Books About Feeling Scared · 595 titles considered

The Best Feeling Scared Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about feeling scared? 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 Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Feeling Scared

Sale price

$1699

Chapter Book · Ages 8–13

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

By L. Frank Baum · Book #1 in the Oz series

A cyclone whisks Dorothy to Oz. Can she find her way home amidst magical chaos?

224 pages· 38,933 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 420,629 ratings

Summary: Dorothy's Kansas home is swept away by a cyclone, landing her in the enchanting yet perilous land of Oz. With only a pair of magical silver shoes and the guidance of the Good Witch, she must navigate the yellow brick road to seek the Wizard's help. Along the way, she encounters unexpected allies and dangerous foes. Will Dorothy's determination be enough to overcome the Wicked Witches and find her way back to her family? The journey promises wonder and danger at every turn, testing her courage and resolve.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

By R. J. Palacio, R. J. Palacio · Book #1 in the Wonder series

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,218,556 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?

Sale price

$1734

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1997

The New Kid at School

By Kate Mcmullan (Author/Illustrator), Bill Basso (Illustrator) · Dragon Slayers' Academy series

A young boy named Wiglaf enrolls in Dragon Slayers' Academy to learn how to slay dragons and bring home treasure.

112 pages· 10,090 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,302 ratings

$18.25Save 5%

Summary: Wiglaf's life takes a wild turn when a minstrel predicts his heroic future. Enrolling at the Dragon Slayers' Academy, he faces a daunting challenge: his aversion to blood. As he navigates this perilous path, Wiglaf must confront his fears and discover if he truly has what it takes to become a dragon slayer. Will he rise to the occasion or crumble under the pressure? Join Wiglaf on his journey filled with unexpected twists and humorous encounters at the academy, where every student has a secret and a dream.

Sale price

$799

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2006

Roxie and the Hooligans

By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor · Roxie and the Hooligans series

Stranded on an island, Roxie must outwit bullies and crooks to survive.

128 pages· 12,353 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 988 ratings

Summary: Roxie Warbler, armed with survival skills from Lord Thistlebottom's guide, faces her toughest challenge yet: Helvetia's Hooligans. Stranded on a deserted island with these bullies and two fugitives, Roxie must navigate treacherous terrain and unexpected alliances. Can her knowledge turn foes into friends and ensure their survival? Adventure and danger await as Roxie tests her wits against nature and human threats.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1974

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

By Julie Andrews Edwards

Three children embark on a magical quest to find a legendary creature in a hidden land.

209 pages· 52,540 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 14,228 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Professor Savant and the Potter children, Lindy, Tom, and Ben, embark on a magical journey to Whangdoodleland. Their quest to find the elusive Whangdoodle is fraught with challenges, especially from the cunning Prock, who will stop at nothing to protect his king. Can they outwit Prock and fulfill the Whangdoodle's deepest wish? Discover a world of wonder and whimsy where imagination reigns supreme.

Sale price

$2659

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2000

The Doll People

By Ann M. Martin, Laura Godwin · Book #1 in the The Doll People series

A century-old doll seeks adventure and mystery with new neighbors.

256 pages· 35,669 words· Est. 5 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,018 ratings

$27.99Save 5%

Summary: Annabelle Doll, an eight-year-old china doll for over a century, lives a monotonous life in a dollhouse. Everything changes when the lively Funcrafts, a plastic doll family, move in. With Tiffany Funcraft's adventurous spirit, Annabelle embarks on a quest to unravel a long-standing family mystery. Will this new friendship lead to the excitement Annabelle craves, or will it uncover secrets best left hidden? Dive into a world where dolls come to life, and every day holds the promise of discovery.

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 Award (2021)

56 pages· 431 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,460 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2015

Ollie's Odyssey

By William Joyce

A boy embarks on a daring quest to rescue his kidnapped toy from a villainous clown king.

304 pages

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,678 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: In a world where toys have secrets, Ollie, a handmade rabbit, becomes Billy's cherished favorite. But when Zozo, the sinister clown king, kidnaps Ollie, Billy faces an epic journey to save him. Through dark woods and forgotten carnivals, Billy must confront the dangers of the Toy World. Can he rescue Ollie before he becomes lost forever? This adventure tests the bonds of friendship and the courage of a young boy determined to reclaim his beloved toy.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2017

I Am (Not) Scared

By Anna Kang, Christopher Weyant (Illustrator) · You Are Not Small series

Two friends face their fears at an amusement park, discovering bravery in unexpected ways.

32 pages· 116 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

5.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,396 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Two fuzzy friends embark on a thrilling adventure at an amusement park, each trying to outdo the other with tales of scarier things than the roller coaster—like hairy spiders and aliens. As they confront their fears, they learn that being scared isn't always as terrifying as it seems. This delightful story, filled with humor and charm, explores the courage found in friendship and the joy of overcoming fears together. Will they conquer the roller coaster, or will their imaginations get the best of them?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2006

Fablehaven

By Brandon Mull · Book #1 in the Fablehaven series

A hidden refuge of magical creatures faces chaos when ancient rules are broken, unleashing dark forces.

