As teachers, we know the power of a good story. Story books about anxiety can be game-changers when it comes to helping kids navigate their big feelings. They provide a safe, engaging way for children to explore their worries, see themselves in relatable characters, and learn helpful strategies. All this without feeling like they’re being “taught” a lesson.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite story books about anxiety that spark meaningful conversations and empower kids to manage their worries. From brave adventurers facing their fears to heartwarming tales of friendship and self-acceptance. These books offer so much more than just a good read. They’re a powerful tool for emotional well-being in the classroom and beyond.
17 Heartfelt Story Books about Anxiety and Worry
1. The Worrysaurus – Rachel Bright and Chris Chatterton
This gentle, reassuring book is a great starting point for helping little ones understand how anxiety feels in their bodies. It introduces simple, child-friendly vocabulary to describe that fluttery feeling we get when we’re anxious, making it perfect for our youngest learners. With its soothing rhymes and calming tone, this book is a wonderful tool for easing worries—big or small. (And if you’re looking for a book that focuses more on feeling nervous rather than worried, be sure to check out Wobblysaurus!)
2. The Don’t Worry Book – Todd Parr
Todd Parr’s signature bright, colorful illustrations make this book an instant hit with preschoolers! He reassures little ones that worries come and go—and most importantly, that they can take control of them. Whether it’s fears about the dark, mean behavior from others, or things they see on TV, Parr gently introduces simple strategies kids can try, like imagining themselves as superheroes or talking to someone they trust. It’s a great way to open up a conversation about handling worries in a positive, empowering way.
3. Wemberly Worried – Kevin Henkes
Wemberly worries about everything—from spilling her juice to whether she’ll make a friend at school. But when her teacher introduces her to another nervous student, Wemberly realizes there’s just too much fun to be had to spend the whole day worrying! This sweet and relatable story shows young learners that they’re not alone in their fears—and that with the right support (and maybe a new friend!), they too can overcome their worries.
4. The Very Hungry Worry Monsters – Lara Eide
The bright, engaging illustrations in this book make it a great way to get your young students talking about their worries. The different Worry Monsters swoop in to gobble up those worries and make them disappear—helping children see that their fears don’t have to stick around forever. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to introduce conversations about managing anxiety in a reassuring way.
5. How Big are Your Worries Little Bear? – Jayneen Sanders
Little Bear worries about everything! But with Mama Bear’s gentle guidance, he starts to learn that everyday worries and fears can be overcome. This sweet and relatable story is perfect for helping young learners feel understood and supported. Plus, it includes discussion questions and extra ideas to help kids build their own coping strategies—making it a great resource for classroom conversations about anxiety.
6. The Huge Bag of Worries – Virginia Ironside
This classic book about worries introduces us to Jenny and her big blue bag of worries that follows her everywhere—when she’s swimming, watching TV, and even in the bathroom! Through Jenny’s journey, children learn to recognize their own worried feelings and discover concrete strategies to manage them. One of the most helpful takeaways? The idea of setting a designated “worry time” so kids can acknowledge their worries without letting them take over the whole day.
7. It’s Okay to Make Mistakes – Todd Parr
Todd Parr just had a knack for reminding children to embrace differences, to be thankful, to try new things, to love each other and themselves. In this book, It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, he embraces life’s happy mistakes, mess-ups and accidents and shows how they can lead to self discovery. Parr’s signature illustrations encourage us to take chances, try new things and embrace life, mistakes and all.
8. Saturday is Swimming Day – Hyewon Yum
This charming book about starting something new, tells the story of a little girl who gets stomach aches before her swimming lessons on Saturdays. Slowly and with support from her swimming instructor, she goes from sitting on the edge to moving into the water to practicing her kicks. As the weeks pass, her confidence grows until one Saturday comes around and she no longer has a stomach ache at all! Author-illustrator Hyewon Yum shows that sometimes a little bravery and a lot of patience are all you need to face your fear.
9. The Whatifs – Emily Kilgore & Zoe Persico
The Whatifs are sneaky little creatures that make Cora worry about every little thing. Like what if my crayon breaks or what if my dog runs away?
