{"id":106477,"date":"2025-05-06T05:00:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T09:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/?p=106477"},"modified":"2025-05-07T15:25:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T19:25:00","slug":"picture-books-help-children-who-worry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/picture-books-help-children-who-worry\/","title":{"rendered":"But What If…?: Picture Books To Help Children Who Worry"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s normal for children to experience worry and anxiety, though sometimes those feelings become all-consuming. According to the American Psychological Association, childhood anxiety was on the rise even before the Covid-19 pandemic, and it\u2019s doubled since<\/a>. Social-emotional learning picture books that address worry and anxiety are essential in helping children process these big emotions. Whether it\u2019s worrying about starting school, what could happen on a typical day, or going down a giant slide, these picture books teach children techniques for handling anxiety and facing their fears. Some lean into mindfulness, some encourage imagination, and others show children the power of friendship. All of these affirming picture books will help children and their caregivers find helpful ways to discuss and process emotions.<\/p>\n

no no 9780593350768 My Monster and Me<\/i> by Nadiya Hussain, illustrated by Ella Bailey <\/p>\n

A worry monster has followed a young boy around for as long as he can remember, possibly since he was born. No one can take the worry monster away, and sometimes it becomes so big and bossy that it takes over the day. One day, the worry monster won\u2019t leave him alone. When he goes to his grandmother\u2019s house after school, she asks him what\u2019s wrong, and he tells her about the worry monster. As he speaks, the worry monster grows smaller and smaller until it fits in his pocket. While his worry monster never disappears, he learns how to handle it. This simple and vibrantly illustrated picture book is an excellent way to address worries for younger children.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781368100236 Disney\/Pixar Inside Out 2: Go to Sleep, Anxiety!<\/i> by Luna Chi, illustrated by Gurihiru <\/p>\n

Fans of Inside Out<\/i> will love this book about emotions, bedtime, and quieting our minds. After a long day, Riley Andersen falls asleep for the night, and so do her Emotions! But there is one emotion who just can\u2019t seem to fall asleep. Anxiety paces and worries until she has woken up every other Emotion in Headquarters. Can the Emotions help their friend fall asleep? Filled with kindness and humor, this picture book shines a light on an issue a lot of kids face.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 5)<\/i> <\/p>\n

9781680103687 The Worry Box<\/i> by Suzanne Chiew, illustrated by Sean Julian <\/p>\n

Murray Bear and his sister, Molly, set off on a hike to see a waterfall, but Murray is worried. What if the waterfall is too loud or he accidentally gets swept away? Luckily, Molly tells Murray about her own way to cope with anxiety \u2014 a worry box! Whenever she is worried about something, Molly writes it down on a slip of paper and puts it inside the box. Together, she and Murray make a worry box for all his worries and when he adds a piece of paper about the waterfall, he starts to feel better!
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i> <\/p>\n

9780525553472 It Was Supposed to Be Sunny<\/i> by Samantha Cotterill <\/p>\n

The Little Senses series helps children with anxiety, sensory processing disorders, and who are on the autism spectrum. In this book, Laila\u2019s outdoor unicorn-themed birthday party takes a turn for the worse when a storm arrives. She feels overwhelmed with worry, but her mother helps her plan alternative indoor activities, and Laila feels hopeful again. However, when things go wrong \u2014 like the birthday cake crashing to the floor \u2014 Laila despairs once more and has to take a break from the party. With some quiet and comfort from her dog, she returns to the party and has fun. This affirming picture book depicts techniques for handling anxiety and disappointment.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593378823 Everything in Its Place<\/i> by Pauline David-Sax, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow <\/p>\n

Nicky is shy and dislikes being around other children at recess. Instead, she works in the library, shelving books during recess. Everything has a proper place in the library, and Nicky doesn\u2019t need to worry about interacting with her classmates. Nicky\u2019s stomach hurts when she finds out the library will be closed for a week and she\u2019ll have to go to recess. At her mother’s diner, she admires a motorcyclist who is brave and happy, and Nicky wants to be like her. At recess, Nicky brings a book of poems to read, and when another girl asks about the poems, Nicky remembers the motorcyclist and finds the courage to respond. Shy readers will identify with Nicky in this beautifully illustrated picture book for book lovers.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781536220186 Jeremy Worried About the Wind<\/i> by Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Kate Hindley <\/p>\n

Jeremy is worried about many things, but mostly the wind! His best friend Maggie isn\u2019t worried about anything. She always says, \u201cWhat\u2019s the worst that could happen?\u201d Then, one windy day, Jeremy\u2019s worst fears come true when a gust of wind blows him up into the sky! But soon, he finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime as he meets sled dogs, a narwhal, and some pirates. When Jeremy returns home, he can\u2019t wait to take Maggie on another great adventure! This picture book is a wonderful reminder that when we step outside of our comfort zone, amazing things can happen.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781536225082 As Brave as a Lion<\/i> by Erika Meza <\/p>\n

This imaginative picture book shows children how to be brave despite their fears and worries. A young girl has a lion that gives her courage, whether she feels shy around new people or needs protection during a storm. However, when the two visit a playground with a giant new slide, it\u2019s the girl\u2019s turn to be brave. She feels scared when she reaches the top of the slide, but when she sees the lion is also worried, she finds her bravery. Both she and the lion slide down and have fun. Sometimes, the lion needs a little help being brave, too.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781536209297 Shy Robin and the First Day of School<\/i> by Jaime Kim <\/p>\n

