In this episode of Tales & Tidbits, “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors: Stories That Connect Us,” we explore why diverse books matter — and how stories help children see themselves, see others, and imagine the wider world. Featuring the words of Professor Rudine Sims Bishop, this episode invites families to think about how the books we share shape empathy, identity, and understanding.

We’ll highlight the Infant Library’s Free to Be, Free to Read collection and take a closer look at the Red Dot Book Awards, a celebration of shared reading where children in the Infant School explore picture books from all over the world.

Infant Library - Free to Be, Free to Read

Red Dot Book Awards 2025-26 Early Years Shortlist

Further Reading & Sources