In this story, Cora is plagued with the Whatif worries when her best friend Stella reminds her that not all Whatifs are negative, and that she has the power to turn them around, even when she hits the wrong note. This picture book is a perfect way to reassure our young learners that they can thrive even when the Whatifs loom!
10. Brave Every Day – Patrice Barton
Camila just wants to hide. It’s what she does best when she worries. She worries a lot … the what ifs … I can’t and I’m scared!
When a class trip to the aquarium is organized, Camila worries pile up like never before, but when an anxious classmate asks for help Camila discovers she is stronger than she thinks.
From social-emotional learning expert Trudy Ludwig and award-winning picture book illustrator Patrice Barton (co-creators of The Invisible Boy) this story will encourage readers to face their own fears.
11. Wilma Jean the Worry Machines- Julia Cook & Anita Dufalla
Wilma Jean worries so much she wakes up feeling ill, with so many scenarios spitting out of her head! This book will help students with fears and anxieties know that they are not alone! Luckily for Wilma Jean, she shares her worries with the adults in her life who care for her and they provide her with some strategies she can use to manage those fears and anxieties. From dividing things into what she can and can’t control to picking a “worry hat” that she can take on and off as a reminder that she can leave her worries behind.
12. The Worry Box – Suzanne Chiew
This is a fantastic book for little ones who struggle with anxiety or feel nervous about trying something new. Murray Bear has lots of worries, and the what-ifs take over sometimes! What if the waterfall is too loud? He’s worried he’s not good at climbing.
What if his friends laugh at him? Luckily, his sister Milly introduces him to the idea of a Worry Box—a special place where he can put all his worries. But will it actually help? You’ll have to read to find out! 😉
13. Me and My Fear by Frencesca Sanna
This empowering story is about a little girl who has a tiny friend called Fear that grows bigger when the little girl’s family move to a new country. With every uncertainty and confusion, Fear gets bigger and bigger and even tries to get her to change the way she views the world. Luckily, the little girl sees past Fear and finds a friend. By talking about her fear, she was able to see everyone has fear and that talking about it helps overcome them.
14. When Worry Takes Hold – Liz Haske & InSong Nam
Worry has a way of sneaking into Maya’s mind, growing bigger and bigger until it overshadows everything she does. This beautifully written story uses a powerful metaphor to show how worry can feel all-consuming—but also how it can be managed. Maya learns belly breathing and discovers she can summon Courage to help her face her fears. A wonderful book for introducing mindfulness strategies and empowering children to take control of their worries.
15. After the Fall – Dan Santat
In this inventive nursery rhyme remix, we get to find out about Humpty Dumpty’s life after the fall. It speaks of Humptey’s fear of heights and how he overcomes his fear and the exhilaration that comes of mastering it.
16. Hey Warrior – Karen Young
This book is geared towards 5 -12 year olds and explains what anxiety is, where it comes from, why it feels the way it does and where the physical symptoms come from. Being able to understand anxiety is a powerful step in empowering children!
17. Don’t Worry Little Crab – Chris Haughton
Very Big Crab and Little Crab live in a rock pool above the sea. Today they decide to go for a dip in the sea and Little Crab is excited. However, Little Crab is a little apprehensive about getting in. With the help of Very Big Crab, Little Crab takes his time to build the courage to try something new.
The Lasting Impact of Story Books About Anxiety on Children’s Emotional Well-Being
Storybooks have an incredible way of helping children navigate big emotions. Through relatable characters and empowering narratives, they offer reassurance, comfort, and practical strategies for managing worries.
By using these books in our classrooms, we create a safe space where children feel seen. This will encourage them to face their fears. Illustrations make these messages even more powerful, helping young learners connect with emotions in a natural, engaging way.”
The magic of a good story goes far beyond the pages. It can spark conversations, build resilience, and remind kids that they are capable of overcoming their worries. Let’s continue using the power of books to help our students find comfort.
Further Reading:
💙 Dealing with Anxiety & Worry: 15 Effective Ways to Help Preschoolers Thrive
💜 11 Favourite Social emotional Preschool Books to Support Social- Emotional Learning
💚 How to Build a Strong Emotional Foundation by Teaching Preschoolers Emotions
