9 Helpful Books for Children with Anxiety

Children faced with daily anxiety often struggle with understanding and handling their worries.  Children’s literature offers relatable characters for anxious children, allowing them to better cope with their emotions.  Anxious children feel better when they see that they are not alone in their fears, and are able to model the coping mechanisms used my characters.  

Well written books provide opportunities for conversations, giving parents and teachers insight into what a child is feeling. Children’s books for anxiety provide opportunities for relating to character’s feelings and partaking in their successful navigation of the worry.  Below are 9 books for children with anxiety to help them understand and process their thoughts and feelings.

Whether your child has separation anxiety, struggles at school, or a fear of the dark, these books will lessen the anxiety felt by your child and provide a smile as they book is read over and over again.

Suggestions for Using Books for Children with Anxiety 

As a parent, share these books for child anxiety with your kid, engaging in relaxed conversation about the storyline and making connections to the characters.   If your child seems to relate well with a character or theme, reinforce the idea of the story when you see your child struggling with a certain situation.

 For example, your child may ask, “What if I cannot find my friend on the playground at lunch today?” After reading The WorryWarts, you can reference a scenario that worked out well from the story you shared.  I also encourage parents to share these stories with teachers as a way to open dialogue and understanding between teachers and students, as well as classmates.  

Years ago, I asked my daughter’s second-grade teacher to read Wemberly Worried to the class, followed by a discussion on each student’s fears.  This normalizes anxieties and helps children understand why a classmate may be acting in a certain way in regards to intense anxiety.  I have personally read and engaged with every book for child anxiety listed here, witnessing the successful use of literature to help children manage their worries. 

(Each book image is linked to Amazon, where you can learn more about the book, read reviews, and purchase if interested.)  

Good Books for Helping Children with Anxiety

William, the What-If Wonder: On His First Day of School by Carol Wulff

William is anxious to start his new school due to all of the unknowns.  He tries to gain an understanding by asking “what if” questions.  He quickly learns that while new situations can be scary, the results are never as bad as they seem.  This cute story shows children the importance of reframing their thoughts.

 

Anxious Little Pishy by Brittany Joseph and Chris Joseph

Little Pishy, the main character, suffers anxiety but is unsure of who to talk to or how to describe what she is feeling.  Young readers will relate to the uncertainty of anxious feelings and the importance of finding someone safe to talk with in order to find relief.  The illustrations are attractive to parents and children because of their calming effect, as they add a sense of confidence to the storyline.

 

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney

Readers will enjoy the rhyme provided by the creative text, while young children will relate to the idea that going to school is exciting until it is time for the parents to leave.  Llama learns that missing his mother is challenging, but he has a supportive teacher to comfort him until his mother returns. Most young children will connect with the idea that when school is over, a parent always returns.  

 

Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale and Guy Francis

Clark is an overly enthusiastic shark who finds it difficult to fit into the structured expectations of school.  With a supportive teacher and classmates, he learns to use his strengths while working towards controlling his excitement.  The rhyming text will captivate readers, while children can relate to the concept of fitting in while still being yourself.

 

The OK Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld

This sweet book focuses on the concept that being okay is good enough.  In today’s fast-paced, high achieving world, kids often feel the need to seek perfection and to be the best at everything.  In reality, all children have areas where they may excel, but many times, we are naturally “OK” at most things we attempt. The simple photographs and everyday tasks help kids realize that being “OK” at most tasks is just the place to be.  We all have strengths but overall, we are mostly “OK”.

 

Glad Monster, Sad Monster by Ed Emberley and Anne Miranda

This book fascinates readers with colorful images and interactive pages while opening the door to discussing various feelings.  Each monster is color-coded to match a specific feeling. Even the most reluctant child will feel comfortable talking about feelings under the guise of the characters.  Children can use examples of experiences that lead to certain emotions, which parents can draw on when real-life situations arise.

 

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Chester Racoon struggles with leaving his mother to begin school.  In the hopes of easing little raccoon’s fears, she kisses his hand, with the reminder that anytime he misses her, he has a kiss waiting inside his hand.  While this story is widely used in classrooms, reading it in a parent-child moment can help strengthen a bond and, together, families can create their own version of “the kissing hand” to use.  I have seen families stamp their hands each morning or design bracelets that each family member wears while apart, as a reminder that they are connected even when away from one another.

 

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Hankes

I absolutely LOVE this book because it seems to resonate with a young child gaining independence.  A small mouse, Wemberly, worries about everything, including her ice cream melting. Her family and teacher remind her that she worries too much, but it doesn’t stop the worries.  Ultimately, Wemberly realizes on her own that school is more fun without time spent worrying. I like the message it sends anxious child about having the power to control their worries on their own, rather than relying on someone else.  

 

The WorryWarts by Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole

This lovable tale uses alliteration to pull readers into a story highlighting the dreaded “what ifs”.  Three friends want to escape their mundane life, deciding to try a new adventure, but with so many “what ifs” arising they are not sure if they can leave the safety of what they know.  For children seeking new found adventures and freedoms, the “what ifs” are quite relatable. Parents and teachers can enjoy the story with young children, using it as a springboard to guide real life “what ifs” as they happen.  

Children’s literature is near and dear to my heart.  It has the power to create memories, solve problems, form wishes for the future, and offer an escape from reality.  I hope you find comfort in any or all of these books for children with anxiety.

(Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.  Of course, I recommend all of these books.  Each one can also be checked out from a local library.)

 

Please comment below with your child’s reaction to these suggestions or share your personal favorites with all of us.