Anxiety can be a difficult emotion for kids to navigate, but luckily there are many books available that can help them understand and cope with their feelings. We’ve gathered a list of 14 anxiety books for kids, as chosen by educators, to assist parents, teachers, and caregivers in supporting children with anxiety. These books cover a range of age groups and offer valuable insights, strategies, and stories to help children manage their anxiety.
- “Worry Says What?” by Allison Edwards
Age Range: 4-8 years
Description: This book introduces a worry bug named Worry who helps young children understand and express their worries.
- “When My Worries Get Too Big!” by Kari Dunn Buron
Age Range: 5-9 years
Description: Designed to teach children how to recognize their anxiety levels and implement strategies to calm themselves down.
- “What to Do When You Worry Too Much” by Dawn Huebner
Age Range: 6-12 years
Description: Presents practical strategies for kids to cope with excessive worry and anxiety.
- “The Worrywarts” by Pamela Duncan Edwards
Age Range: 6-8 years
Description: A story about twins who worry about everything, teaching children how to identify and challenge their worries.
- “Wilma Jean the Worry Machine” by Julia Cook
Age Range: 5-9 years
Description: Follows the story of a young girl who learns to overcome her worries through positive thinking and problem-solving.
- “My Anxious Mind: A Teen’s Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic” by Michael A. Tompkins
Age Range: 12-18 years
Description: Geared towards teenagers, this book provides practical strategies and tips for managing anxiety and panic attacks.
- “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst
Age Range: 4-8 years
Description: Helps children manage separation anxiety by explaining that everyone is connected by an invisible string of love.
- “A Terrible Thing Happened” by Margaret M. Holmes
Age Range: 4-8 years
Description: Addresses traumatic events and teaches children how to cope with their feelings and seek support.
- “The Anxiety Workbook for Teens” by Lisa M. Schab
Age Range: 12-18 years
Description: A comprehensive workbook that offers interactive exercises, worksheets, and coping strategies for teenagers dealing with anxiety.
- “The Huge Bag of Worries” by Virginia Ironside
Age Range: 4-8 years
Description: Illustrates that worries can weigh us down and offers tips on how to manage and let go of them.
- “Outsmarting Worry: An Older Kid’s Guide to Managing Anxiety” by Dawn Huebner
Age Range: 9-13 years
Description: Provides practical solutions to help children understand and overcome their worries.
- “The Mindfulness Guide for Kids” by Diana Winston
Age Range: 5-12 years
Description: Introduces mindfulness practices and exercises to help children relax, manage stress, and reduce anxiety.
- “Hey Warrior” by Karen Young
Age Range: 5-12 years
Description: Teaches children about their body’s fight-or-flight response and provides strategies to manage anxiety.
- “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog” by Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz
Age Range: 16 years and above
Description: Explores the impact of trauma on children’s brains and offers insights on healing and recovery.
These books can serve as valuable tools in helping children navigate their anxiety, develop coping mechanisms, and promote emotional well-being. While each child’s experience is unique, these educator-approved books provide a starting point for supporting children who are dealing with anxiety.