Robin\u2019s mom says she\u2019s a brave hippo, but Robin often feels shy and not so brave. On the first day of school, she\u2019s very nervous and doesn\u2019t think she can be herself. However, she meets Marco during circle time, who is even more shy and worried. At first, Robin thinks Marco enjoys playing alone but realizes he\u2019s nervous about joining the others. When Marco helps her find her missing headband, the two become friends and help one another feel brave enough to be themselves in the classroom. This is a sweet picture book for shy preschoolers and kindergartners.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593697894 Good Night Thoughts<\/i> by Max Greenfield, illustrated by James Serafino <\/p>\n

Have you ever tried to fall asleep, but your thoughts kept you awake? This book from the actor and bestselling author Max Greenfield, brings this concept to life in a humorous and approachable way. When a child can\u2019t stop his racing thoughts, he begins to ask the question, \u201cdo any of these thoughts have merit?\u201d This reframing helps kids stay present and to acknowledge their anxiety without succumbing to it.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781645470953 It’s OK<\/i> by Wendy O’Leary, illustrated by Sandra Eide <\/p>\n

This sweet and poetic picture book addresses self-love and self-compassion techniques for worried children. When a child loses a soccer match and feels despondent, they remind themselves that it\u2019s okay. They put a hand on their chest and say, \u201cIt\u2019s OK \u2014 I love you. I\u2019m with you today.\u201d They follow these reassuring steps for multiple scenarios: Accidentally breaking a pot, feeling insecure about a new baby sibling at home, feeling worried about a test, and more. The back matter includes ten exercises to help children learn mindfulness and self-compassion. It\u2019s a lovely and affirming picture book.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593465639 The Big Worry Day<\/i> by K.A. Reynolds, illustrated by Chloe Dominique <\/p>\n

A young girl has anxiety, as does her dog Bea. The two want to play outside, but Bea and the child worry about what could happen. They need to plan for every eventuality, but planning makes them even more anxious. Instead, the girl teaches Bea other techniques to manage anxiety: Talking about their fears with stuffed animals, practicing yoga, taking deep breaths, and more. After using these techniques, the two go outside and have a fun day of imaginative play. The back matter includes an author\u2019s note about having childhood anxiety. This relatable picture book is excellent for any child who experiences worry and anxiety.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593351444 Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective<\/i> by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett, illustrated by Marissa Valdez <\/p>\n

On the first day of school, cat detective Hattie Harmony has her hands full when many classmates feel worried. First, Hattie helps Pearl the Porcupine release the butterflies in her stomach by catching actual butterflies. Then she gives a squishy ball to Seymour the Beaver, who worries about the teacher calling on him. When it\u2019s time for recess, it\u2019s Hattie\u2019s turn to feel worried. She gives herself a pep talk about sliding down the tall slide, and with encouragement from her friends, she faces her fears and goes down the slide. Written by actress Elizabeth Olsen and musician Robbie Arnett, this picture book shows techniques for handling common back-to-school worries.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593324011 A Blue Kind of Day<\/i> by Rachel Tomlinson, illustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey <\/p>\n

Sometimes, worries and anxiety can become overwhelming. Coen is having one of those days when sadness and worry are so consuming that he can only lie in bed. He feels trapped by the emotions. His mother, father, and younger sister try to cheer him up, but nothing helps him feel better. Instead, when his family waits quietly and stays with him, letting him know they support him and his emotions, he begins to feel warm inside and leaves his bed to read with them. This is a lovely picture book about handling depression. An author\u2019s note includes more information about childhood depression and how to spot the signs.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593306376 Brave Every Day<\/i> by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton <\/p>\n

When other kids play hide-and-seek, Camilla just wants to hide. At school, she worries about whether she\u2019s using the right pencil and answering questions correctly. Anxiety overwhelms Camilla when her teacher announces a class field trip to the aquarium. When they arrive, she tries to hide but finds another equally scared classmate hiding in the same spot. This classmate loves stingrays but is too afraid to find them in the aquarium. Camilla decides they can face their fears together and enjoy the field trip. The author includes questions for more discussion at the end. This social-emotional picture book is perfect for elementary school libraries.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593615669 Are You Mad at Me?<\/i> by Tyler Feder and Cody Feder, illustrated by Tyler Feder <\/p>\n

Award-winning author Tyler Feder and her sister Cody Feder co-wrote this heartwarming and funny picture book about an ostrich with anxiety. When Opal feels worried, her neck wobbles, which her family affectionately refers to as The Noodles. When Opal needs to pick up a dessert from a bakery for a party, she worries she\u2019s offending everyone she runs into. By the time she reaches the bakery, she\u2019s exhausted by all the worry. But the friendly elephant who runs the bakery helps put her mind (and The Noodles) at ease.
\n(Ages 5 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593435458 When Harley Has Anxiety<\/i> by Regine Galanti, PhD, illustrated by Vicky Lommatzsch <\/p>\n

Written by a child psychologist, this fantastic workbook about anxiety for picture book readers will help children explore their worries. Six chapters address emotions, anxiety, healthy thinking, and more. Each page spread has colorful illustrations where Harley the Hedgehog discusses his anxiety. There\u2019s a discussion that follows, then child-friendly activities, like a self-portrait, drawing an anxiety triangle, creating an emotional thermometer, and more. This workbook helps children identify emotions, what causes those emotions, and how to handle big feelings.
\n(Ages 5 \u2013 9)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593568453 Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell<\/i> by Melanie Watt <\/p>\n

Scaredy prefers to stay in his tree where it\u2019s safe. If he leaves he could come face-to-face with aliens or dust or the fluffy bunny who always seems to pop up. But when things don\u2019t go to plan, Scaredy has to venture out of his tree and he isn\u2019t prepared for the wave of emotions that hit him. When the fluffy bunny sees Scaredy, she helps him weather those emotions and see that the world isn\u2019t as scary as he thought. Funny and expressive, kids will go nuts for this graphic novel!
\n(Ages 6 \u2013 9)<\/i> <\/p>\n

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