Anxiety is that feeling of unease, worry, or nervousness, usually about a looming event or something where the outcome is uncertain. It is a feeling that most people experience at least once in their lifetime, but it’s a hard thing to deal with when it happening to you. It’s especially hard for young children to understand or navigate. To help them understand and deal with this confusing and worrisome emotion, we have put together a list of books about anxiety including some with relaxation techniques. So, take a deep breath, and let’s read together.
An anxious rabbit imagines all kinds of scary maybes outside his front door … until he discovers an unexpected world of wonders. Simon is comfortable in his quiet house, surrounded by familiar sounds, smells, and sights. Outside is another story. Outside, he imagines all the awful maybes that could be lurking in the unknown: Bullies! Rattlesnakes! Martians! But when Simon is forced to venture from his home, he sees that not everything is quite what he expected. If the worst thing ever is out there waiting for him, maybe the best thing ever is, too?
This warm and tender story about being yourself–even when you’re sad, anxious, or feeling lonely–reminds readers that human connection is essential, tears can heal, and a new day is always coming. Being Edie is hard today. No one understands. Not her mother. Not her teachers, or the kids at school. If only if she could be an animal! Edie’s imagination may be the perfect escape, but she can’t run from her feelings forever if she’s going to be comfortable in her own skin.
Parents, educators, therapists, and social workers alike have declared The Invisible String the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string. “That’s impossible!” the children insist, but still they want to know more: “What kind of string?” The answer is the simple truth that binds us all: An Invisible String made of love. Even though you can’t see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach? Does it ever go away? This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and opens up deeper conversations about love.
An inspiring picture book affirmation about having courage even in difficult times, because some days, when everything around you seems scary, you have to be brave. Saying goodbye to neighbors. Worrying about new friends. Passing through a big city. Seeing a dark road ahead. In these moments, a young girl feels small and quiet and alone. But when she breathes deeply and looks inside herself, a hidden spark of courage appears, one she can nurture and grow until she glows inside and out.
Todd Parr brings his trademark bright colors and bold lines to his new book about things that might make kids worry—from loud news, to loud neighbors, or a big day at school. With his signature humor and instantly recognizable style, Todd speaks out to kids who are feeling the weight of their world, offering solutions and comfort, as well as giggles.
