Ella Okstad
When 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
Jo 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
Amongst 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.
