Awesome Books for Anxious Kids
10 picture books to help children deal with their worries and anxiety in a healthy way.
I think it goes without saying that the world is a bit of a confusing and scary place right now. Our students' daily lives have been disrupted, they aren’t sure what tomorrow may bring, and for some older kids, the nonstop news and social media coverage isn’t helping. As someone with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I know how easily worries can grow and become overwhelming. Thankfully, there are tools to help us help ourselves, and our students. These books give teachers and students the tools to begin to deal with their worries and anxiety in a healthy way, and can help them to be more resilient, both now and when the pandemic is finally over.
Check them out below, and consider adding some to your read-aloud list for next year! The books are appropriate for a Grade range of Kindergarten to Grade 5. After the list of books, you will find a printable guide AND a video presentation describing all of these books.
Enjoy!
Here and Now by Julia Denos
Who it is for: Children aged 3-7
This book would be a good tool for students who are learning from home who are eager to feel connected to their world, or to your class after recess or lunch when they need help winding down.
How it addresses anxiety: Anxiety can often stem from the tendency to focus on regrets of the past or the fears of the future, instead of in the present. This book teaches children how to be mindful and live in the peace of the "here and now".
Why I love it:
The illustrations include many multicultural characters.
The book reminds not only the students but the reader (us!) about slowing down and being in the moment.
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Who it is for: Children aged 3-7
Wemberly's biggest worry is about going to school. Many children have fears about attending school - epsecially during a pandemic - so this would be a great book for them!
How it addresses anxiety: My favourite part of this book is the fact that Wemberly's parents and grandmother see her as a "worry wart"and simply tell her not to worry. I think the fact that this is not helpful to Wemberly is an important message.
Why I love it:
Kevin Henkes treats children's worries and fears with the respect that they deserve!
Students learn that it's okay to be worried and scared, and chances are, others are, too! They are not alone.
Hey, Warrior by Karen Young
Who it is for: Children aged 5-10
This book would be a especially useful for a child who might feel shame or embarrassment about their anxiety. This books helps kids (and caregivers!) to see how normal and manageable anxiety can be.
How it addresses anxiety: Hey Warrior is part self-help manual, part bedtime story, and includes an explanation of the science of anxiety. The book conveys the important message that we can co-exist with anxiety, and with the right tools, even be in control of it.
Why I love it:
The way in which Karen Young normalizes anxiety is amazing.
The use of positive language is brilliant, empowering the reader to move forward and take control of their brain health.
Worry Says What? by Allison Edwards
Who it is for: Children aged 3-7
This book is for younger children who are feeling helpless against their fears and worries. It gives a face to feelings that can be hard to name and describe, which is wonderful for younger readers.
How it addresses anxiety: The main character's relentless worry is personified as an intruding monster. This clever way of introducing worry as a character that can be controlled is not only useful imagery, but helps to empower children of all ages.
Why I love it:
Allison Edwards includes three strategies that parents and teachers can use to help children understand and conquer their worry.
The illustrations are humorous and kid-friendly!
A Little Spot of Anxiety by Diane Alber
Who it is for: Children aged 3-7
The language in this story makes it suitable for ages 3-7. If you know a child who is mislabeled as a "worry wart", this could be for them, as it normalizes and even praises worry, but warns that sometimes worries can get TOO BIG.
How it addresses anxiety: This story talks about how anxiety can affect all ages and show up in all different situations. The grey spot in the story creates a visual representation of Anxiety so that a child can see when it gets too big. The author then offers advice on how to shrink it.
Why I love it:
Diane Alber offers practical strategies for dealing with anxiety (e.g. the hand strategy).
I Love how the story acknowledges that it's okay to have "small anxiety spots" because sometimes worrying protects you.
What Color Is Your Day? by Camryn Wells
Who it is for: Children aged 3-7
By tying a range of feelings to colours and images, Camryn Wells explains emotions in a way that even the youngest readers can understand.
How it addresses anxiety: While this book deals with a range of emotions, rather than just anxiety, it is a fantastic resource for children to identify and cope with the complexity of emotions, and for the adults in their lives to more easily connect with them.
Why I love it:
The illustrations are STUNNING!
The book supports the lines of communication between children and adults.
A Sloth’s Guide to Mindfulness by Ton Man
Who it is for: Children aged 6-12
This book is a little bit longer than the others, and the language is a bit more advanced. There is also the word "damn", so just be aware of that before reading it out loud!
How it addresses anxiety: While not directly about anxiety, I think that this book is useful for anyone who is finding themselves a bit "out of control" and needing some mindfulness in their lives. The simple breathing exercises, the guided visualizations, and the advice on staying present are beneficial to those with anxiety, and those without.
Why I love it:
It's cute, cheeky and original!
It addresses mindfulness and meditation in a way that is not overwhelming.
Charlotte and the Quiet Place by Deborah Sosin
Who it is for: Children aged 4-8
Children will relate to Charlotte's need for a break from the noise and clamour of everyday life. Parents, teachers, and caretakers of highly active or sensitive children will find this book especially useful.
How it addresses anxiety: This book teaches children how to regulate their emotions, which could include feelings of anxiety. It ties nicely to the Zones of Regulation.
Why I love it:
Deborah Sosin reminds us of the seemingly small things that could overwhelm certain students, and helps us to empathize with them and offer them suitable solutions.
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
Who it is for: Children aged 3-8
This story is the perfect springboard for talking to 3-8 year old children about their hidden worries and anxieties.
How it addresses anxiety: This book is so fantastic because it shows children how a small worry can grow into a big one, and that big worry can affect your happiness. The resolution to the story - Ruby finding another child with a worry and the two of them talking until their worries shrink - is profound. The fact that the problem is solved by TALKING about it is an extremely important lesson.
Why I love it:
I love how worries are presented as manifestations, and that kids have the power to make them disappear.
Ruby (and even her worry!) are just so darn cute!
The Don’t Worry Book by Todd Parr
Who it is for: Children aged 3-7
Young children will love the bright illustrations and easily understand the simple text that Todd Parr offers in all of his books. This would be great for any child that often feels worried about everyday things.
How it addresses anxiety: The book lists a number of things that could make children worry - being alone, loud noises, overhearing bad news, or too much screen time (love that)! It also offers solutions on what to do when you worry too much, like taking a deep breath, talking to a special person, or even dancing!
Why I love it:
It's by Todd Parr, who is the best!
Todd Parr knows how to write in a way that children understand. The worries in the book are all ones that I have seen children suffering from in my classroom!
Awesome Books for Anxious Kids:
THE PRINTABLE GUIDE!
Click here for an easy-to-print guide of all of these books, plus additional resources for each book like other language availability, YouTube videos, lesson guides, and more!
Want a peek into all of these awesome books?
Click below to see my video presentation about these books, which was originally created for the Educators 2 Educators New Year Reboot conference.
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