Books About Anxiety · 203 titles considered

The Best Anxiety Books for Kids

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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Anxiety

Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

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

3.8/5 Goodreads · 7,162 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

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 · 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 experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 3,093 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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 experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 671 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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) · 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 experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 73,860 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 500 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 319 ratings

$15.95Save 6%

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 experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 292 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2008

Campfire Mallory

By Laurie Friedman, Jennifer Kalis (Illustrator) · Book #9 in the Mallory McDonald series

Camp turns challenging for Mallory. Can she find happiness?

176 pages· 17,469 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 435 ratings

$15.95Save 6%

Summary: Mallory faces her fears as she heads to Camp Blue Lake, uncertain about fitting in and battling homesickness. Despite her friends' assurances of fun, unexpected challenges arise. Can Mallory navigate the ups and downs of camp life and discover her inner strength? Join her on a journey of self-discovery and friendship in a summer full of surprises.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Golden Hour

By Niki Smith

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.

248 pages· 6,704 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,266 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Manuel Soto, grappling with anxiety after a traumatic event, finds unexpected solace in photography and new friendships. Partnered with classmates Sebastian and Caysha for a project, Manuel discovers peace on a cattle farm and joy in a newborn calf's antics. As they prepare for the county fair, Manuel faces his fears, opens his heart, and discovers first love. Will he find healing and hope in this rural escape?

Picture Book · 2020

A Little SPOT of Worry

By Diane Alber · A Little SPOT series

Distinguish helpful worries from imagined fears.

36 pages· 794 words

4.7/5 Goodreads · 156 ratings

Summary: A little Worry SPOT guides children in distinguishing between useful worries that protect and spinning worries that hinder. Can they learn to manage these feelings before they spiral into anxiety? Discover strategies to keep worries in check and enjoy life's adventures.

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Anxiety Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

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.

Sale price

$1299

Fox

Ages 0–5 · 2017

Navigate family changes and find comfort through expression.

Sale price

$799

Penguin Misses Mom

Ages 2–4 · 2016

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

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

Browse by age

Anxiety Picture Books

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

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.

Sale price

$1899

A Little Spot of Anxiety

Ages 3–8 · 2024

Can a child learn to shrink overwhelming anxiety into calmness?

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.

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?

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.

Sale price

$1799

Playing Possum

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A shy possum and an anxious armadillo discover friendship through their unique defense mechanisms.

Sale price

$1699

Captain Starfish

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A shy boy discovers balance between hiding and shining.

View all anxiety picture books

Browse by age

Anxiety Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about anxiety for developing and independent readers.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

A Graphic Novel

Ages 13–17 · 2023

Can love survive when university looms and confidence wavers?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

The Worry (Less) Book

Ages 6–10 · 2020

Discover how to identify and manage anxiety to find calm and live more fully.

Sale price

$1899

Popcorn

Ages 8–12 · 2024

Andrew's Picture Day spirals into chaos, testing his anxiety and fears.

Sale price

$1999

Invisible Isabel

Ages 8–12 · 2024

Shy Isabel must find her voice amidst chaos and fears to be heard and seen.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$3399

Charlie Brown: Here We Go Again

Ages 7–12 · 2016

Sibling rivalries and un-kicked footballs return. Can Charlie Brown face his crush and Snoopy retrieve his bowl?

Sale price

$1899

Do Not Open This Math Book

Ages 6–9 · 2018

Transform math fear into fun with engaging lessons on addition and subtraction.

Sale price

$1799

Drawing Deena

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A young artist battles anxiety while using her creativity to help her family, but success brings unexpected challenges.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$999

Komi Can't Communicate, Vol. 4

Ages 14–17 · 2017

A shy student aims to make 100 friends, facing social challenges along the way.

Sale price

$1500

There Are Moms Way Worse Than You

2022

Discover animal moms' shocking parenting to feel better about your own efforts.

Sale price

$799

Five Things about Ava Andrews

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A shy girl battles anxiety through improv, finding her voice and purpose.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2295

Living with Viola

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl battles her anxiety, personified as a shadowy twin, while navigating middle school challenges.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Guts

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl's stomach troubles reveal deeper fears about school and friendships.

View all anxiety chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about mindfulness

Our 10 Favorite Books About Anxiety

Great books, picked for their age.

Anxiety Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Anxiety Picture Books

Anxiety Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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