Children's Books About... Feeling Afraid or Anxious

These books are on the shelves of the Dorothy Henry Branch in Vernon, NJ. It will be updated as frequently as possible to ensure that the titles offered are either still on the shelves, or in some cases, up to date.

Updated February 24, 2025
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The shark report /
Anderson, Derek,
Paper Book
Mr. Fitzgerald said sharks like to circle their food while they decide if it looks tasty. I must have left my scooter in the yard. The shark started riding it around our house. And around. And around. On his third time around, I knew. He was circling me....
The Great Zapfino
Barnett, Mac
Paper Book
From two bestselling and beloved creators comes a sweet and inspiring picture book about a runaway circus performer who learns to face his fears and follow his heart. When The Great Zapfino climbs to the top of the circus platform, all eyes are on him, waiting for his incredible...
A polar bear in the snow
Barnett, Mac
Paper Book
A majestic polar bear heads out on a mysterious walk in a dazzling, playful collaboration from an exciting pair of picture-book creators. Follow a magnificent polar bear through a fantastic world of snow and shockingly blue sea. Over the ice, through the water, past Arctic...
Lila Greer, teacher of the year /
Beaty, Andrea.
Paper Book
From the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of Ada Twist, Scientist and Rosie Revere, Engineer comes the story of the very first Questioneer: Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year! This moving picture book about an anxious girl's arrival at a new school celebrates...
Dr. Seuss's Horton hears a boo! /
Bradford, Wade.
Paper Book
Join Dr. Seuss's beloved character Horton the elephant and friends on a Halloween adventure as they try to overcome their fears and find the source of a spooky sound! In the Jungle of Nool, near the Glowbug Lagoon, In the hush of the night, 'neath the October moon,...
Love, Mama /
Bradley, Jeanette
Paper Book
With a heartwarming story and tender illustrations, Jeanette Bradley's debut picture book Love, Mama is perfect for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and any day when a child needs a reminder of the strength of a mother's love. When Mama leaves her young penguin Kipling, he knows...
Just like Millie /
Castillo, Lauren,
Paper Book
In a gentle story from Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo, a shy young girl finds exploring her new city and making friends overwhelming--until a rescue dog helps her uncover the bravery that was always in her. A young girl and her mother move to an apartment in a new city....
Ramona the brave.
Cleary, Beverly
Paper Book
Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary lovingly chronicles the ups and downs of elementary school woes. This is perfect for fans of Clementine.  For a girl as enthusiastic about life as Ramona, starting the first grade should be easy! But with a teacher who doesn't understand her...
The worry monster :
Cook-Cottone, Catherine P.,
Paper Book
Give kids tools to calm their inner worry monster with this interactive, vibrantly illustrated book! Tried-and-true methods from a child pscyhologist will have little ones mindfully breathing, practicing gratitude, and gracefully surfing their worry waves. "We all have a worry...
Lawrence & Sophia /
Cronin, Doreen.
Paper Book
By the author of Click, Clack, Moo and the illustrator of The Lost House, here is an utterly endearing story about venturing out of your comfort zone and overcoming anxiety to help a friend. Lawrence stays close to home because "out there" is too big and loud....
Llama Llama misses Mama /
Dewdney, Anna.
Paper Book
Strange new teacher. Strange new toys. Lots of kids and lots of noise! What would Llama like to do? Llama Llama feels so new . . . It's Llama Llama's first day of preschool! And Llama Llama's mama makes sure he's ready. They meet the teachers. See the...
Francine Poulet meets the ghost raccoon /
DiCamillo, Kate
Paper Book
Deckawoo Drive's intrepid animal control officer meets her match--or does she? A funny, heartfelt, and fast-paced romp from Kate DiCamillo. Francine Poulet is the greatest animal control officer in Gizzford County. She hails from a long line of animal control officers. She's...
Franklin Endicott and the third key
DiCamillo, Kate
Paper Book
The latest tale from Deckawoo Drive--and New York Times best-selling creators Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen--is a balm for young worrywarts facing the unknown. Welcome back to Deckawoo Drive for a sixth endearing installment in the companion series to Kate DiCamillo's...
