
Windows and Mirrors
Our booklist
In 1990, Professor Rudine Sims Bishop published an article called “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors”. The article shared the importance of all children seeing themselves reflected in what they read.
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.
Find a printable list of the Windows and Mirrors booklist here.


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 Bridges by Tom Percival
Mia is a little girl who feels lonely. One day, a book mysteriously appears. The first book she has ever owned and, as she reads it, she begins to cross bridges. Bridges that lead her to new places, new people, new adventures. When she meets a little boy who seems lonely, she knows what to do.

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 Ever-Changing Earth by Grahame Baker-Smith
A story that explores our changing planet. Find out how Earth was formed; how an asteroid fell millions of years ago; how dinosaurs once roamed; how the Earth changed from ‘a world of fire to a world of oceans’; how our planet is evolving, growing and creating new animals and plants. We are all connected; no matter where on earth we live.

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