Anxiety Books for Kids

I am frequently asked by parents for book recommendations for their children struggling with anxiety.

Picking a kids anxiety book can be a helpful tool in managing anxiety and promoting mental health. Here are some tips on how to choose the right one:

1. Age-appropriate: Make sure the book is appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage. Younger children may benefit from books with simple language and illustrations, while older children may prefer more detailed information and strategies.

2. Personal relevance: Choose a book that relates to your child’s specific anxiety concerns. For example, if your child has social anxiety, a book about making friends and socializing may be more helpful than a book about general anxiety.

3. Evidence-based: Look for books that are evidence-based and written by mental health professionals or experienced therapists. These books are more likely to provide accurate information and effective strategies for managing anxiety.

4. Positive tone: Choose a book that has a positive and empowering tone. A book that emphasizes the child’s strengths and encourages self-compassion and self-care can be more effective than one that focuses solely on anxiety symptoms.

5. Reviews: Check out reviews and recommendations from other parents, mental health professionals, or organizations dedicated to mental health advocacy. These reviews can help you determine if the book is a good fit for your child.

Remember that a book should be used as a supplement to therapy or other mental health treatments, not a replacement. If your child is struggling with anxiety, seeking the help of a mental health professional may be the best course of action.

There are many great Books for Kids with Anxiety out there, here are a few**:

• What to Do when You Worry too Much

  . This is a children’s guide to dealing with their anxiety and is appropriate for younger children (4-12). It teaches them techniques they can use to reduce their worries and anxieties.

• Wemberly Worried.

  
  This is a story of a young mouse with anxiety. Doesn’t teach techniques but is a relatable character for young kids with anxiety and fears.

• Coping Skills Workbook for Kids.

  This is not specific to anxiety, but contains coping techniques for kids for stress, anger, and anxiety.

• Scaredies Away.

  This one teaches a specific technique to reduce fear in kids. It works amazingly well for some kids, and not for others, but it’s worth a try!

• The Anxiety Workbook for Kids.

  This is a workbook that parents can go through with their kids, it uses therapy-based activities and worksheets.

• The Color Monster.

  This is a picture book that uses colors to describe different feelings and emotions. This one is good for younger kids (baby to 6 or 7).

• But What If?

  
  This is a picture book about a girl who is very worried about change. Her grandparent helps her think through her worries.

• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes.

  This book helps kids see that mistakes are ok! Helps kids reduce anxiety about making mistakes and taking chances.

• The Invisible String.

  This is a great children’s book for dealing with separation anxiety and loss. It tells a lovely story about people are connected even when they are apart.

• Breathe Like a Bear.

  This book teaches kids exercises, like breathing techniques, they can do manage stress and anxiety.

  Kids of all ages will enjoy practicing the mindfulness techniques taught in Breathe Like A Bear. The book contains 30 mindfulness breathing techniques kids can apply at home, school, or anywhere else, all illustrated with cute photos to keep kids engaged.

• Outsmarting Worry

  
  Children worry too, but overcoming it as a child requires a different approach than adults or teens. In Outsmarting Worry, kids learn how to build practical techniques to overcome and face worry, broken down in a way that kids can easily understand.

• Help your Dragon Deal with Anxiety

For younger kids, Help Your Dragon Deal With Anxiety for younger kids provides the perfect introduction to managing anxiety in a fun, imaginative format. The book teaches kids how to address and handle anxiety while keeping them entertained with the story of a dragon learning to do it, too.

• Anxiety Relief Workbook for Kids

The Anxiety Relief Workbook for Kids contains tons of fun and interactive exercises to help kids build healthy anxiety coping skills. The illustrated book keeps kids engaged while teaching helpful, proven therapeutic techniques for stress and anxiety.

When selecting your anxiety support book, look for a book that provides support and activities to keep you connected and engaged. Not all people learn the same way, so remember to find a book that speaks to your learning style.

• Hey Awesome: A Book for Kids about Anxiety by Karen Young
  This book explains anxiety in a way that is easy for children to understand and offers practical strategies for managing anxious thoughts.

• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

  This heartwarming story reassures children that their parents’ love is always with them, providing comfort during times of separation or anxiety.

• Ruby Finds a Worry” by Tom Percival

  This picture book tells the story of a girl named Ruby and her growing worry. It illustrates the concept of sharing feelings and seeking support.

**Note, we will receive a small fee if you purchase from these links to Books for Kids with Anxiety, and we will apply those dollars right back into creating more posts and resources for you and your family

Dr. Sean Paul, MD is a child psychiatrist who treats children with anxiety and other mental health issues.