Houdini and me /
Gutman, Dan
Paper Book
Harry has always admired the famous escape artist Houdini. And when Houdini asks for help in coming back to life, it seems like an amazing chance...or could it be Houdini's greatest trick of all? Eleven-year-old Harry Mancini is NOT Harry Houdini--the famous escape artist who...
Mrs. Barr has gone too far! /
Gutman, Dan
Paper Book
"After noticing that A.J. and his friends geography knowledge could use some work, Mr. Cooper invites to class just the person to help. Globetrotter Mrs. Barr speaks seven languages and has visited nearly two hundred countries! But why does she carry a suitcase everywhere she goes? And why does she...
Don't worry, little crab /
Haughton, Chris,
Paper Book
From the award-winning creator of Shh! We Have a Plan comes a vibrantly colorful story about mustering the courage to try something new. Little Crab and Very Big Crab live in a tiny rock pool near the sea. Today they're going for a dip in the big ocean. "This is going to...
Something's wrong! :
John, Jory.
Paper Book
A hilarious picture book from #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Bad Seed, Jory John, paired with the #1 New York Times-bestselling illustrator of Buffalo Fluffalo, Erin Kraan, about a bear whose friends help him make it through a bad day!
Help! :
Keller, Holly
Paper Book
Mouse, Hedgehog, Rabbit, Squirrel, and Snake are friends. But one day Mouse hears from Skunk (who heard it from Fox) that snakes are dangerous, especially to mice. Oh, dear! Can friendship survive gossip Should friends stick together, no matter what And what do friends do when a...
Drawing Deena /
Khan, Hena.
Paper Book
From the award-winning author of Amina's Voice and Amina's Song comes a "nuanced and quietly powerful" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) middle grade novel about a young Pakistani American artist determined to manage her anxiety and forge her own creative path.
The skull :
Klassen, Jon
Paper Book
A #1 New York Times bestseller! A Kirkus Book Prize Finalist! A New York Times Best Children's Chapter Book the Year A Wall Street Journal Best Children's Book of the Year Caldecott Medalist and New York Times best-selling author...
Horrible Harry on the ropes /
Kline, Suzy
Paper Book
Normally, Harry loves gym class, and is better than the rest of Room 3B at just about every activity. But he's dreading the newest challenge'the climbing rope'especially since Sid is great at it. At first, Harry isn't even willing to try out the rope. But when a special valentine that Song Lee makes...
The haunting /
Lasky, Kathryn
Paper Book
Newbery Honor-winning Kathryn Lasky, author of the bestselling Guardians of Ga'Hoole and Bears of Ice series, delivers a sweeping middle grade animal adventure with loyal beavers, a cultured swan, and ominous lynxes around every turn--a captivating story about heroism, loyalty, and the courage to...
Alvin Ho allergic to girls, school, and other scary things /
Look, Lenore.
Paper Book
Here's the first book in the beloved and hilarious Alvin Ho chapter book series, which has been compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid and is perfect for both beginning and reluctant readers. Alvin, an Asian American second grader, is afraid of everything--elevators, tunnels, girls,...
Karen's school picture
Martin, Ann M.,
Paper Book
Another graphic novel in this fun series spin-off of The Baby-sitters Club, featuring Kristy's little stepsister! Karen has to get glasses! She doesn't want them, especially because school pictures are going to be taken soon. But she picks out some pretty pink ones and thinks she looks...
The Baby-sitters Club :
Crenshaw, Ellen T.,
Paper Book
A Baby-sitters Club graphic novel adapted by National Book Award longlister and Eisner-nominated cartoonist Ellen T. Crenshaw! Stacey is so excited! Her friends from The Baby-sitters Club are coming to New York City for a long weekend. It's going to be perfect -- a party and a sleepover on...
Stink and the hairy, scary spider /
McDonald, Megan
Paper Book
Stink's spider phobia spurs his sister, Judy, and friend Webster to try some desensitization techniques--until a real-life encounter takes them by surprise--in a hilarious episode offering a bonus origami activity. Creepy! Crawly! Criminy! Everyone knows that Stink is...
