Books About Overcoming Fears · 375 titles considered

The Best Overcoming Fears Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about overcoming 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.

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Overcoming Fears

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

A New Friend

By Poppy Green, Jennifer A. Bell (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Adventures of Sophie Mouse series

A young mouse befriends a snake who has just moved to her town and is struggling to fit in at school

128 pages· 4,659 words· Est. 36 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,996 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Sophie Mouse eagerly returns to school, excited to meet a new classmate. But when Owen, a snake, slithers in, fear grips the classroom. Can Sophie overcome her own doubts and help her friends see beyond their fears? As spring blooms in Silverlake Forest, Sophie faces the challenge of bridging differences and embracing new friendships. Will she succeed in showing that appearances can be deceiving, or will fear keep them apart? Join Sophie on a heartwarming journey of courage and understanding in this delightful tale perfect for young readers.

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

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1998

Arthur's Mystery Envelope

By Marc Brown · Arthur Chapter series

Arthur must decide whether to open a mysterious envelope or face the unknown consequences.

64 pages· 5,003 words· Est. 56 min read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 532 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Arthur is handed a confidential envelope by the principal, sparking wild guesses among his friends. Could it hold the dreaded news of summer school? As curiosity and fear mount, Arthur must choose between uncovering the truth or risking the consequences of losing it. Will he dare to open it, or will the mystery remain sealed? Dive into this suspenseful adventure and discover what Arthur decides.

Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2010

Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade

By Stephanie Greene, Stephanie Sisson (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Princess Posey, First Grader series

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

96 pages· 2,627 words· Est. 30 min read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 843 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Posey dreads her first day of first grade, especially without her confidence-boosting tutu. Alone, she must brave the daunting Blue Hall. But when she inspires a parade where kids wear what comforts them, school suddenly seems less scary. Will Posey discover her inner strength and charm her way through this new adventure?

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1992

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

By Barbara Park, Denise Brunkus (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Junie B. Jones series

A young girl navigates her first day of kindergarten and the challenges that come with it

69 pages· 6,696 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 30,861 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Summary: Junie B. Jones faces her first day of kindergarten with trepidation. The school bus looms large, and the 'meanies' aboard make her anxious. When the day ends, Junie B. decides not to go home, leading to an unexpected adventure. Will she find the courage to face her fears and navigate the challenges of school life? Join Junie B. as she hilariously discovers the ups and downs of being a kindergartner, where honesty and humor are her best allies. Dive into a world where every day is a new, laugh-out-loud experience.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1952

The Bears on Hemlock Mountain

By Alice Dalgliesh, Helen Sewell (Illustrator) · Ready-for-Chapters series

A young boy named Jonathan is sent on an errand to retrieve a large iron pot from his Aunt Emma's house on the other side of Hemlock Mountain, but he encounters unexpected challenges along the way.

Newbery Honor (1953)

58 pages· 4,545 words· Est. 51 min read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 3,889 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Jonathan embarks on a solitary journey over Hemlock Mountain, assured by adults that bears are mere myths. But as night falls, he learns the chilling truth: bears do roam the mountain. Armed only with a borrowed iron pot, Jonathan must navigate the wilderness and his own fears. Will he complete his errand unscathed, or will the mountain's secrets prove too daunting? This classic tale of courage and discovery challenges what we think we know about the world around us.

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree

Sale price

$674

Board Book · Ages 2–5 · 1978

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree

By Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain · The Berenstain Bears series

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

24 pages· 216 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,630 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Join three adventurous little bears as they embark on a nighttime exploration of a mysterious hollow tree. Inside, they encounter unexpected surprises that challenge their courage and curiosity. What secrets will they uncover as they journey through, over, and out of this enigmatic place? Discover the wonders hidden within the tree's depths in this delightful tale of exploration and bravery.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Splat the Cat Sings Flat

By Rob Scotton

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

32 pages· 530 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.7/5 Goodreads · 6,257 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Splat faces a daunting challenge: singing in front of an audience on Parents' Night. With stage fright gripping him, he must find the courage to perform. Will Splat overcome his fears and shine on stage, or will his nerves get the best of him? Discover the journey of bravery and self-discovery as Splat navigates this nerve-wracking experience.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2009

Gilbert, the Surfer Dude

By Diane DeGroat · Gilbert and Friends series

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

32 pages· 522 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.6/5 Goodreads · 110 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Gilbert dreams of a perfect beach day, but Lola's fear of water and his forgotten swimsuit threaten to ruin it. Even with a new 'Surfer Dude' suit, can Gilbert navigate these waves of trouble and save the day?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2020

The Shark Report

By Derek Anderson · Book #1 in the Benny McGee and the Shark series

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.

