Books About Childhood Anxiety

The Best Childhood Anxiety Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about childhood 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 Lost Whale
Don't Cut My Hair!
Pinky and Rex Go to Camp
#6 in Series
The Death and Life of Benny Brooks
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Childhood Anxiety

The Lost Whale
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Lost Whale

By Hannah Gold

A boy's quest to find a missing whale may heal his family.

304 pages· 38,334 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,775 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Rio, feeling isolated in California, befriends Marina and learns about migrating gray whales. Discovering his mother's love for these creatures, he believes reuniting her with a whale named White Beak will bring her back to him. But White Beak is missing. Rio embarks on a perilous ocean journey, hoping to find the whale and mend his fractured family. Will he succeed against the odds, or will the ocean's dangers prove too great? This tale of friendship and adventure explores the challenges facing gray whales and the power of hope.
The Robot Blues
Sale price
$474
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2012

The Robot Blues

By Sally Rippin · Book #2 in the Hey Jack! series

A homemade robot suit sparks unexpected reactions at a costume party.

43 pages· 1,171 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 198 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Jack's excitement for the costume party dims as he worries about his homemade robot suit. Will his creative effort be celebrated or ridiculed by his peers? Discover the unexpected reactions and the true value of originality in this heartwarming tale.
My Monster and Me
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2019

My Monster and Me

By Nadiya Hussain, Ella Bailey (Illustrator)

A boy's invisible worry monster shadows him. Can he find peace?

32 pages· 403 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 737 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A young boy is shadowed by an ever-present worry monster, affecting his daily life and playtime with friends. As anxiety looms, he must find a way to confront and overcome his fears. This heartfelt tale offers a gentle exploration of childhood anxiety, encouraging open conversations and understanding. Will he learn to silence the monster and find peace?
Don't Cut My Hair!
Sale price
$379
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 1997

Don't Cut My Hair!

By Hans Wilhelm

A timid dog faces his fear of haircuts.

32 pages· 70 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 108 ratings
$3.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: A little dog faces his fear of haircuts, only to find himself with an unexpected style. Embarrassed and unsure, he must confront his friends and see if they accept his new look. Will he embrace his transformation or hide away forever?
Lena's Shoes Are Nervous
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Lena's Shoes Are Nervous

By Keith Calabrese, Juana Medina (Illustrator)

Lena's shoes are nervous about kindergarten. Can she convince them to be brave?

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2019)
40 pages· 446 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 495 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Lena is thrilled to start kindergarten, but her favorite shoes are too nervous to join her. As the clock ticks closer to the big day, Lena must find a way to reassure her shoes and step into her new adventure. Will she manage to calm their jitters and make it to school on time? Discover how Lena tackles this quirky challenge and learns about courage in unexpected places.
Pinky and Rex Go to Camp
Sale price
$474
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1999

Pinky and Rex Go to Camp

By James Howe, Melissa Sweet (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the Pinky & Rex series

Pinky dreads camp. Can advice from a column and a friend change his mind?

48 pages· 2,475 words· Est. 20 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 68 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Pinky faces his first camp experience with dread, while his friend Rex is thrilled. As Pinky grapples with his fears, he turns to the 'Dear Arnie' column and his mother for guidance. But it's Rex who offers the insight Pinky truly needs. Will Pinky find the courage to embrace the adventure, or will his fears keep him from discovering the joys of camp life?
Game On!
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2025

Game On!

By Kelly Leigh Miller · Cloud Puppy series

A cloud-puppy and friend face a gaming challenge that tests their courage and friendship.

160 pages· 6,625 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 163 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Cloud Puppy, a whimsical mix of cloud and puppy, loves the cozy game Valley of Runes. Her friend Jack claims his games are superior, but he's never tried hers. When Cloud Puppy proposes a game swap, Jack surprises her with a scary simulator. Both unprepared for the fright, they must navigate their fears and find common ground. Will they discover a game that brings them together, or will their differences keep them apart? Dive into this playful adventure to find out!
The Death and Life of Benny Brooks
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–14 · 2023

The Death and Life of Benny Brooks

By Ethan Long

Benny navigates family turmoil and school struggles, seeking hope and strength.

288 pages· 28,950 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 193 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Fifth grader Benny Brooks faces a whirlwind of challenges: his parents' divorce, a distant mother, and a father battling lung cancer. Amidst school struggles and sibling tensions, Benny clings to art and friendship as lifelines. Can he find hope and resilience in a world that feels like it's falling apart? This illustrated memoir captures the heartache and growth of a boy determined to piece together his shattered life.
Top Notch
Sale price
$1049
Picture Book · Ages 5–10 · 2023

Top Notch

By Kristie Arendale

Savannah faces her fear of rope climbing with newfound courage.

24 pages· 1,036 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.7/5 Goodreads · 3 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Savannah loves gym class until the rope climbing assignment fills her with doubt. Encouraged by her friend Elise and brother Isaac, she battles anxiety to conquer the climb. Can she overcome her fears and prove to herself that she can do hard things? Discover the power of a positive mindset in this inspiring tale of courage and self-belief.
The Pool Party from the Black Lagoon
Sale price
$2979
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

The Pool Party from the Black Lagoon

By Mike Thaler, Jared D. Lee (Illustrator) · Black Lagoon Adventures series

A reluctant swimmer faces his fears before the big pool party.

64 pages· 1,999 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 64 ratings
$31.36Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Hubie dreads the class pool party, unlike his excited classmates. With swimming lessons from the enigmatic Mr. Sharky, he must conquer his fear of water. Will Hubie find the courage to dive in, or will his anxiety keep him on the sidelines? As the party approaches, the pressure mounts, and Hubie must decide if he can overcome his biggest challenge yet.
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