The lurking lima bean /
McGee, Joe,
Paper Book
In this second installment in the spooky and silly series that's perfect for fans of Goosebumps and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, a girl's dinner comes back to haunt her! Wolver Hollow is not a normal town. The adults are too busy shuffling off to work at the old...
The not-so-itsy-bitsy spider /
McGee, Joe,
Paper Book
In this third installment in the spooky and silly series that's perfect for fans of Goosebumps and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, two kids home alone face off against a giant spider! Wolver Hollow is not a normal town. The adults are too busy shuffling off to work at the old...
Julia Gillian (and the art of knowing) /
McGhee, Alison,
Paper Book
Ten-year-old Julia Gillian is a girl of many accomplishments. Among others, she is skilled in the Art of Knowing--about her quirky neighbours, her Minneapolis neighbourhood, even the inscrutable "claw machine" in the back of the corner hardware store. Unfortunately, the one skill Julia Gillian doesn...
Loud Mouse
Menzel, Idina/ Mentzel, Cara/ Sinquett, Jaclyn (ILT)
Paper Book
Dee loves to sing. She sings during her morning yoga. She even sings while practicing her maths facts. She usually sings to herself. But when her teacher asks everyone to share something with the class, Dee knows just what to bring: a song. And as Dee sings la, la, la, la, LOUDly in front of her...
The invisible bear
Metzger, Cécile
Paper Book
A simple act of kindness brings two unlikely friends together in this profound picture book about the transformative power of friendship. A bear sits in his quiet, colorless home in a forgotten place. He feels invisible; no one comes to see him, and he spends his days alone.
I'm not scared, you're scared! /
Meyers, Seth,
Paper Book
From the incomparable host of "Late Night with Seth Meyers" comes a hilarious new picture book. When you're a bear who is easily scared, it's hard to have friends. Fortunately, Bear has one: Rabbit, who is very brave. One day, Rabbit urges Bear to face his fears and...
Small Stanley's big list of scary stuff /
Morgan, Angie
Paper Book
A funny, reassuring picture book about how to deal with worries--perfect for sharing. Small Stanley would like to be brave and fearless like a superhero. There's just one problem, though--some things make Stanley feel scared... "Write a list of all the things that scare you,"...
Olivia wrapped in vines /
Nepveu-Villeneuve, Maude,
Paper Book
★"Scenes are evocative and provide endless opportunities for discussion with young children. This book is ideal for all libraries as a non-threatening and productive story that can give hope to children who feel like Olivia."--SLJ, starred review The world is a really big place for...
Hattie Harmony :
Olsen, Elizabeth,
Paper Book
In this sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling Hattie Harmony- Worry Detective by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett, Hattie shares new tools for managing anxiety, just in time for opening night of the school play. It's opening night of the school play and there...
Camp prodigy /
Palmer, Caroline
Paper Book
Perfect for fans of Victoria Jamieson and Raina Telgemeier, this heartwarming middle grade graphic novel follows two nonbinary kids who navigate anxiety and identity while having fun and forming friendships at their summer orchestra camp. After attending an incredible concert,...
Junie B. Jones has a monster under her bed /
Park, Barbara
Paper Book
Meet the World's Funniest Kindergartner-Junie B. Jones! With over 50 million books in print, Barbara Park's New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing-and reading-for over 20 years! In the 8th Junie B...
Junie B. Jones has a peep in her pocket /
Park, Barbara.
Paper Book
"Hilarious. Barbara Park makes reading fun." --Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man   Visit the farm with the world's funniest Kindergartener--Junie B. Jones! This #1 New York Times bestselling chapter book series has been keeping kids laughing--and...
Junie B., first grader :
Park, Barbara
Paper Book
"Hilarious. Barbara Park makes reading fun." --Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man Carve out family time for this Halloween read with the World's Funniest First Grader--Junie B. Jones! It's Halloween! But Junie B. is afraid to go trick-or-treating. 'Cause...
The Kissing Hand /
Penn, Audrey,
Paper Book
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming...
