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 18, 2025
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Way past worried /
Adelman, Hallee,
Paper Book
Sometimes being worried can keep you from having fun. Brock is worried. Way past worried, with his heart thumping and his mind racing. Today is his friend Juan's superhero party and he's going all by himself. What if nobody plays with him? What if everyone...
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...
Lola's heart /
Boiger, Alexandra,
Paper Book
A gorgeous wordless picture book about the power of love to overcome fear by the #1 New York Times bestselling artist of the She Persisted series In this stunning picture book, Lola heads out into the world with a dream in her heart and the love of her family and friends...
Franklin in the dark /
Bourgeois, Paulette
Paper Book
This larger-format special collectible edition of the first Franklin book celebrates the 25th anniversary of the world's most beloved turtle. Includes never-before-seen archival material and personal letters from the author and illustrator that offers a fun behind-the-scenes peek at this Canadian...
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
"Francine Poulet will wrangle readers' hearts along with rascally wildlife in this standout early chapter book." -- Booklist (starred review) Francine Poulet is the greatest animal control officer in Gizzford County, hailing from a long line of animal control...
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...
Chicken chickens /
Gorbachev, Valeri,
Paper Book
These chickens aren't so chicken! When Mother Hen takes her little chickens to the playground for the first time, they feel a little timid. It's crowded and exciting--but also a little scary. As they watch the big dogs, cats, and pigs play on the seesaws, merry-go-round, and...
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
With more than 30 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! In this ninth book in the My Weirder-est School arc, A.J. and his friends learn some new, exciting facts about geography from a world traveler. No need to pack your bags for this trip! ...
Wolfboy is scared
Harkness, Andy
Paper Book
Wolfboy shows readers it's okay to be a little bit scared in this hilarious story that's perfect for fans of I'm Not Scared, You're Scared! The only way for Wolfboy to get home before moonset is by sneaking through the Grumble Monster's lair. This is...
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...
This is not a drill /
Holt, K. A.
Paper Book
The first rule of lockdown: Find a safe place to hide. Ava is having a really bad day. Her parents are getting divorced. She just had a big argument with her two best friends. And she forgot to charge her phone... again. To top it all off, while she is hiding out in the bathroom...
Something's wrong! :
John, Jory.
Paper Book
Jeff the bear has definitely forgotten something. He ate his breakfast, he watered his plant, he combed his fur . . . what could it be? Why does he feel so oddly off? So he asks his friend Anders the rabbit what could possibly be wrong. It couldn't have anything to do with the fact that he's wearing...
Help! :
Keller, Holly
Paper Book
Mouse and Snake used to be friends. But then Mouse heard a rumor: mice and snakes can't possibly be friends because snakes are dangerous to mice! Eeek! While Mouse is running away from Snake, he falls down a hole. A deep, dark hole. Mouse is stuck. Who will help Mouse get out Not Squirrel, not...
Shona Finds Her Voice
Kessler, Liz/ Stone, Joanie (ILT)
Paper Book
With her best friend's help, can mermaid Shona get up the nerve to share her singing talents at school? A new reader for younger fans based on the New York Times best-selling Emily Windsnap novels. Emily Windsnap's best friend, Shona Silkfin, is a mermaid who loves...
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 : A Tyrolean Folktale
Klassen, Jon
Digital file
Horrible Harry on the ropes
Kline, Suzy.
Paper Book
Harry loves gym class-except for climbing rope. He's just too afraid of heights. But then a special valentine that Song Lee made for Harry goes missing. Now Harry must climb the rope in order to prove who took the valentine. But will he be able to overcome his fear? Or will Harry's Valentine's Day...
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...
Let the monster out /
Lucas, Chad,
Paper Book
Chad Lucas's Let the Monster Out is an equal parts heart-pounding and heartfelt middle-grade mystery about facing--and accepting--your fears, perfect for fans of Stranger Things and The Parker Inheritance. Bones Malone feels like he can't do...
Brave every day /
Ludwig, Trudy.
Paper Book
From social-emotional learning expert Trudy Ludwig and award-winning picture book illustrator Patrice Barton (co-creators of The Invisible Boy) comes a story about managing anxiety and finding the courage to stand up for yourself and others. Most kids love hide-and-seek,...
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...
Stacey's mistake
Martin, Ann M.,
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
"Hand this to fans of the Stink series or any spider-loving early reader." --School Library Journal Creepy! Crawly! Criminy! Everyone knows that Stink is bonkers about most scientific things. But there's one exception: dangle a spider in front of him and he goes...
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...
I am not an octopus /
McLaughlin, Eoin,
Paper Book
Can a scaredy octopus in denial embrace his true identity? A goofy octopod finally dares to take the plunge--and dip his tentacles into the water he fears. Terry is definitely not an octopus. He's just a regular guy who happens to have a few extra limbs and a love of canned tuna....
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...
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...
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
"Hilarious. Barbara Park makes reading fun." --Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man   Barbara Park's #1 New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, has been keeping kids laughing--and reading--for more than twenty-five years. Over 65 million...
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...
Why are we afraid? /
Pintadera, Fran,
Paper Book
From the creators of the highly acclaimed Why Do We Cry? comes this poignant, evocative exploration of the many reasons we feel fear. After a clap of thunder, the lights in Max's house go out. Max's father lights a candle, and Max asks, 'Dad, have you ever been afraid?' His father says everyone is...
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...
Flying lessons /
Runton, Andy.
Paper Book
Facing fears can be scary... Owly and Wormy love making new friends, and when they spot an unfamiliar animal flying through the trees, they can't wait to meet her! Unfortunately, Shadow the flying squirrel doesn't want to be friends with Owly because she's afraid of him. Wormy tries to...
Owly :
Runton, Andy.
Paper Book
Owly, the little owl with a heart of gold, returns for another forest adventure in this Eisner-winning series about friendship! For Owly and Wormy, nothing beats the power of friendship! But fear can be a powerful force, too. There's a new visitor to the forest, an opossum who's misunderstood...
Mary McScary /
Stine, R. L.
Paper Book
BEWARE OF MARY MCSCARY, a fearless, fierce and funny new picture book heroine on a mission to scare her cousin Harry, from beloved, best-selling children's book icons, RL Stine and Marc Brown. A Barnes and Noble Halloween National Storytime pick! Meet Mary McScary. Mary likes to be...
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...
Dear student
Swartz, Elly D.
Paper Book
When Autumn becomes the secret voice of the advice column in her middle school newspaper, she is faced with a dilemma-can she give fair advice to everyone, including her friends, while keeping her identity a secret? Starting middle school is rough for Autumn after her one and...
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...
Everyone is welcome /
Truong, Phuong,
Paper Book
A little girl hears that her grandma's friend, Mrs. Lee, was pushed on her way to the Asian market. Then she learns that Asian students at her brother's school are afraid to walk to class, and she realizes something very wrong is happening to her community. How can life be so unfair? With her mom...
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...
Love waves /
Wells, Rosemary
Paper Book
How to comfort a young child who misses a special person when he or she is away? A treasured picturebook creator has the perfect solution. Love Waves are what we send to our loved ones until we can be together again. Invisible and strong, they can fly across town or around the...
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?
We're going on a pumpkin hunt /
Wilcox, Mary Hogan,
Paper Book
The perfect Halloween read for trick-or-treators of all ages. Best-selling illustrator Lynn Munsinger puts pumpkins and autumn center stage in this rollicking take on the classic song, We're Going on a Bear Hunt. A spooky nighttime hunt for the biggest pumpkin...
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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