Books About Overcoming Anxiety

The Best Overcoming Anxiety Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about overcoming 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.

#1 in Series

#12 in Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Overcoming Anxiety

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 1993

The Kissing Hand

By Audrey Penn, Ruth Harper (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Kissing Hand series

A young raccoon learns to cope with going to school for the first time.

30 pages· 457 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 73,884 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Chester Raccoon dreads his first day of school, but his mother has a special secret to share. With the Kissing Hand, Chester can carry her love wherever he goes. Will this magical gesture ease his fears and help him face the unknown? Discover how a simple touch can transform a daunting journey into a heartwarming adventure.

Picture Book · 2019

A Little SPOT of Confidence

By Diane Alber · Inspire to Create a Better You! Series series

Can a child's confidence grow or shrink with life's challenges?

34 pages· 783 words

4.6/5 Goodreads · 291 ratings

Paperback

Summary: An orange spot guides children in visualizing their confidence, helping them navigate peer pressure and challenges. Through real-world scenarios, kids learn to grow their confidence spot, setting goals and fostering positivity. Will they embrace bravery and kindness to thrive?

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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,374 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?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2023

Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year

By Andrea Beaty, David Roberts (Illustrator) · Book #12 in the The Questioneers series

An anxious girl finds hope and courage through a teacher's kindness at her new school.

32 pages· 1,168 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 723 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Lila Greer is overwhelmed by worries, especially after moving to a new town. Everything feels strange and isolating until her teacher, Ms. Kern, steps in with creativity and kindness. As Lila navigates her fears, she discovers the power of being seen and supported. Will she find her place in this unfamiliar world? This heartwarming tale explores the impact of a compassionate teacher and the journey of overcoming anxiety, leaving a lasting impression on Lila beyond second grade.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

I Talk Like a River

By Jordan Scott, Sydney Smith (Illustrator)

A boy finds his voice with his father's help by the river.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2021)Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2022)Odyssey Honor (2022)Schneider Family Book Award (2021)

40 pages· 545 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,267 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: A young boy struggles with stuttering, feeling isolated and unable to express himself. His father takes him on a transformative walk by the river, helping him discover his voice. Will this change in perspective allow him to connect with the world around him? This heartfelt journey explores the power of compassion and understanding, offering hope to any child who feels lost or out of place.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

Butterflies on the First Day of School

By Annie Silvestro, Dream Chen (Illustrator)

A young girl starts school and navigates her first day with the help of her new friends and teacher.

32 pages· 607 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 415 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Rosie eagerly anticipates her first day of kindergarten, but pre-school jitters bring unexpected magic. Her mom's reassurance about 'butterflies in her belly' becomes literal when a butterfly flutters out as she greets a new friend. As Rosie navigates her day, she releases her butterflies and helps another shy student do the same. Will Rosie conquer her fears and embrace new friendships? Discover how a simple figure of speech transforms into a delightful journey of courage and connection.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

A Poem in Your Pocket

By Margaret McNamara, G. Brian Karas (Illustrator) · Mr. Tiffin's Classroom Series series

A student struggles to write the perfect poem for a special day.

32 pages· 1,380 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 439 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Elinor faces a daunting challenge: crafting the perfect poem for Poem in Your Pocket Day to impress a visiting poet. As her confidence wavers, she learns about poetry's diverse forms, from haikus to acrostics, in Mr. Tiffin's lively classroom. Will Elinor overcome her perfectionism and find her poetic voice? Discover the joys and trials of creativity in this charming tale.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2022

There's a Unicorn in Your Book

By Tom Fletcher, Greg Abbott (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the Who's In Your Book? series

A unicorn's song is silenced by worries. Can you help it find its voice?

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

3.9/5 Goodreads · 562 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: A unicorn has landed in your book, but its song is silenced by a sneaky worry gremlin. Use your finger wand to help it express its emotions and rediscover its voice. This interactive adventure invites young readers to engage with a magical creature while learning the importance of sharing feelings. Will you be the one to help the unicorn sing again?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

First Day Critter Jitters

By Jory John, Liz Climo (Illustrator) · Critter Jitters series

Nervous animals face first-day school jitters, only to find their teacher is just as anxious.

40 pages· 917 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 753 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: As the first day of school looms, Sloth, Snake, and Bunny are filled with jitters. Sloth fears tardiness, Snake struggles with his backpack, and Bunny worries about staying still. But when they meet their teacher, an equally nervous Armadillo, they realize they're not alone. Together, they learn to conquer their fears and discover that school isn't so scary after all. Will they help each other find the courage to face the unknown?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2003

Stuart Goes to School

By Sara Pennypacker, Martin Matje (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the The Amazing World of Stuart series

Anxious about third grade, a boy faces his fears on a crucial first day.

64 pages· 4,795 words· Est. 37 min read-aloud

3.7/5 Goodreads · 291 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Stuart is an eight-year-old with a big imagination and even bigger worries about his first day of third grade. From getting stuck in the bathroom to wearing embarrassing clothes, his mind races with 'what ifs.' As he navigates this make-or-break day, Stuart wonders if his trusty cape might be the key to making friends and conquering his fears. Will he find the courage to embrace his unique self, or will his worries get the best of him? Dive into Stuart's world and discover the unexpected adventures of a young worrier.

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