“Growing Up Brave: 9 Best Children’s Books about Anxiety and Self-Assurance”

Discover the best children’s book about anxiety in this article. As parents, caregivers, and educators, one of our primary responsibilities is to equip children with the emotional tools they need to navigate life’s challenges confidently. Anxiety is a common emotion experienced by many children, and addressing it early on can lay the foundation for a lifetime of resilience. One powerful way to do this is through the magic of storytelling, as children’s books have a unique ability to communicate complex emotions in an approachable and engaging manner. In this article, we’ll explore the best children’s books that tackle anxiety and promote self-assurance, helping young readers grow up brave.

How Big Are Your Worries, Little Bear?

“How Big Are Your Worries Little Bear?” is a heartwarming children’s book that takes young readers on a journey with Little Bear as he confronts his worries. Authored by Jayneen Sanders and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman, this charming tale provides a relatable and gentle approach to understanding anxiety. Through the endearing character of Little Bear, children learn that it’s okay to have worries and that they can express their feelings to find comfort and support.

The book encourages kids to communicate openly about their anxieties and helps them recognize that their worries can become more manageable when shared with others. This story provides valuable reassurance and empowers children to develop coping skills, fostering resilience as they face their fears and uncertainties with newfound courage.

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 Hey Warrior!

“Hey Warrior!” is a wonderful children’s book designed to help kids face anxiety with courage and understanding. Through its captivating narrative and vivid illustrations, the book introduces children to the concept of anxiety as a friendly and protective warrior within them. It explains how this warrior can sometimes become overprotective and trigger anxious feelings. 

By personifying anxiety in a relatable way, the book empowers children to recognize and manage their anxious thoughts and emotions. It offers practical tools and coping strategies, encouraging young readers to view anxiety as a companion that can be tamed and controlled. “Hey Warrior!” nurtures a sense of self-assurance, instilling in kids the confidence to face their fears and worries head-on, ultimately helping them navigate life’s challenges with bravery and resilience.

“What to Do When You Worry Too Much”

Designed as an interactive self-help book, “What to Do When You Worry Too Much” offers children practical strategies to manage their anxious thoughts. Through colorful illustrations and easy-to-follow exercises, young readers learn how to identify worries, challenge negative thinking, and build their self-assurance step by step. This book serves as an excellent resource for parents and educators alike to foster open discussions about anxiety and coping mechanisms.

“Ruby Finds a Worry”

“Ruby Finds a Worry” delicately explores the experience of carrying a constant worry and how it affects a young girl named Ruby. The book gently shows children that it’s okay to talk about their anxieties and that sometimes sharing them can make the burden feel lighter. With its heartfelt narrative and beautiful illustrations, this story encourages children to embrace empathy and support each other in their journey towards bravery.

The Huge Bag of Worries 

“The Huge Bag of Worries” is a heartwarming children’s book that addresses the topic of anxiety in a simple and relatable way. The story revolves around a little girl named Jenny, who carries a big bag full of worries wherever she goes. As the tale unfolds, Jenny learns the importance of sharing her worries with someone she trusts. This book helps kids face anxiety by showing them that it’s okay to talk about their fears and concerns. By sharing their worries, children can begin to feel lighter and less burdened by their anxieties. Through the gentle narrative, young readers discover the power of communication and the comfort that comes from knowing they are not alone in their feelings. “The Huge Bag of Worries” offers a valuable lesson in coping with anxiety and emphasizes the importance of seeking support from loved ones when facing challenging emotions.

I’m Calm

“I’m CALM” is a wonderful children’s book designed to support kids in facing anxiety with confidence. Through its engaging and relatable story, young readers will embark on a journey with the main character, Alex, as they learn effective strategies to manage anxious feelings. The book gently introduces children to practical tools like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and visualization, empowering them to regain a sense of calm during challenging moments. 

With colorful illustrations and a reassuring tone, “I’m CALM” provides a safe space for children to explore their emotions and develop essential coping skills that will serve them well as they navigate through life. This book acts as a valuable resource for parents, caregivers, and educators alike, fostering open conversations about anxiety and offering a comforting guide for kids to build resilience and embrace a stronger, more confident outlook on life.

 It’s Okay to Make Mistakes 

“It’s Okay to Make Mistakes” is a delightful children’s book that embraces the idea of learning and growing from our errors. Through colorful illustrations and a gentle narrative, the book reassures kids that making mistakes is a natural part of life and not something to fear. By showcasing various scenarios where mistakes happen, the book teaches children that it’s okay to try new things and not always get them right the first time. This valuable lesson helps kids build resilience and self-assurance, reducing anxiety by encouraging a positive mindset towards challenges. Embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth, young readers can face anxiety with a newfound sense of confidence, knowing that they have the strength to learn from their experiences and continue moving forward in life.

“The Don’t Worry Book”

“The Don’t Worry Book” is a delightful and reassuring read for young children. Todd Parr’s signature colorful and whimsical illustrations accompany simple yet powerful messages about facing fears and worries with courage. This book empowers children to embrace their uniqueness and understand that it’s okay to be anxious sometimes, as long as they remember their inherent strength to overcome challenges.

“Giraffes Can’t Dance”

Although not specifically about anxiety, “Giraffes Can’t Dance” embodies a profound message of self-assurance and embracing individuality. This uplifting tale follows Gerald the giraffe, who learns that with determination and self-belief, he can overcome his insecurities and shine in his own way. Through this beautifully illustrated story, children discover the importance of self-confidence and resilience in the face of adversity.

Learn how to draw Giraffes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of growing up brave is paved with opportunities to understand and manage anxiety while building self-assurance. The aforementioned children’s books serve as invaluable tools to initiate meaningful conversations with young readers about their feelings and emotions. By exploring these stories together, we can equip children with the emotional intelligence and strength needed to face life’s challenges with courage, compassion, and a sense of self-assuredness that will stay with them as they continue to grow and thrive.