Books About Fear · 168 titles considered

The Best Fear Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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

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Looking for excellent children's books about fear? 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 Fear

Ragweed
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1999

Ragweed

By Avi, Brian Floca (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Poppy Stories series

A young mouse named Ragweed leaves his home in the country to explore the city and gets caught up in a world of danger and adventure.

208 pages· 33,837 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 5,103 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Ragweed, a curious mouse, leaves his country home for the bustling city, seeking adventure and new friends. But lurking in the shadows is Silversides, leader of F.E.A.R., a cat group bent on keeping mice at the bottom. With a band of quirky city mice—Clutch, Dipstick, Lugnut, and Blinker—Ragweed must outsmart these cunning cats. Can they unite to challenge the feline hierarchy, or will they fall prey to their whiskered adversaries? Discover a world where courage and friendship are the keys to survival in this thrilling tale of mice versus cats.
What About Worms!?
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

What About Worms!?

By Ryan T. Higgins · Book #7 in the Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! series

A brave tiger's only fear: worms. Can he overcome it?

Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor (2021)
56 pages· 431 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 1,474 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Tiger, who's big, brave, and fearless—except when it comes to worms. As he navigates his world, Tiger's phobia of these wriggly creatures leads to unexpected challenges. Will Tiger conquer his fear, or will his imagination get the best of him? Dive into this delightful tale to discover if Tiger's worries are truly worse than the worms themselves.
The Tell-Tale Heart
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1843

The Tell-Tale Heart

By Edgar Allan Poe

Dive into chilling tales of murder, madness, and mystery.

224 pages· 2,188 words· Est. 13 min read
4.2 Goodreads · 246,105 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Enter a world of suspense with tales like 'The Tell-Tale Heart,' where guilt drives a man to madness, and 'The Cask of Amontillado,' a chilling story of revenge. Meet a detective who outsmarts all in 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue.' Each story, from haunted houses to sinister plots, promises to captivate and terrify. Discover the genius of Poe, the master of Gothic horror and suspense, through these timeless, mind-bending narratives.
The School Is Alive!
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2014

The School Is Alive!

By Jack Chabert, Sam Ricks (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Eerie Elementary series

A young boy discovers that his school is alive and trying to eat its students.

96 pages· 5,884 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 3,386 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Sam Graves, the new hall monitor, discovers his school is alive and sinister. With the class play approaching, he must team up with friends Lucy and Antonio to confront the school's dark forces. Can they save their classmates and themselves from the school's eerie grip? The clock is ticking, and the stakes are high in this thrilling adventure.
Meet October
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Meet October

By April Martin · Book #10 in the The Calendar Kids series

October must conquer his fears to find his missing pet spider, Boo.

56 pages
4.5 Goodreads · 149 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: October struggles with bravery, but when his beloved pet spider, Boo, disappears, he must confront his fears. Can he find Boo and embrace the spooky fun of the season? This charming tale, part of the Calendar Kids series, invites young readers to explore October's adventures, filled with seasonal traditions and delightful surprises. With engaging illustrations and a quirky pet, this story offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment. Will October discover the courage within himself to save Boo and enjoy the spookiest month of all? Dive into this enchanting journey and find out!
The River Challenge
Sale price
$3386
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2019

The River Challenge

By Bear Grylls, Emma McCann (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Bear Grylls Adventures series

A boy's fear of water leads to an unexpected adventure with a survival expert.

121 pages· 10,048 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 256 ratings
$35.64Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Jack's fear of swimming is put to the test when he tumbles into a stream and finds himself in a wild river. Guided by survival expert Bear Grylls, Jack must navigate the treacherous waters and face his deepest fears. Can he conquer the challenges of the wilderness and find his way back to safety? Dive into this thrilling adventure where courage and survival instincts are key.
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 · 716 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?
The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2022

The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard

Book #1 in the The Scariest Silliest Stories series

Two brothers face mysterious noises during a stormy blackout, leading to an unexpected twist.

48 pages· 444 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 693 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: On a stormy night, two brothers brave a power outage to investigate eerie noises echoing through their home. As they follow the creaks and thumps, their adventure takes a surprising turn, revealing that not all scary sounds are what they seem. Will they uncover the truth behind the mysterious noises, or will the night hold more surprises? Join them on a whimsical journey filled with laughter and unexpected discoveries, perfect for young readers seeking thrills and giggles. This enchanting tale promises a night of unforgettable fun and a twist that will leave everyone smiling.
Live Fearless
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 13–16 · 2018

Live Fearless

By Sadie Robertson Huff

Break free from fear and embrace a life of purpose and passion.

