Books About Childhood Fears

The Best Childhood Fears Books for Kids

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

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

4.4/5 Goodreads · 659 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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?

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

4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,792 ratings

$19.95Save 5%

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.

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,071 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

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 · 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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 613 ratings

$17.00Save 5%

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.

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

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,378 ratings

$34.22Save 5%

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!

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 Medal (2013)

32 pages· 600 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 18,899 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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?

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1960

Bedtime for Frances

By Russell Hoban, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Frances series

Frances battles bedtime with endless requests and imaginary creatures.

32 pages· 1,359 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 28,072 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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?

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

4.1/5 Goodreads · 901 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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.

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

4.1/5 Goodreads · 128 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

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?

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

4.1/5 Goodreads · 795 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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.

Sale price

$799

Froggy Goes to the Doctor

Ages 3–5 · 2002

A nervous frog faces a comical doctor visit with unexpected surprises.

Sale price

$3422

The Music Teacher from the Black Lagoon

Ages 5–9 · 2000

A boy dreads music class with a feared teacher.

Sale price

$1699

Sleepy, the Goodnight Buddy

Ages 3–5 · 2018

A boy's bedtime is hilariously delayed by a demanding stuffed animal.

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?

Sale price

$899

There's a Monster Under My Bed

Ages 4–8 · 1986

A mysterious presence lurks under the bed. What will Simon discover?

Sale price

$1699

The Scariest Book Ever

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A ghost warns of scary creatures, but are they really just cute animals?

Sale price

$695

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

Ages 4–8 · 2003

A student faces a dilemma after forgetting a prop and letting another take the blame.

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.

Sale price

$1999

Second Grade Holdout

Ages 4–7 · 2017

Second grade looms with rumors and separation. Is it truly terrifying or just misunderstood?

Snow Day Dare

2015

A second grader faces a daring sled challenge on a snow day.

Sale price

$1499

Little Hoo Goes to School

Ages 3–8 · 2018

A nervous owl faces first-day school jitters. Will fun conquer fear?

Sale price

$499

Pinky and Rex Go to Camp

Ages 6–8 · 1999

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

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.

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.

Shadow in the Woods and Other Scary Stories

Sale price

$2399

Shadow in the Woods and Other Scary Stories

Ages 5–7 · 2020

What lurks in the woods? Discover five chilling tales that will keep young readers on edge.

Sale price

$399

Frog Power

Ages 6–8 · 1995

Can she overcome her frog phobia before the Easter parade?

Mrs. Jeepers Is Missing!

Ages 7–10 · 1996

Is Mrs. Jeepers a vampire at her own party?

Sale price

$799

The Smashed Man of Dread End

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A forbidden basement hides a chilling secret. Will curiosity trap Noe forever?

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.

Sale price

$499

The Ghost Next Door

Ages 8–12 · 1993

A new neighbor brings eerie mysteries and ghostly suspicions.

Sale price

$995

The Elevator Ghost

Ages 8–11 · 2014

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

Sale price

$399

We Are Monsters

1996

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

Sale price

$699

Fright Night!

Ages 6–10 · 2025

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

Sale price

$2599

Zombie Cupcakes

Ages 6–8 · 2016

Can siblings stop zombie cupcakes from taking over their night?

Sale price

$799

Zebra at the Zoo

Ages 7–10 · 2021

A zoo fence is broken, an animal escapes, and a boy faces a tough choice.

View all childhood fears chapter books

Our 10 Favorite Books About Childhood Fears

Great books, picked for their age.

Childhood Fears Picture Books

Childhood Fears Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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