Books About Worrying · 79 titles considered

The Best Worrying Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

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

View the guide

Looking for excellent children's books about worrying? 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 Worrying

The Year of Billy Miller
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2013

The Year of Billy Miller

By Kevin Henkes · Book #1 in the Billy Miller series

A young boy navigates the challenges of second grade while dealing with family dynamics and his own self-doubt.

Newbery Honor (2014)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2014)
240 pages· 21,830 words· Est. 4 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 9,084 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Billy Miller starts second grade with a bump on his head and a world of challenges. As he tackles school projects, sibling squabbles, and family dynamics, Billy learns valuable lessons about responsibility and love. Will he manage to balance it all and grow up just a little bit more? Dive into this heartwarming tale of childhood adventures and family bonds.
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 · 1,469 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.
When You Reach Me
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

When You Reach Me

By Rebecca Stead · Book #3 in the Newbery Medal Winner series

Mysterious notes predict a death. Can Miranda unravel the truth in time?

Newbery Medal (2010)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2010)
199 pages· 39,395 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 118,736 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Sixth grader Miranda receives cryptic notes that predict the future, warning her of an impending death. As she navigates friendship fallout and the mystery of these messages, Miranda must uncover the truth before it's too late. With each note, the stakes rise, leaving her to question reality and her role in preventing a tragedy. Can she solve the puzzle and change fate, or is she already too late? Dive into a world where time and destiny intertwine, challenging Miranda to confront the unknown and her own fears.
Wake Up, Sun!
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1986

Wake Up, Sun!

By David L. Harrison, Hans Wilhelm (Illustrator)

A group of farm animals try to find the sun when it doesn't rise on time.

32 pages· 302 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 308 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a barnyard filled with quirky animals, chaos ensues when the sun fails to rise. As the animals scramble to understand the mysterious darkness, their antics lead to unexpected humor and lessons. Will they discover the truth behind the missing sun, or will their imaginations run wild? This delightful tale, perfect for early readers, combines simple vocabulary with a captivating storyline, inviting young minds to explore the wonders of a new day.
Ruby Finds a Worry
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2018

Ruby Finds a Worry

By Tom Percival · Book #2 in the Big Bright Feelings series

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

32 pages· 429 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 3,112 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Ruby, a curious and imaginative girl, discovers a small worry that grows until it becomes all-consuming. As it looms larger, Ruby wonders if she'll ever feel happy again. When she meets a boy with his own worries, Ruby learns that sharing her feelings might be the key to shrinking her worry. This heartfelt tale explores the power of opening up and the universal nature of anxiety, offering young readers a gentle guide to emotional intelligence and the importance of communication.
The Worry (Less) Book
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2020

The Worry (Less) Book

By Rachel Brian · Book #2 in the Be Smart About Book series

Discover how to identify and manage anxiety to find calm and live more fully.

64 pages
4.5 Goodreads · 435 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? This engaging guide helps you recognize and understand your worries, offering practical tools to regain control. With playful illustrations and expert advice, learn to train your brain and embrace a calmer life. Perfect for anyone seeking to worry less and live more vibrantly.
Right Now, I Am Fine
Sale price
$2370
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

Right Now, I Am Fine

By Daniela Owen, Gülce Baycik (Illustrator)

Help kids conquer anxiety with simple, calming techniques.

48 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 180 ratings
$24.95Save 5%
ebook
Summary: In 'Right Now I Am Fine,' children learn to tackle overwhelming worries with practical coping skills. Guided by a child psychologist, young readers discover how to calm their minds and bodies, empowering them to manage anxiety. Can they find peace amidst chaos? This book offers essential tools for emotional resilience.
Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year
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 Goodreads · 731 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.
Whatever Comes Tomorrow
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–9 · 2023

Whatever Comes Tomorrow

By Rebecca Gardyn Levington, Mariona Cabassa (Illustrator)

A lyrical tale helps children face tomorrow's uncertainties with courage and calm.

32 pages· 241 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.5 Goodreads · 304 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world of unknowns, a lyrical picture book guides children to embrace their fears and find strength within. With whimsical illustrations, it reassures young readers that they can face whatever tomorrow brings. Inspired by personal experiences with anxiety, this story offers gentle wisdom and practical strategies for managing worries. Will they discover the courage to be their truest selves? Perfect for bedtime, it’s a comforting read for both children and adults, complete with a discussion guide and activities to ease anxious minds.
The Lost Whale
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Lost Whale

By Hannah Gold

A boy's quest to find a missing whale may heal his family.

304 pages· 38,334 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 2,832 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Rio, feeling isolated in California, befriends Marina and learns about migrating gray whales. Discovering his mother's love for these creatures, he believes reuniting her with a whale named White Beak will bring her back to him. But White Beak is missing. Rio embarks on a perilous ocean journey, hoping to find the whale and mend his fractured family. Will he succeed against the odds, or will the ocean's dangers prove too great? This tale of friendship and adventure explores the challenges facing gray whales and the power of hope.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

Worrying Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Little Worry
Sale price
$799

Little Worry

Ages 0–5 · 2021

A child's fear of the dark transforms into a journey of comfort and understanding.

Rainy Day
Series
Sale price
$595

Rainy Day

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Glub-Glub's fear of rain may cost him the joy of play. Will he overcome it?

View all worrying board books
Browse by age

Worrying Picture Books

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

What If, Pig?
Sale price
$1799

What If, Pig?

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Pig's party plans spiral into worry. Can Mouse help him find optimism?

Brave Every Day
Sale price
$1899

Brave Every Day

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Camila's fears grow on a class trip, but helping a friend reveals her hidden courage.

Jack's Worry
Sale price
$1699

Jack's Worry

Ages 4–7 · 2016

A young trumpeter battles growing anxiety before his first concert.

100th Day Worries
Sale price
$799

100th Day Worries

Ages 4–8 · 2000

Jessica must find 100 perfect items for school. What will she choose?

My Monster and Me
Sale price
$1799

My Monster and Me

Ages 3–5 · 2019

A boy's invisible worry monster shadows him. Can he find peace?

Wanda's Words Got Stuck
Sale price
$1799

Wanda's Words Got Stuck

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A shy witch must find her voice to save a friend during a magic contest disaster.

The Worrysaurus
Sale price
$1699

The Worrysaurus

Ages 4–6 · 2020

A dinosaur's picnic is threatened by worries. Can he find peace?

View all worrying picture books
Browse by age

Worrying Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about worrying for developing and independent readers.

Every Missing Piece
Sale price
$1699

Every Missing Piece

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl seeks truth about a missing boy, uncovering secrets and facing her own past.

Mind Over Monsters
Sale price
$1799

Mind Over Monsters

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A mindfulness app turns fears into reality, unleashing monsters in school. Can they conquer their fears before chaos reigns?

Just My Luck
Series
Sale price
$1295

Just My Luck

Ages 9–13 · 2016

A dodgeball mishap, a crush, and chaos at the Fall Fiesta-val. Can Zack win Abhi's heart?

View all worrying chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about feeling scaredBooks about growing upBooks about letter writingBooks about new experiencesBooks about nightBooks about psychic abilitiesBooks about responsibilityBooks about self-esteem and self-reliance