When I feel anxious, the world feels like it is spiraling. I wake up in the middle of the night, I lose focus, and I have a hard time connecting with others. If I’m feeling this way as an adult, I can’t even imagine how scary it must be for children to experience anxiety, which is why I’m grateful there are so many outstanding books to help children identify, manage, and talk about this troubling emotion.
The below books highlight characters who are overwhelmed by anxious feelings, but learn to manage their worries through various strategies. These reassuring reads help children feel empowered to tackle their fears and take control of their feelings.
Please note that while books on anxiety help comfort children that they are not alone in their fears and can provide useful tips and strategies, a child with an anxiety order may need additional support from a trained professional.
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Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival, 2019
(Ages 4 and up)
Ruby Finds a Worry stars a young, self-confident girl who becomes shaken when she discovers a worry. She tries to ignore it, but the more time that passes, the larger the worry grows until it becomes all-consuming. Ruby feels scared and alone until she meets someone else with a worry. By sharing their fears with each other, they find that they feel better and their worries become smaller and smaller and ultimately disappear.
Bright colors mixed with hues of gray capture Ruby’s feelings of anxiety and fear and ultimately her joy in shedding her burdens.
Whatever Comes Tomorrow by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, illustrated by Mariona Cabassa, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
This exceptional story uses lyrical language and colorful illustrations to reassure readers that while we can’t control what happens in the future, we have the power to control ourselves. By taking deep breaths and saying affirmations, we can often find the strength to endure and face whatever comes our way.
I found the tips for managing worries especially helpful and believe this is an excellent story to help support families and educators. You can also download an activity guide developed by a child development specialist here: https://tinyurl.com/WCTactivityguide.
What If Pig by Linzie Hunter, 2021
(Ages 4 and up)
A generous, kind, and friendly pig is excited to throw a party for all of his friends until he starts wondering, what if? What if no one comes? What if it rains? What if everyone has a terrible time? Just as he is ready to cancel the party, he gets sage advice from his friend who encourages him to talk about his concerns and start thinking of “what if” scenarios in a more positive light.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Filled with bright colors, adorable characters, and a reassuring message that worrying is a temporary feeling that can be alleviated when shared with others, this book is sure to resonate with many children and adults!
I’m Worried by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, 2019
(Ages 4 and up)
I’m Worried stars an anthropomorphic potato who is afraid of the terrible things that could happen in the future. His human friend helps him gain perspective that even when bad things occur, they usually turn out okay. Since we cannot predict the future, we should do our best to enjoy the present.
What I like the most about these books is that they help children feel supported in the way they may feel and empowered to own their emotions.
The Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright, 2020
Way Past Worried, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
As he gets ready for a birthday party, Brock grows anxious that no one will talk to him or worse, the other kids will laugh at him. He cautiously enters the party discovering a new girl who is worried too. As a new friendship blossoms, their confidence grows and they bravely face the party together. Buy It Here
What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada, 2016
(Ages 5 and up)
A boy is faced with a problem that he cannot overcome. He begins to worry, causing it to grow bigger and bigger until he realizes the only way to make it go away is to face it. Only when he meets his problem head on does he realize there is something beautiful inside; an opportunity. Suddenly the bleak colors turn bright and the world is an adventure again. As an eternal optimist, I love the message in this book.
Hattie Harmony Worry Detective by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett; illustrated by Marissa Valdez, 2022
(Ages 5 and up)
I have no doubt that this book will become a classic first-day-of-school read aloud. The cheerful story playfully reassures readers that they can overcome their fears by using a variety of strategies. Feline detective Hattie Harmony is ready to help any friend struggling with anxiety by teaching them how to use mindful movement, stress balls, breathing techniques, and affirmations. In a powerful scene, she even faces her own fear while climbing up a tall slide. The story is enhanced further by a helpful author’s note discussing each strategy used in the story.
The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore, illustrated by Zoe Persico, 2020
Cora is constantly plagued by a pack of personified feelings called the Whatifs. They buzz around her asking questions that cause her to feel nervous. With an upcoming piano recital, Cora is feeling more uneasy than ever. Luckily, she learns to redirect those negative thoughts into positive ones before her big show.
Worry Says What by Allison Edwards, illustrated by Ayesha L. Rubio, 2018
Avocado Feels a Pit Worried by Brenda S. Miles; illustrated by Monika Filipina, 2022
Avi is an avocado with a giant pit in his stomach that causes him to worry about everything. When he meets a new friend, however, she shows him how to turn his negative “what if” thoughts into positive ones. As Avi tries more things, he gains more confidence and becomes much happier.
Olivia Wrapped in Vines by Maude Nepveu-Villeneuve; illustrated by Sandra Dumais
(Ages 5 and up)
Whenever Oliva becomes anxious, she feels as though vines are creeping up her body and suffocating her. Luckily, her teacher helps her overcome her worry by using breathing exercises, focusing on something in her control, and visualizing chopping down the vines. These techniques could also be used to help calm nerves before a big test!
Brave Every Day by Trudy Ludwig; illustrated by Patrice Barton, 2022
(Ages 5 and up)
This dynamic duo has created several essential classroom read alouds and their newest collaboration is no different. Camila is constantly plagued by the “What Ifs” that live in her mind. After spending the week worrying about her class field trip to an aquarium, she surprises herself by finding courage once she is there. When a boy in her class asks for help, she resolutely faces her fear and makes a new friend in the process. Discussion questions are included to continue a conversation on overcoming anxiety.
Love by Corrinne Averiss; illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman, 2021
(Ages 4 and up)
Until recently, Tess’ loving parents have been with her everywhere she has gone. Now it is her first day of school and Tess is feeling nervous. Her wise mother reassures her that “Love is like a string between us- it can stretch as far as it needs to.” While Tess initially feels apprehensive about being apart from her parents, she is uplifted when she finds a connection with her teacher and several of her classmates.
This endearing story empowers children to branch out on their own while feeling comforted that they are always loved by their family.
See more of our favorite books on SEPARATION ANXIETY HERE.
Are You Mad At Me? by Tyler Feder, illustrated by Cody Feder, 2023
Opal is excited to be given the responsibility of going to the bakery on the day of her family’s big party, but she quickly becomes overwhelmed by her social anxiety. She fears that each person she encounters is angry with her, but in reality, everyone’s grumpy feelings are a reaction of their own frustrations that have nothing to do with Opal. This charming story is made even more engaging by a chameleon hidden on each page.
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