Books About Childhood Fears

The Best Childhood Fears Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Feeling Scared, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

View the guide

Looking for excellent children's books about childhood fears? 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 Childhood Fears

A Little Like Magic
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

A Little Like Magic

A lost figurine leads to unexpected magic at an ice festival.

40 pages· 467 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.4 Goodreads · 682 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A young girl, hesitant to explore new places, reluctantly visits an ice festival with her mom. Amidst the cold and sculptures, she loses a cherished horse figurine, wishing she'd stayed home. But returning the next night, she discovers enchanting ice creations, one holding a magical surprise. Will this experience change her view on adventure and art forever?
Life Doesn't Frighten Me
Sale price
$1895
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1993

Life Doesn't Frighten Me

By Maya Angelou, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sara Jane Boyers

Fearsome images are dispelled by courage and art, revealing inner strength.

40 pages· 211 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.4 Goodreads · 2,822 ratings
$19.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 'Life Doesn’t Frighten Me,' Maya Angelou's defiant poem meets Jean-Michel Basquiat's bold art, creating a fearless world. From panthers in the park to new classrooms, fear is conquered by self-belief. This picture book invites readers to explore courage through poetry and art, inspiring bravery in every challenge.
Ira Sleeps Over
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1972

Ira Sleeps Over

By Bernard Waber · Ira series

Ira's first sleepover dilemma: bring his teddy bear or risk embarrassment?

48 pages· 1,139 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 5,078 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Ira eagerly anticipates his first sleepover at Reggie's house, but his sister's teasing about his beloved teddy bear throws him into a quandary. Should he bring it and risk Reggie's laughter, or leave it behind and face a sleepless night? As Ira grapples with this decision, he learns about staying true to himself. This delightful tale captures the humor and heart of childhood worries, making it a perfect bedtime read for young ones with their own cherished companions. Will Ira's night be filled with fun or fret?
Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep
Sale price
$1615
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 1998

Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep

By Joyce Dunbar, Debi Gliori (Illustrator)

A brother helps his sister overcome her fear of bad dreams with morning's happy promises.

32 pages· 664 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 613 ratings
$17.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Willa dreads the night, haunted by bad dreams. Her brother, Willoughby, offers comfort, guiding her thoughts to the joys of morning—cozy slippers, a delicious breakfast, and the gentle sun. But the greatest comfort? Knowing Willoughby will be there, just like always. Can Willa find peace in these happy thoughts and drift into a restful sleep? This heartwarming tale of sibling love and reassurance is perfect for bedtime, promising sweet dreams and a cherished bond.
The Principal from the Black Lagoon
Sale price
$3251
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 1993

The Principal from the Black Lagoon

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

A boy faces the terrifying principal from the Black Lagoon.

32 pages· 494 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 1,379 ratings
$34.22Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: A young boy dreads his trip to the principal's office, only to discover the principal is the infamous "Teacher from the Black Lagoon." Will he survive this monstrous encounter, or is there more to the principal than meets the eye? Dive into this humorous sequel and find out!
Creepy Carrots!
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Creepy Carrots!

By Aaron Reynolds, Peter Brown (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Jasper Rabbit's Creepy Tales! series

A young rabbit's life is disrupted when the carrots he loves to eat start to follow him.

Caldecott Honor (2013)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2013)Odyssey Honor (2014)
32 pages· 600 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 18,978 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jasper Rabbit can't get enough of Crackenhopper Field carrots, munching them at every chance. But when he starts feeling watched, his beloved treats seem to have a mind of their own. Are the carrots really following him, or is it just his imagination? Dive into this whimsical tale where greed turns a rabbit's world upside down, leaving readers to wonder: can you ever have too much of a good thing?
Bedtime for Frances
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1960

Bedtime for Frances

By Russell Hoban, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Frances series

Frances battles bedtime with endless requests and imaginary creatures.

