Difficult Topics for Kids: Anxiety and Mental Health

Sometimes we have to learn about difficult things like anxiety and mental health. This list of books can help us start the conversation.

Updated October 28, 2025
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Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
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Malik's number thoughts : a story about OCD
Rompella, Natalie
Paper Book
A determined boy learns to manage his OCD. Malik's obsessive-compulsive disorder means his brain wants him to do everything on the count of four. When he's invited to a mini golf birthday party, Malik is excited. But he worries about his Number Thoughts. If he has to take four tries...
Missing Momma
Bingham, Winsome
Paper Book
A tender picture book about a veteran's PTSD and a family's love for each other--on good days and hard days--from award-winning creators Winsome Bingham and Rahele Jomepour Bell Momma wears combat boots, a camouflage jacket, and a U.S. ARMY tag on her chest. She is a fighter...
Pocket full of sads
Davidson, Bradley Justin
Paper Book
A uniquely humorous approach to sadness, this picture book helps kids understand this big, heavy feeling while encouraging mindfulness and exploring what it means to be a good friend. Rabbit is SO excited to go fishing with Bear. But Bear's not feeling up to it. . . ....
After the fall : how Humpty Dumpty got back up again
Santat, Dan
Paper Book
An inspirational gift about bravery and pursuing your dreams! After the Fall is an affirming story of triumph and overcoming fears, told through a clever twist on the beloved classic Humpty Dumpty. From the New York Times-bestselling creator of...

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