351 pages· 71,896 words· Est. 10 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 181,056 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Kendra and Seth discover their grandfather's secret role as caretaker of Fablehaven, a sanctuary for mystical creatures. When Seth's curiosity disrupts the fragile peace, malevolent forces are unleashed. Now, the siblings must confront their deepest fears to protect their family and the magical refuge. Can they restore order before it's too late?

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Feeling Scared Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree

Sale price

$699

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree

Ages 2–5 · 1978

Three little bears explore a spooky old tree and encounter various obstacles.

Sale price

$699

Hopper and Wilson

Ages 3–5 · 2011

Two friends sail to the world's end, discovering home is where the heart is.

Sale price

$799

Doggie Gets Scared

Ages 2–4 · 2020

A toy doggie's fears test Baby's courage when Doggie goes missing.

Sale price

$999

The Very Noisy Night

Ages 2–5 · 1999

Can Little Mouse conquer nighttime fears with Big Mouse's help?

Sale price

$999

When I Feel Scared

Ages 0–3 · 2002

A little bear learns to face his fears and find comfort.

Sale price

$799

Little Cub

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Old Bear finds a scared Little Cub. Can they become a family?

Sale price

$999

Night Animals

Ages 3–5 · 2015

Animals fear the dark, unaware they are the night creatures they dread.

Sale price

$899

A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon

Ages 0–5 · 2011

A raccoon overcomes fear of shadows with a loving gesture.

Sale price

$1095

I Am Scary

Ages 0–2 · 2020

A monster's scare tactics fail when a child finds it huggable.

Sale price

$499

Thank You for Being My Friend

Ages 1–4 · 2008

A toy horse fears the dark and monsters in a new room.

Sale price

$799

I'm Not Hatching

Ages 2–6 · 2016

Egg refuses to hatch, fearing the world outside.

Sale price

$699

What's Following Us?

Ages 2–4 · 2011

A mysterious sound follows jungle friends. What could it be?

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Feeling Scared Picture Books

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

Sale price

$599

Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A cat named Pete spends the day at the beach with his mom and brother, trying surfing for the first time.

Sale price

$599

Splat the Cat Sings Flat

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A shy cat must sing in front of his parents on Parents' Night, despite his fear of being embarrassed.

Sale price

$599

Gilbert, the Surfer Dude

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A beach day turns tricky when fears and forgotten suits collide.

Sale price

$1999

After the Fall

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A famous egg who fell off a wall recounts his journey to overcome his fears and learn to fly.

Sale price

$1699

Off & Away

Ages 4–7 · 2018

Jo must conquer her fear of the sea to deliver mail and discover new adventures.

Sale price

$1695

The King Who Banned the Dark

Ages 3–6 · 2018

A king bans darkness, but sleepless citizens demand change. Can he face his fears?

Sale price

$1699

Let's Go, Hugo!

Ages 3–6 · 2013

A grounded bird must find courage to soar to new heights.

Sale price

$1799

A Bedtime Yarn

Ages 3–7 · 2017

A little bear's fear of the dark is soothed by a magical yarn connection.

Sale price

$1899

Jabari Jumps

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A young boy faces his fears and learns to jump off a diving board with the help of his dad.

Sale price

$1699

Wally Does Not Want a Haircut

Ages 3–7 · 2016

A sheep's shaggy wool causes trouble, forcing him to face his fear of haircuts.

Sale price

$1799

Big Papa and the Time Machine

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A boy and his grandpa journey through time to discover the essence of bravery.

Sale price

$1799

Lionheart

Ages 3–5 · 2016

A boy flees from a mysterious sound, discovering courage in a magical jungle.

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Feeling Scared Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about feeling scared for developing and independent readers.

Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade

Sale price

$1299

Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade

Ages 5–8 · 2010

A first grader faces her fears without her magical tutu. Can she find courage within?

Sale price

$1295

Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts

Ages 7–12 · 2018

Sam must face his fears when a ghost haunts his home.

Sale price

$599

The Dragonling

Ages 7–10 · 1990

A boy risks everything to return a baby dragon to its kind.

Sale price

$599

Judy Moody Was in a Mood

Ages 7–9 · 2000

Judy Moody faces third grade with a bad mood and a unique class project.

Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

Sale price

$799

Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

Ages 6–9 · 2008

A young boy struggles to navigate school and friendships while dealing with his own anxieties and fears.

Sale price

$799

The Red Badge of Courage

Ages 11–16 · 1895

A young soldier faces fear and self-doubt in the chaos of war.

Sale price

$1699

Unseen Magic

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl unleashes a shadow self, threatening her magical town's safety.

Sale price

$1599

The Shark Report

Ages 6–8 · 2020

A boy befriends a shark and learns about its habits and characteristics, but their friendship is put to the test when a deep-sea fisherman comes to town.