32 pages· 1,359 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 28,092 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Frances isn't ready for bed. She needs milk, kisses, and reassurance from her parents. But with tigers and giants lurking in her imagination, will she ever find sleep? Join Frances on her whimsical bedtime adventure, where every delay is a new discovery, and her parents' patience is tested. Can Frances conquer her fears and finally drift off to dreamland?
There's Something in My Attic
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1988

There's Something in My Attic

By Mercer Mayer

A girl investigates mysterious attic noises and missing toys. Is it a monster?

32 pages· 583 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 905 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: A brave little girl hears strange noises and discovers her toys disappearing at night. Determined to uncover the truth, she ventures into the attic. What she finds is unexpected and turns her fears into a surprising adventure. Will she confront a monster, or is there more to this mystery than meets the eye? Join her on a whimsical journey where nightmares might just be misunderstood friends.
JoJo's First Day Jitters
Sale price
$674
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

JoJo's First Day Jitters

By Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator) · Fancy Nancy series

JoJo faces preschool jitters. Can her sister's help ease her fears?

16 pages· 395 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 129 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: JoJo's first day of preschool is approaching, and her big sister Nancy is eager to help her prepare. But when JoJo's nerves take over, will Nancy's support be enough to calm her fears? With hidden surprises waiting to be discovered, this charming tale explores the bond between sisters and the magic of overcoming first-day jitters. Can JoJo find the courage to embrace her new adventure?
The 12 Screams of Christmas
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12

The 12 Screams of Christmas

By R.L. Stine · Book #12 in the Goosebumps Most Wanted series

A haunted house rehearsal threatens to turn a Christmas play into a nightmare.

192 pages· 29,805 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 795 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Kate Welles dreams of starring in her school's Christmas play, but her troublesome friend Courtney stands in the way. Forced to cooperate, they must rehearse in a mysterious house with a dark past. As they uncover its secrets, the line between festive cheer and spine-tingling fear blurs. Will they survive the 12 Screams of Christmas, or will the spirits of the house claim them? Discover the chilling twist that redefines Christmas spirit.
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Childhood Fears Picture Books

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

This Is MY Room!
Sale price
$1799

This Is MY Room!

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Jojo's first night alone is interrupted by unexpected animal guests. Can she reclaim her room?

The Little Shop of Monsters
Sale price
$1899

The Little Shop of Monsters

Ages 2–7 · 2015

Enter a shop where monsters await. Choose wisely, or they might choose you.

View all childhood fears picture books
Browse by age

Childhood Fears Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about childhood fears for developing and independent readers.

Boo...and I Mean It!
#24 in Series
Sale price
$699

Boo...and I Mean It!

Ages 6–9 · 2005

A young girl navigates the challenges of Halloween, including scary monsters and witches, while trying to find the perfect costume.

Frog Power
Series
Sale price
$399

Frog Power

Ages 6–8 · 1995

Can she overcome her frog phobia before the Easter parade?

Nightmares!
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

Nightmares!

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Nightmares invade reality, and only Charlie can stop them before it's too late.

Don't Turn Out the Lights
Sale price
$1699

Don't Turn Out the Lights

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Dare to enter a world of spine-chilling tales and haunting horrors.

The Elevator Ghost
Sale price
$995

The Elevator Ghost

Ages 8–11 · 2014

A mysterious babysitter's ghostly tales reveal secrets and calm wild children.

We Are Monsters
Sale price
$399

We Are Monsters

1996

Monsters proclaim their dominance in wild places until they encounter their greatest fear—children hiding under beds.

Fright Night!
#13 in Series
Sale price
$799

Fright Night!

Ages 6–10 · 2025

A sleepover turns spooky when campfire tales might awaken a lurking monster.

Zombie Cupcakes
Series
Sale price
$2599

Zombie Cupcakes

Ages 6–8 · 2016

Can siblings stop zombie cupcakes from taking over their night?

View all childhood fears chapter books