64 pages· 1,247 words· Est. 14 min read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 99 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Benny's fear of sharks becomes real when Mr. Chompers, a shark, follows him home. As the shark circles on Benny's scooter, Benny must figure out how to deal with this unexpected visitor. Can he outsmart the shark, or will he be trapped in a never-ending loop? Dive into this humorous tale and discover how Benny tackles his finned dilemma.

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Overcoming Fears Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about overcoming fears for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$695

Little Miss Muffet

Ages 3–6 · 2013

Little Miss Muffet's peaceful meal is disrupted by curious creatures. Can she find her way back to her tuffet?

Sale price

$399

The School Play

Ages 2–5 · 1995

Stage fright strikes during a school play. Can a brother's support save the day?

The Shark Who Was Afraid of Everything

Ages 0–3 · 2002

A timid shark must find courage to help a friend in need.

Sale price

$599

All-Star Pups!

Ages 2–5 · 2016

PAW Patrol hits the court for Adventure Bay's thrilling basketball game.

View all overcoming fears board books

Browse by age

Overcoming Fears Picture Books

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

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

$1799

Ruby Finds a Worry

Ages 3–6 · 2018

A young girl struggles with a growing worry that affects her daily life until she finds a way to overcome it.

Sale price

$1799

Shy Willow

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A shy girl must brave the world to deliver a boy's heartfelt letter to the moon.

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

$1999

Stacey's Extraordinary Words

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A young girl faces her fears in a spelling bee, discovering the power of words and perseverance.

Sale price

$1899

Dad and the Dinosaur

Ages 5–8 · 2017

A boy's courage is tested when his toy dinosaur, his source of bravery, goes missing.

Sale price

$1799

Brave Enough for Two

Ages 2–6 · 2018

A girl and her stuffed owl embark on real-world adventures, testing her bravery.

Sale price

$1799

Cyclops of Central Park

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A cyclops braves New York City to find a missing sheep.

Sale price

$1899

Thunder Cake

Ages 5–8 · 1990

A storm approaches; can a girl and her grandma bake Thunder Cake in time?

Sale price

$1795

What Do You Do With a Problem?

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A child faces a growing problem, discovering unexpected possibilities by confronting it.

Sale price

$1699

Chicken Lily

Ages 4–7 · 2016

A timid chicken faces her fears at a school poetry jam.

View all overcoming fears picture books

Browse by age

Overcoming Fears Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about overcoming fears for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$699

Revenge of the Dragon Lady

Ages 7–10 · 1997

Can a courage spell save a boy from a vengeful dragon mother?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2299

Things in the Basement

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A boy finds a portal to a mysterious world in his basement.

Sale price

$1699

The Beginning

Ages 5–8 · 2024

A rat must decide whether to save an owl, risking an unexpected friendship.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1999

The Skull (Graphic Novel)

Ages 6–9 · 2023

A young girl runs away from home and finds refuge in a mysterious old house with a talking skull as her host.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Bedtime Jitters

Ages 6–10 · 2021

A bird's sleepover with a friend leads to a discovery about the strange noises in the swamp.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1999

The Wolf Suit

Ages 6–11 · 2022

A creature dons a wolf suit to blend in, but discovers not all is as it seems in the forest.

Sale price

$599

Hot Dog!

Ages 7–10 · 2017

Lizzie faces her fear of heights to become a circus clown. Will her debut go smoothly?

Sale price

$699

Star Dreams

Ages 6–8 · 2006

A magical kitten aids a girl with dreams and dangers looming.

Sale price

$699

A Whale of a Tale

Ages 6–9 · 2012

A young mermaid named Kiki faces her fears and learns to overcome them with the help of her friends and a friendly whale.

Sale price

$599

Gizmo

Ages 7–10 · 2014

A young boy struggles to overcome his fear of failure and find his place in a new basketball program.

Sale price

$599

Rascal

Ages 7–10 · 2007

A young girl learns to overcome her fear of horses and helps a misbehaved puppy find a new home.

Sale price

$799

The Karate Mouse

Ages 7–10 · 2010

A mouse is forced to participate in a karate tournament.

View all overcoming fears chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about facing fears Books about feeling scared Books about amusement parks Books about discoveries Books about habits and behavior Books about night Books about sharks Books about singing

Our 10 Favorite Books About Overcoming Fears

Great books, picked for their age.

Overcoming Fears Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Overcoming Fears Picture Books

Overcoming Fears Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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