Even our littlest learners can carry some pretty big worries. Whether it’s a new classroom, a stormy sky, or just the unknown, those anxious feelings can feel overwhelming.
Thankfully, stories have a gentle way of helping kids see themselves, understand their emotions, and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone. In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite picture books that help children name their worries, find calm, and build the confidence to face their fears — one page at a time.
A sweet and funny picture book that follows two friends on an unforgettable adventure, showing young readers how to meet worry with resilience, an open heart, and maybe even a roll of toilet paper for good measure.
When Small Knight feels pressure to be a perfect princess, a big, inky Anxiety Monster appears. With the help of their best friend, Tiny Bear, Small Knight sets off on a brave quest—only to discover that the power to face their fears was inside them all along.
Perfect for kids experiencing nerves about starting school. Another delightful gem from Jory John.
Help children understand anxiety as their brain’s way of protecting them. This beautifully illustrated book teaches kids how to calm their inner “warrior” — the amygdala — through breathing, positive thinking, and self-awareness, turning anxiety into a friendly superpower.
An anxious little bird named Bob worries he’ll never learn to fly—until a gentle lesson in mindfulness helps him find his wings.
In this delightful picture book, Pig turns his “what if” worries into optimism with a little help from his loving friend Mouse.
When Pig plans a party, his imagination runs wild with everything that could go wrong—but through friendship, humor, and a touch of silliness, he learns that worries are temporary and can be shared.
Allison Edwards, author of Why Smart Kids Worry, offers a heartfelt look at how anxiety whispers to young minds—and shares a tool kids can use to quiet those fears.
In Worry Says What?, children hear Worry’s loud and quiet voices and learn that worries aren’t always true. With relatable storytelling and beautiful illustrations, this book helps kids (and adults) flip anxious thoughts into reminders of their strength and potential.
Avi the avocado worries about everything, avoiding anything that scares him—until a mysterious THUMP! THUMP! THUD! outside his window forces him to confront his fears.
Perfect for families, classrooms, or counselors, this charming story follows Avi as he learns to face anxiety with courage, support from friends, and a proven method for managing worry.
Fearful of all the strange and weird things that could happen to him in the big world, Twitchly Fidget doesn’t bother to venture outside his dark and dreary underground home until his Aunt Bridget Fidget makes a visit and teaches him a much needed lesson in courage.
From Hans Christian Andersen Medalist Anthony Browne comes a funny and clever tale about Billy, a boy who worries about everything—from marching shoes to giant birds! On a visit to Grandma’s, worry dolls seem to solve his sleepless nights—but soon, even the dolls become a new source of worry.
After reading have kids make their own worry dolls.
Jonathan James’ Whatif Monster asks all kind of questions to stop him trying new things: What if it’s scary? What if they laugh? What if it’s hard? Until finally, Jonathan James has some questions of his own: What if they don’t? What if it isn’t? What then?
Destiny Davis carries more than books—her constant companion, Anxiety, makes even small tasks feel huge. When a big project pushes her to the edge, her dad offers a surprising solution—and a reminder that challenges can be faced head-on.
Wemberly worries about everything—from spilled juice to snakes in the radiator. But her biggest worry? The first day of school. When she meets a fellow worrywart in class, she discovers that school is too much fun to spend worrying!
This kid-friendly book helps children understand worry, practice gratitude, and calm their nervous system. With relatable illustrations and practical strategies, it teaches coping skills, encourages talking about anxious thoughts, and turns worry into a chance to grow.
Brock is beyond worried about going solo to his friend Juan’s superhero party. What if nobody plays with him? What if everyone laughs? Can he find a way past worry and save the day? This story helps kids build emotional intelligence and manage anxiety.
Part of the Ninja Life Hacks series for kids 4–10, this book helps young readers face worries, build confidence, and turn anxiety into their superpower—one ninja skill at a time.
Charlie follows the same routine every day—and worries when anything changes. But when friends ask for his help, he steps out of his comfort zone.
Perfect for kiddos with OCD.
What do you do when a worry won’t leave you alone? In Ruby and the Worry (Big Bright Feelings series), Ruby’s small worry grows huge—until she learns that sharing her feelings can make even the biggest worries feel smaller.
After reading have students talk about their worries using my book companion.
Wombat asks Weasel and Woodchuck if they want to wander the world with her, but they are overwhelmed with worries.
Great for helping students identify and change their thoughts.
A girl, a flamingo, and a very worried potato star in the third book by Michael Ian Black and Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Potato worries about everything—but learns that even when things might not be okay, friends will always be by his side.
Even superheroes have bad days—but they don’t give up! This fun follow-up shows kids how to own mistakes, think through what to do next, and keep saving the day—super style.
Jelly wobbles with worry when he enters the Best Food Competition. But he soon learns that being different is something to celebrate—and that a little wobble is totally okay!
At the super school disco, Fish Finger is frozen with nerves—until he learns to feel the rhythm and find his confidence. A fun way to talk about emotions!
Now loves the sounds of nature, but Rabbit worries about foxes, and Hen fears swooping magpies. When a thunderstorm hits, Now leads them to shelter—and they discover not everything is as scary as it seems.
Great for talking about mindfulness and how feelings don’t last forever.
Scan the QR code to listen to the free Stories Aloud audiobook!
Got kiddos whose minds race at bedtime? This story follows a child with funny, silly, and scary thoughts that won’t stop—until they learn to question them and find calm. A gentle, relatable picture book about acknowledging anxiety without letting it take over.
After reading have students write and shred their “good night worry thoughts.”
Meet the Worry Monsters—always ready to cheer you up! This charming story helps little ones engage with their worries, while Lara Ede’s bright, playful illustrations delight on every page. Perfect for PreK–1st graders.
Perfect for kids who worry about others’ behavior! Meet the Good Egg—so good, he’s cracking under the pressure of everyone else’s bad behavior.
Geoffrey’s tummy jitters keep growing—and when they start talking, he knows they’re out of control.
This workbook series is a a personal favorite for working with all kinds of anxieties.
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