Favorite Children's Books about Anxiety

Anxiety can show up in childhood in all kinds of ways, like worrying about school, having trouble sleeping, or feeling nervous about new situations. As a school adjustment counselor, one of my go-to tools for helping kids understand and manage those big feelings is picture books. Stories can give kids the language they need, help them feel less alone, and teach simple strategies for calming their minds and bodies.

Below, I’m sharing some of my favorite children’s books that focus on worry, anxiety, and relaxation skills. Many of these titles are available at your local library, and they’re all great options for families, educators, and counselors looking to support anxious kids in a gentle, approachable way. For more resources on anxiety, check out these blog posts.

A Boy and a Bear: The Children's Relaxation Book by Lori Lite is a simple and calming picture book that introduces kids to relaxation through deep breathing. The story follows a young boy who meets a polar bear while climbing a snowy mountain. As they breathe together, the book gently guides kids through a basic mindfulness exercise that can help with winding down at bedtime, easing anxiety, and building self-confidence. It’s a great tool for parents, counselors, or educators looking for an easy way to help children manage stress through storytelling. It’s especially helpful for ages 3 to 10.

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes is about a little mouse who worries about everything, including big stuff, small stuff, and starting school. She’s anxious in that way a lot of kids are, always asking “what if?” even when things are probably fine. But when Wemberly finally goes to school and meets another kid who’s just like her, things start to shift. It’s a simple, honest look at childhood anxiety and how connection, even just one friend, can make a huge difference.

When My Worries Get Too Big by Kari Dunn Buron is a solid, kid-friendly tool for helping children deal with anxiety. It breaks things down with a simple 5-point scale so kids can actually see and track what they're feeling. The book includes strategies like breathing exercises and calming visuals, and there’s space for kids to draw or write, which helps make it theirs. It's practical, easy to use, and great for parents or teachers who want something that actually helps kids manage their emotions instead of just talking about them.

Worry Says What? by Allison Edwards & Ayesha L Rubioo is a picture book that helps kids tackle anxiety by turning it into something they can see and talk back to. In the story, worry is shown as a big, fuzzy monster that whispers doubts like "You can't do this" or "They don't like you." The girl in the book learns to push back by telling herself what's actually true, like "I can do hard things" and "I have friends." As she stands up to Worry, he starts to shrink. It's a simple, relatable way to show kids how to use self-talk to manage anxious thoughts. The book also includes tips for adults to help children apply these strategies in real life.

The Bear Who Lost His Sleep by Jessica Lamb-Shapiro is about Benjamin Bear, who can't fall asleep when it's time to hibernate because his mind won't stop racing with worries. Inside his head, there's a constant tug-of-war between his "Worry Bear," who fixates on everything that could go wrong, and his "Reasoning Bear," who tries to calm things down. Eventually, Benjamin learns that by listening to his Reasoning Bear and thinking things through, he can ease his anxiety and finally get some rest. This book is a straightforward, relatable tool for helping kids understand and manage their worries.

What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner & Bonnie Matthews is a practical, kid-friendly guide designed for children aged 6 to 12 who struggle with anxiety. Using relatable metaphors like comparing worries to tomatoes that grow when you pay too much attention to them, the book introduces cognitive-behavioral techniques in a way that's easy for kids to understand and apply. Through engaging illustrations and interactive exercises, children learn strategies to manage their worries, such as setting aside "worry time" and challenging anxious thoughts. It's a valuable resource for parents, educators, and counselors seeking to empower children with tools to handle anxiety effectively.

Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook is a relatable picture book that helps kids understand and manage anxiety. Wilma Jean worries about everything, from missing the bus to getting carrots in her lunch. With the support of her teacher, she learns to identify which worries she can control and which she can't, introducing tools like a "worry hat" for those uncontrollable concerns. This book offers practical strategies for children aged 6 to 11, making it a valuable resource for parents, educators, and counselors aiming to equip kids with coping skills for everyday anxieties.

What to Do When You're Scared and Worried: a Guide for Kids by James J. Crist is a solid go-to resource for older kids who are dealing with anxiety, fear, or big worries they don’t quite know how to handle. It explains where fear and worry come from, breaks down different types of anxiety (like phobias, panic attacks, or OCD), and gives kids simple tools they can actually use. There are reflection questions, checklists, and strategies that make sense for real-life situations. It’s especially helpful for kids around ages 9 to 13, and a great option for counselors or parents who want to give their child practical support in a non-intimidating way.

Jack's Worry by Sam Zuppardi is a relatable picture book that helps children understand and manage anxiety. Jack, excited about playing his trumpet in his first concert, suddenly finds himself followed by a growing, blue-green "Worry." Despite his efforts to ignore it, the Worry becomes overwhelming. It's only when Jack shares his fears with his mom that the Worry begins to shrink, teaching readers the importance of expressing their feelings. The book's illustrations effectively depict the Worry's growth and reduction, making abstract emotions tangible for young readers. This story is a valuable resource for parents, educators, and counselors aiming to equip children with coping strategies for anxiety.

Angry Octopus: Children Learn How to Control Anger, Reduce Stress and Fall Asleep Faster by Lori Light is a practical and engaging picture book that helps children understand and manage their anger. The story follows an octopus who becomes upset when his carefully arranged seashell garden is disturbed. A sea child notices his distress and introduces him to relaxation techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. These methods are woven into the narrative, making it easy for kids to learn and apply them. The book's vivid illustrations and relatable storyline make it an excellent resource for parents, educators, and counselors aiming to teach children effective coping strategies for anger and stress.

Anxious Little Pishy by Brittany Joseph is a relatable story that helps children understand and manage feelings of anxiety. The book follows Little Pishy, a cheerful and smart fish who enjoys her life but sometimes feels nervous without knowing why. With the support of her teacher and Mama Pishy, she learns to talk about her feelings and navigate through her worries. This story serves as a gentle introduction to emotional awareness and coping strategies, making it a valuable resource for parents, educators, and counselors aiming to support children's mental health.

Bubble Riding a Relaxation Story by Lori Light is a gentle, imaginative story that introduces kids to the power of visualization as a tool for relaxation and stress relief. In this book, children join a sea child and a friendly turtle on a calming journey through the ocean, riding on bubbles filled with the colors of the rainbow. As they float along, readers are guided to imagine these colors filling their bodies, teaching them how to use creative imagery to manage anxiety, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm. This technique, often used by athletes and in therapeutic settings, is presented in a way that's accessible and engaging for children. Ideal for ages 6 to 12, Bubble Riding is a valuable resource for parents, educators, and counselors looking to equip kids with practical strategies for emotional well-being.

If you are looking for books for parents, educators and counselors about helping children cope with their anxiety, check out this blog post. If you are looking for apps for anxiety (for children, teens, and adults) check this post out. For more resources on anxiety, check out these blog posts.

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