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 Journey by Francesca Sanna 7 May 2024A family’s life changes forever when a war begins. They say goodbye to everyone they know and leave for a new country. When they reach the border, they are told to go back by an angry guard. Finally they take a boat, many trains. What are they looking for? Safety. A home.
- The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammed, S.K Ali and Hatem Aly 23 February 2023The children at Faizah’s school spend the day deciding the sort of world they would like. Faizah chooses kindness and spends the day being kind to friends. At the end of the day, her friend Sophie shares something precious with her. Kindness can come back to you.
- The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld 11 November 2024In this fairytale, the king and queen have two children; a little wooden robot and a log princess. However, every night the princess turns back into a log. One night, she is taken and her brother sets out on an adventure to find her. Will the robot and princess make it safely home to the ...
- The Many Colours of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar and Alea Marley 8 February 2023Harpeet 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 29 March 2023Granny 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 8 February 2023When 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 20 June 2024Ayla 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 ...
- The Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia Corry 10 July 2023Billy’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 23 February 2023Sam 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 16 January 2024Small 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 8 February 2023A 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 7 May 2024There 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 ...
A Child’s Garden- a story of hope by Michael Foreman
A little boy lives in a village torn apart by war. He can no longer reach the hills; they are blocked by barbed wire. He finds a little plant that he nurtures. A message of optimism in a world that can seem hopeless. Connection and nature will rise again.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Georgia Ellinas and Jane Ray
Puck, a cheeky sprite, lives in the fairy kingdom. King Oberon and Queen Titiania have a disagreement and ask Puck to help them sort it out. At the same time, there are four young people in love but each with the wrong person. Can Puck sort out the muddles? A retelling of the play by William Shakespeare.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts
Ada’s head is full of questions; why, what, how and when? ‘How does a nose know there’s something to smell? And does it still stink if there’s no nose to tell?’
This fabulous rhyming story is perfect for Year 1+ to inspire curiosity and perseverance in young, would-be scientists. Follow your passion; and your nose!
All the Ways to be Smart by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys
What does it mean to be smart? It’s not just reading and spelling or knowing all the answers. It’s building boats from boxes; finding treasures; flower picking; making up new games with teams. In fact, ’nobody will ever do the very same smart things as you’. We are all smart in different ways!
Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by Kat Zhang and Charlene Chua
The class are making dragons. Sadly, none of the ones Amy makes feel right. At home, Amy and her family find a dragon costume in the attic. Teamwork, glue and lots of glitter and… ta da! She has a dragon to proudly show her classmates.
Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang and Charlene Chua
Amy loves to eat bao – yummy Chinese dumplings – but she’s not great at making them. Her mum, dad and grandma all try to teach her. Learning to make a bao is not easy! Cooking as a family, sharing food and… patience feature in this story.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell and Henry Cole
Roy and Silo are a penguin couple who are both boys. They swim together, walk together and sing together. One day they begin to take care of an egg in their nest and soon have a baby penguin as part of their family. What do you need to make a family? Love.
Astro Girl by Ken Wilson- Max
Astrid loves the stars and space. While her mama is away, she finds out all sorts of facts with her papa about being an astronaut. When she gets to pick her mama up, there is a surprise. What will it be and why has mama been away?
Billy and the Dragon by Nadia Shireen
Billy and her animal friends are enjoying a party when a dragon swoops down and grabs Fatcat. How will Billy save him? Fortunately, Billy has a great brain and a plan! And maybe the dragon isn’t such a baddy after all! A story with a twist.
See unit in Talk Through Stories