Jumpy Jack & Googily /
Rosoff, Meg,
Paper Book
Meet Jumpy Jack, a very nervous snail who's afraid of monsters, and Googily, whoisa--well, who is a very good friend, indeed. Wherever they go, Googily kindly checks high and low just to make sure there are no scary monsters about. But as every child knows, monsters come in many shapes and...
The Ickabog /
Rowling, J. K.
Paper Book
From J.K. Rowling, a warm, fast-paced, funny fairy tale of a fearsome monster, thrilling adventure, and hope against all odds. Once upon a time there was a tiny kingdom called Cornucopia, as rich in happiness as it was in gold, and famous for its food. From the delicate cream cheeses of Kurdsburg...
Henry and Mudge and Annie's good move :
Rylant, Cynthia,
Paper Book
In Henry and Mudge's eighteenth adventure, Henry's cousin Annie is moving -- right next door to Henry! Annie likes Henry and Mudge, but she's nervous about leaving her friends, and about changing schools, and about what might happen to her things on the moving truck. She's so nervous she's broken...
Ruby's tools for making friends /
Stott, Apryl,
Paper Book
A little fox uses tools to overcome anxiety and make friends at her new school in this heartfelt picture book from the creator of the New York Times bestseller Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light! It's Ruby the fox's first day at a new school. She's a little...
Salat in secret /
Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah,
Paper Book
From the critically acclaimed author of Your Name Is a Song and the bestselling illustrator of The Proudest Blue comes a story about a Muslim boy who receives a salat (prayer) rug on his seventh birthday and becomes empowered about his faith. In this beautiful story...
Molly saves the day : a summer story
Tripp, Valerie,
Paper Book
Molly conquers her fear of swimming underwater when she and the other campers at Camp Gowonagin divide into two teams to play Color War.
Scaredy Squirrel at night
Watt, Mélanie
Paper Book
Scaredy never sleeps --- sleep might mean bad dreams about dragons, ghosts, vampire bats and polka-dot monsters. Our wide-eyed hero has a plan: stay awake all night, every night. Between counting stars, playing cymbals and making scrapbooks, he does a good job of avoiding dreamland. ...
Scaredy Squirrel /
Watt, Mâelanie,
Paper Book
Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids...
Yoko's world of kindness :
Wells, Rosemary
Paper Book
Wells combines six tales into one nicely priced volume in this indispensable book for elementary school children. Here are stories that make school a little easier: stories about learning skills and building confidence; about teasing and differences; and about making and keeping friends. A unique...
Mama, don't go!
Wells, Rosemary.
Paper Book
Yoko simply can't wait for her first day of school. She wants to make new friends, feed the goldfish, and string a necklace of colored beads. But Yoko doesn't want Mama to leave! What is she never returns?
The pigeon has to go to school! /
Willems, Mo.
Paper Book
Mo Willems, #1 New York Times best-selling creator and three-time Caldecott Honoree, presents everyone's favorite Pigeon trying to escape . . . SCHOOL.   Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn't like it? What if the...
Sam, the most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world /
Willems, Mo.
Paper Book
A TERRIFICALLY TERRIFYING TALE! Sam is afraid of anything and everything-except for his friend Leonardo, the terrible monster. Kerry is afraid of everything and anything-except for her friend Frankenthaler, the other monster. ...
What about worms!? /
Willems, Mo.
Paper Book
A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor award winner! From #1 New York Times best-selling author Ryan T. Higgins comes What About Worms!? Tiger is BIG. Tiger is BRAVE. And Tiger is NOT afraid of anything ... except WORMS! Are Tiger's worm worries worse than worms?
Bear feels scared /
Wilson, Karma.
Paper Book
Bad weather frightens Bear, but his woodland friends are there to help him in this sweet, reassuring Bear story from bestselling duo Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman! In the deep, dark woods by the Strawberry Vale, a big bear lumbers down a...
The year we learned to fly /
Woodson, Jacqueline
Paper Book
Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López's highly anticipated companion to their #1 New York Times bestseller The Day You Begin illuminates the power in each of us to face challenges with confidence. On a dreary, stuck-inside kind of day, a brother and sister heed their...

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