Books About Anxiety · 222 titles considered

The Best Anxiety Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Feelings and Emotions, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about anxiety? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

#1 in Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Anxiety

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2008

Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

By Lenore Look, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Alvin Ho series

A young boy struggles to navigate school and friendships while dealing with his own anxieties and fears.

176 pages· 18,793 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 7,196 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Alvin, a second grader, is terrified of everything from elevators to school, where he remains silent. At home, he's Firecracker Man, a loud superhero. Can Alvin conquer his fears with his family's help and embrace the world outside?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2018

Ruby Finds a Worry

By Tom Percival · Book #2 in the Big Bright Feelings series

A young girl struggles with a growing worry that affects her daily life until she finds a way to overcome it.

32 pages· 429 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 3,134 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Ruby, a curious and imaginative girl, discovers a small worry that grows until it becomes all-consuming. As it looms larger, Ruby wonders if she'll ever feel happy again. When she meets a boy with his own worries, Ruby learns that sharing her feelings might be the key to shrinking her worry. This heartfelt tale explores the power of opening up and the universal nature of anxiety, offering young readers a gentle guide to emotional intelligence and the importance of communication.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

The Whatifs

By Emily Kilgore, Zoe Persico (Illustrator)

A young girl battles her anxious 'Whatifs' before a crucial piano recital.

40 pages

5.9/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 680 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Cora faces a whirlwind of 'Whatif' worries as her piano recital approaches. From fears of forgotten homework to the sun not shining, these doubts cling to her, threatening her confidence. Can Cora transform her anxiety into hope and perform with courage? Discover how she navigates her inner turmoil in this heartwarming tale of resilience and self-discovery.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 1993

The Kissing Hand

By Audrey Penn, Ruth Harper (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Kissing Hand series

A young raccoon learns to cope with going to school for the first time.

30 pages· 457 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 74,030 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Chester Raccoon dreads his first day of school, but his mother has a special secret to share. With the Kissing Hand, Chester can carry her love wherever he goes. Will this magical gesture ease his fears and help him face the unknown? Discover how a simple touch can transform a daunting journey into a heartwarming adventure.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 0–8 · 2020

Hurry Up!

By Kate Dopirak, Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator)

A boy and his dog discover the joy of slowing down in a fast-paced world.

40 pages· 162 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

5.6/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 505 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: A boy and his dog race through life, always in a hurry. But when they pause to breathe, they uncover the beauty and wonder surrounding them. Can they learn to savor each moment and embrace a slower pace? This charming tale invites readers to find mindfulness and joy in the everyday.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2017

Daddy Long Legs

By Nadine Brun-Cosme, Aurélie Guillerey (Illustrator)

What if Daddy can't pick Matthew up? Imaginative solutions abound.

26 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 323 ratings

$15.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Matthew worries his dad's old car won't start after kindergarten. Each 'what if' leads to wild ideas: a tractor, a teddy bear, even a dragon. Can Daddy's promise to walk reassure Matthew? This whimsical tale explores a father's unwavering commitment, easing separation fears with humor and love.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

When You Need Wings

By Lita Judge

Discover the wings within and let imagination guide you to courage.

40 pages· 126 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 293 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: When the world feels overwhelming, a child learns to listen to the quiet beat of their own wings. This journey through imagination reveals hidden strength and courage, inviting young readers to explore their inner world and find their voice. Will they embrace the power within and let it shine in the real world? A magical tale of self-discovery awaits.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2022

Fight + Flight

By Jules Machias

Two very different middle schoolers help each other through illness and panic.

400 pages

4.2 Goodreads · 399 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Avery lives for her dirt bike and drums, until a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome fills her days with physical therapy and worry. Sarah pours her intense panic attacks into her art, but nothing seems to help. When a terrifying event at school, later revealed to be an active-shooter drill, throws them together, the two girls form a friendship that changes how they see their own weaknesses.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Deepest Breath

By Meg Grehan

A girl who needs answers to everything meets the one feeling she can't explain.

192 pages· 14,072 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 1,867 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Eleven-year-old Stevie loves knowing things: about the ocean and what lives in it, the stars, how phones work. Knowing makes her feel safe and in control, and with her mom's help she is learning to manage her anxiety. But there is one thing she can't figure out and isn't ready to talk about: the fizzy feeling she gets when she looks at her friend Chloe. A novel in verse about anxiety, identity and connection.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2024

A Thousand Broken Pieces

By Tillie Cole · A Thousand Boy Kisses series

Two grieving teens embark on a journey, seeking healing and solace in each other's company.

336 pages· 121,370 words· Est. 11.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 73,343 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Savannah, haunted by her sister's death, and Cael, paralyzed by his brother's loss, reluctantly join a global trip for grieving teens. As they navigate their shared sorrow, they find unexpected comfort in each other. Will this journey mend their broken hearts, or will the weight of their grief pull them apart? Discover how two fractured souls can illuminate a path to healing, one step at a time.

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Anxiety Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about anxiety for the youngest readers and listeners.

#9 in Series

Sale price

$899

A Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon

Ages 0–3 · 2014

A mother's secret kiss helps a young raccoon face separation fears.

Series

Sale price

$1299

Fox

Ages 0–5 · 2017

Navigate family changes and find comfort through expression.

Series

Sale price

$799

Penguin Misses Mom

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Penguin faces the challenge of missing Mom while having fun with a babysitter.

Series

Sale price

$699

Let's Meet the Doctor!

Ages 1–5 · 2021

Discover what happens at the doctor's and track your growth with a fun story.

View all anxiety board books

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Anxiety Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about anxiety for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1799

I Think I Think a Lot

Ages 5–10 · 2023

A girl embraces her unique way of thinking and feeling.

Series

A Little SPOT of Worry

2020

Distinguish helpful worries from imagined fears.

Sale price

$1899

Anxious

Ages 6–9 · 2024

A young girl battles overwhelming anxiousness, seeking ways to find calm and connection.

Sale price

$2495

Right Now, I Am Fine

Ages 6–9 · 2020

Help kids conquer anxiety with simple, calming techniques.

Series

Sale price

$1899

A Little Spot of Anxiety

Ages 3–8 · 2024

Can a child learn to shrink overwhelming anxiety into calmness?

#12 in Series

Sale price

$1999

Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year

Ages 5–7 · 2023

An anxious girl finds hope and courage through a teacher's kindness at her new school.

Sale price

$1799

Whatever Comes Tomorrow

Ages 4–9 · 2023

A lyrical tale helps children face tomorrow's uncertainties with courage and calm.

Sale price

$1799

Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A boy battles his fears by questioning his doubts. What if he succeeds?

Sale price

$695

I Promise I'll Find You

Ages 4–7 · 2005

A child lost, a promise to find them, a journey across worlds.

#13 in Series

Sale price

$699

Amy Is a Little Bit Chicken

Ages 5–9 · 2015

Can Amy overcome stage fright to help her team win the Quiz Bowl?

Sale price

$1799

What If, Pig?

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Pig's party plans spiral into worry. Can Mouse help him find optimism?

Series

Sale price

$1095

Wilma Jean the Worry Machine

Ages 5–8 · 2012

A child learns to manage anxiety with creative strategies and a worry hat.

View all anxiety picture books

Browse by age

Anxiety Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about anxiety for developing and independent readers.

#9 in Series

Sale price

$1595

Campfire Mallory

Ages 7–11 · 2008

Camp turns challenging for Mallory. Can she find happiness?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

The Golden Hour

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A high school student returns from spring break to a school recovering from a traumatic event and finds grounding through photography, friendship, and a calf named Daisy.