196 pages· 36,333 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 5,467 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Join Sadie on a transformative journey to overcome fear and anxiety. Discover how to live fearlessly, embracing your true self and finding freedom in faith. Will you accept the challenge to change and live with passion and purpose? Explore practical steps, inspiring thoughts, and interactive opportunities to become the joy-filled person you were meant to be. Say yes to a life beyond comparison and loneliness, and step into a world of compassion and connection. Are you ready to live fearless?
Misfit Mansion
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2184
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Misfit Mansion

By Kay Davault · Book #1 in the Misfit Mansion series

A monster girl seeks a family in a human town, uncovering dark secrets.

304 pages· 9,734 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,342 ratings
$22.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Iris, a monster girl, escapes her foster home for horrors, venturing into Dead End Springs to find a family. As she befriends humans and explores this new world, she uncovers a dark secret hidden by her former guardian, Mr. Halloway. With a paranormal hunter on her trail and mysteries lurking, Iris must navigate dangers to find the belonging she craves. Will the secrets she unravels threaten her chance at a forever family?
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BoardAges 0–3PictureAges 3–6Junior ChapterAges 7–10Middle GradeAges 9–12
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Fear Picture Books

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

Life Doesn't Frighten Me
Sale price
$1995

Life Doesn't Frighten Me

Ages 3–7 · 1993

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

Wolf in the Snow
Sale price
$1999

Wolf in the Snow

Ages 2–6 · 2017

A girl and wolf cub lost in a snowstorm must find their way home together.

The Littlest Elephant
Sale price
$1999

The Littlest Elephant

Ages 4–8 · 2026

A young elephant faces growing pains and memories on her special day.

The Monster in the Lake
Sale price
$1999

The Monster in the Lake

Ages 4–6 · 2022

Ducks venture to a big lake, uncovering a hidden underwater world.

Ira Sleeps Over
Series
Sale price
$799

Ira Sleeps Over

Ages 4–8 · 1972

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

You've Got Dragons
Sale price
$899

You've Got Dragons

Ages 6–10 · 2002

A boy battles invisible dragons of fear and anxiety, seeking ways to conquer them.

Creepy Carrots!
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1999

Creepy Carrots!

Ages 4–8 · 2012

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

Wei Skates On
Sale price
$1999

Wei Skates On

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A young skater's nerves grow as his first big competition gets closer.

View all fear picture books
Browse by age

Fear Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about fear for developing and independent readers.

Extra Weird!
#3 in Series
Sale price
$599

Extra Weird!

Ages 7–10 · 2014

Can Weir balance soccer dreams and family antics without falling flat?

The Dead End
#1 in Series
Sale price
$599

The Dead End

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A summer in a haunted house turns terrifying as objects move on their own. Can Casey uncover the truth before it's too late?

The First
#2 in Series
Sale price
$799

The First

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A lone creature's quest uncovers a hidden colony and ignites a rebellion against looming war.

On the Trail
#3 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

On the Trail

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Lost in the woods, can Crackers find Peanut and Butter before it's too late?

The Graveyard Riddle
Sale price
$1799

The Graveyard Riddle

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl discovers a boy claiming to be a spy, leading to a mystery that tests trust and friendship.

The Light Jar
Sale price
$799

The Light Jar

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A boy is left alone in a forest cottage when his mother vanishes. Can he face his fears and find hope?

Strike Zone
#2 in Series
Sale price
$999

Strike Zone

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A young pitcher faces fears beyond the baseball field as his family navigates immigration challenges.

Artemis
#9 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Artemis

Ages 9–14 · 2017

A goddess shunned at birth finds power in solitude and a bow.

Challenger Deep
Sale price
$2999

Challenger Deep

Ages 13–17 · 2015

A teen's mind battles reality and fantasy on a voyage to the ocean's depths.

Sisters of the Neversea
Sale price
$1699

Sisters of the Neversea

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Stepsisters are whisked to a magical island by a mysterious boy. Can they find their way home?

View all fear chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about fearsBooks about elementary schoolBooks about feeling scaredBooks about guilt and shameBooks about haunted placesBooks about miceBooks about new experiencesBooks about worrying