Picture books are a great conversation starter for children who are feeling anxious. Listening to stories about other kids with feelings of anxiety, fear, or worry while sitting side-by-side with a trusted adult can help normalize their feelings and allow them to open up.
Luckily, authors are writing many quality picture books for children about mental health issues these days! We have rounded up 18 of the greatest of the latest for school-aged children - all were published in 2022.
1. Avery G. and the Scary End of School
This is a fantastic book for children who struggle with change. Avery G lists the reasons she is nervous about the last day of school and her parents and teachers come up with a plan. With their help, she is excited about her summer adventures!
Learn more: Amazon
2. Facing Mighty Fears About Health
Dr. Dawn Huebner’s “Mini Books About Mighty Fears” series tackles topics school-aged children might be worried about. In this book, she gives practical tips for the entire family about health worries.
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3. Fear Not!: How to Face Your Fear and Anxiety Head-On
“I’ll tell you the story of beating my fears, so listen up now ‘cause I need you all ears!” The narrator's colorful book discusses strategies that didn't work, such as keeping his fears a secret, and those that did, such as using your senses and deep breathing.
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4. The Fun Thieves
The fun thieves stole all the fun - the tree took her kite and the sun took her snowman. Until the little girl decides to change her thinking and recognize that the tree gives shade and the sun warmed her body. A great book about changing your perspective.
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5. The Grateful Little Cloud
The little cloud is gray when he is sad, but as he remembers things he is grateful for his color returns and his mood turns around. A cute story that reminds children there is always something to be grateful for.
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6. Mindfulness Makes Me Stronger
In this rhyming read-aloud, Nick is worried. His dad teaches him some mindfulness tips such as deep breathing, jumping, and noticing his five senses, and Nick is able to enjoy each day. A cute story that encourages children to live in the present.
Learn more: Amazon
7. My Thoughts Are Cloudy
A short poem about what it feels like to suffer from anxiety and depression. Simple black line illustrations bring the words to life in this great introduction to mental illness. It is unique in that it can be read from front to back or from back to front!
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8. My Words are Powerful
A kindergartener wrote this book of simple, powerful affirmations. The colorful pictures engage children, while the affirmations teach them the power of positive thinking. A great resource for promoting emotional health in children.
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9. Ninja Life Hacks: Self Management Box Set
The Ninja Life Hacks books for kids cover emotions children might feel and how to deal with them in fun, relatable steps. The self-management box set is new this year. Their website and social media are packed with lesson plans and printables!
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10. Sometimes I'm Afraid
Sergio is a preschooler who cries and screams when he is afraid. With his therapist, he learns practical actions that help with his difficult feelings. This educational book is perfect for younger children who struggle with anger and their peers.
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11. Surfing the Waves of Change
This book teaches children about the physical ways stress shows up in their bodies and strategies to help. But there's a twist - it is also an interactive book! Children will be able to think through their individual feelings as they take the time to color each page.
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12. Take a Breath
Bob is an anxious bird who can’t fly like the other birds. In this sweet story, his friend Crow teaches him how to practice deep breathing, and he finds the confidence to keep trying. A great step-by-step guide for learning how to take those deep breaths!
Learn more: Amazon
13. This is the Head That I Have
This book of poetry equates feelings to sights, sounds, and sensations. It normalizes therapy for mental illness with the regular phrase “my therapist says”. It is a great choice for older elementary student who loves art, thinking outside the box, and expressing themselves in creative ways.
Learn more: Amazon
14. This Will Pass
Crue is excited to go on an adventure across the sea with his great uncle Ollie but is worried about all of the dangers they might encounter. With each scary situation, Ollie reminds him that “this will pass” and as it does, Crue learns he can face his fears.
Learn more: Amazon
15. We Grow Together / Crecemos Juntos
This educational book tells three stories of children coping with mental illness in side-by-side English and Spanish pages. The characters navigate anxiety, stress, and depression in a way that is accessible for elementary-age students.
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16. Cape Will I Wear Today?
Kiara Berry uses reassuring language that reminds children to “put on their capes” by saying positive, affirming things to themselves. Diverse characters learn how to earn their capes and are reminded that they can have more than one!
Learn more: Amazon
17. Yes You Can, Cow!
Cow is too scared to jump over the moon in Nursery Rhyme’s performance. With encouragement from her friends, she learns to overcome her fears. This funny book is sure to be a hit with any child who loves nursery rhymes.
Learn more: Amazon
18. Zuri and Anxiety
LaToya Ramsey’s first book centers around Zuri, a girl who has anxiety. She is utilizing her tools in a way that encourages elementary school children to learn along with her.
Learn more: Amazon
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