Worrying is something that we all do to some extent or another. However, it would seem that some of us are more prone to worrying than others. I think that I lean on this end of the spectrum. Sometimes I am so envious of my husband and his care free, let it come attitude as opposed to my prepare-for-all-outcomes attitude. Worrying can even reach the point where it keeps us from doing what we love and keeps us from trying new things and children are no exception. Below is a list of books that I think are real gems that, in my opinion, would be great tools for discussing worry (and how to mange it) with children. I am no psychologist, just a passionate reader who thinks these will be great for starting discussions with children and addressing “worry” in general. They range form more serious and poignant to silly and fun. Check them out and I hope you love them too!
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“The Worry Box” by Suzanne Chiew and Sean Julian- Little bear wants to go to the waterfall with his big sister, but he has so many worries about it. That is when his sister shares her “worry box with him.” She teaches him that he can write his worries down and put them inside to help him enjoy life without them. I love this book and I love this strategy idea!
“My Magic Breath: Finding Calm through Mindful Breathing” by Nick Ortner, Alison Taylor and Michelle Polizzi- I cannot rave enough about this book! It introduces the power of “calm and mindful” breathing to kids with an emphasis on clearing your mind from worry and pushing away concerns to be calm and/or prepare for sleep. The text coaches you though a simple exercise of trying it out and the illustrations are so perfect for depicting the abstract elements of this strategy.
“What To Do With a Problem” by Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom- In this book the nature of the problem that the boy is experiencing exemplifies many different characteristics of fear and anxiety in my opinion. In the beginning he avoids it and tries to ignore it, but it just gets bigger and bigger. He learns that he needs to face his problems head on and when he does he finds the silver lining and things work out. I think it is a great one for worriers as well as growth mindset.
“Don’t Think About Purple Elephants” by Susanne Merritt and Gwynneth Jones- This story is all about a child who worries a lot, particularly at night when she has plenty of time to think. She learns the strategy that filling her mind, even with something as silly as purple elephants, can keep it engaged and too busy to worry. Such a cute one.
“After the Fall” by Dan Santat- I ADORE this book! It tells the story of Humpty Dumpty and how after he falls off the wall his fear of falling starts to disrupt his life. He can’t go back up to his favorite perch to bird watch and he can’t even climb ladders at the grocery store. His fear of falling is too strong until one day he decides to face his fear and comes out victorious and empowered.
“Wemberly Worried” by Kevin Henkes- This story is about a little mouse named Wemberly who worries a lot about just about everything. Despite others telling her not to worry and things turning out okay. The comfort in this story comes in the end when she finds someone just like her and learns that she is not alone. I also like that she has a lovey that calms her like so many children do.
“Me and My Fear”by Francesca Sanna- This story beautiful!! It is about a young immigrant child who is faced with so many fears as she is transitioning to a whole new life and a whole new culture. Her fear is depicted as a large, white, friendly creature. However, it is keeping her back from trying new things. In the story she learns how to reduce her fears to enjoy trying new things as well as discovers that everyone else has a little bit of fear too and that she isn’t alone.
“Scaredy Squirrel” by Mélanie Watt- This book is a humorous one that isn’t to be taken too seriously and is great for kids who can use a good laugh and lightening up when it comes to worries. It tells the story of a squirrel who is so worried about absolutely everything that he never ever leaves his tree and tries to be prepared for any and all horrible possibilities that may arise. One day, when he is forced to leave his tree, things don’t happen quite as he expected. This one is pure silly fun.
“Belly Breathe” by Leslie Kimmelman and Lindsey Dale-Scott- I LOVE THIS BOOK! It’s a board book that teaches young children the art of “belly breathing” in a simple and clear way. The illustrations are so darling and helpful and it is such a handy little book. Perfect to teach kids tis wonderful “calm down” strategy and chase worries away.
“I’m Worried” by Michael Ian Black and Debbie Ridpath Ohi- In this story potato is anxious about the future because he realizes that something bad could happen. With a little help from his friends he learns that worrying about the future is unproductive and that the best we can do is try to enjoy the present. It has a playful and sweet delivery and is great for starting discussions.
“Brave Molly” by Brooke Boynton-Hughes- In this story a young girl is afraid of socializing with other children and her fear is represented as an ominous shadow lurking nearby. She tries to run and even hide from her fear, but the more she runs the more it grows and multiplies until things finally take a turn when our protagonist decides that she has had enough and turns around to face her fears and take a stand. It is awesome! It is one that I would recommend for older kids, or guiding younger children through because the metaphor of the dark shadows chasing her can possibly be confusing and even spooky for young kids. However, it is incredible one that I love and heartily recommend.
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