Book Reviews: Fear/Worry/Anxiety Helpers

Wemberly Worried

Author: Kevin Henkes
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it was time for school to start. And Wemberly worried even more. If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you.


Why It's On My Bookshelf: Constant worrying is a definite problem. There are children struggling with this which makes me  so thankful for Wemberly Worried and all of it's healing qualities. When I was reading Is a Worry Worrying You? to a group of second graders last year, a few kids raised their hands and said, "Yes, just like Wemberly!" This story has IMPACT. I had never even read Wemberly Worried to the class but the teacher had two copies of it in her book library for her students. I definitely own it now! So through Wemberly I've been helping kids understand it's okay to have a worry here and there. But when we are agonizing over everything small, medium, and big....Houston, we've got a problem! Call me crazy, but I believe kids have the ability to recognize when they have gone over the edge with too much worrying. How? Through the aid of a book like Wemberly Worried. Wemberly also has a coping mechanism and finds a friend struggling with worry too. Don't overlook this one, it's not just another cute Kevin Henkes story. It has healing power.

Absolutely Not

Author: Matthew McElligott 

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Gloria is brave, but Frieda is absolutely not. Gloria wants to go for a walk, but Frieda absolutely does not. Frieda sees danger in every shadow, and you might, too! But when Frieda cries wolf one too many times, Gloria stops listening to her. Yet...what's that in the bushes? Are the two friends in danger, or is it another figment of Frieda's imagination?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is new to my shelf. I was at my local bookstore and asked for suggestions on stories about anxiety. Don't you love it when the person helping you gets really excited and says, "Ohhhhhh, have you read Absolutely Not?" Um, NO, but lead me to it!!! After I read this story I said to myself, "This is pure genius." So the character Frieda says a big fat NO to everything. She is paralyzed with fear and worry. She worries about all the things that could happen. Her imagination runs wild! In the end, there is a little twist where they are actually put in danger. HOWEVER (big however here), isn't that sort of life? We can't protect ourselves from everything. But there is no need to go around stressing out about it. We have to deal with what comes our way. I want to teach the students these invaluable lessons. Can't wait to present this story to them!

PS. Go to the author's website for a lesson plan on optimism vs pessimism. Great to go with book!

Roly Poly Pangolin

Author: Anna Dewdney

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Roly Poly is a little guy, and the world is a big place. So many things frighten him, even teeny, tiny sounds! What's a little pangolin to do? Roll up tight into a ball and wait until it's safe. But when Roly Poly finally peeks out, there's another ball peeking back - and it looks just like him! Could two be more fun than one? The author of the beloved Llama Llama books introduces an endearing new character who is sure to enchant children and help them explore the world more happily.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I read MANY children's book blogs, one of my favorites is THE PLANETESME PLAN - The Best New Children's Books from Esme's Shelf. That's where I discovered this great book Roly Poly Pangolin. And yep, Roly Poly is one scared little dude! This is going to be perfect for kindergarten and 1st grade. I see a lot of separation anxiety in those grades. It's rough being pulled away from parents and put with a bunch of adults and kids we don't know. Some kids adjust no problemo and others have a tougher time. I am planning on exploring shyness, fear, and friendship with this delightful story. If only there was a Pangolin puppet!

When My Worries Get Too Big!

Author: Kari Dunn Buron

About This Book: The thought of "losing control" can cause major problems for children who live with anxiety. Now, parents, teachers and children have a helpful tool that gives young children an opportunity to explore their own feelings with parents or teachers as they react to events in their daily lives. Engaging and easy to read, this illustrated children's book is filled with opportunities for children to participate in developing their own self-calming strategies. Children who use the simple strategies in this charming book, illustrated by the author, will find themselves relaxed and ready to focus on work - or play!

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I was planning on doing a separate blog post on this book but I want to talk about it now. I've been using this as a social story to teach kids how to cope with stress and put their anxiety in it's place. This is a tool I use in collaboration with parents and teachers. It makes no sense for me to teach this by myself if we're not all using it as a united front. I've used it in small groups and individually. There is a five point stress scale and it is awesome and helpful to children. Kids who are on the spectrum or have anxiety disorders could really benefit from reading this every day. I've seen a lot of success with this social story. Share it with the parents first and see if they would be on board to use it as a tool. Very grateful for this one. Helps me be a better school counselor.

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Mae's First Day of School

Author/Illustrator: Kate Berube

From the Book Jacket: As Mae's first day of school approaches she decides she IS. NOT. GOING. School is scary! What if the other kids don't like her? Or what if she's the only one who doesn't know how to write? Or what if she misses her mom? Mae's anxiety only builds as she walks to school. But then she meets Rosie and Ms. Pearl. Will making new friends show her that they can conquer their fears together?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Anxiety about starting school is not just common but normal. Sometimes school refusal can accompany that feeling and make things very difficult for everyone. The book starts out with Mae exclaiming "I'm not going!" Eventually she does go and makes it into school. What I like about this book is she overcomes not just her anxiety but the refusal behavior she is feeling and expressing. We can do hard things. That's a favorite motto of mine as a school counselor. This is an awesome find and read. Loved it!

A Link to This Book: 

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Book Review: School Anxiety

First Grade Jitters

Author: Robert Quackenbush
illustrated by Yan Nascimbene

Interest Level: 1st Grade

From the Book Jacket: Here is the story of a young boy who is about to enter first grade and doesn't know quite what to expect. Will his friends be there? Will he have to know how to read and spell? What if he can't understand anything his teacher says? Looks like a case of first grade jitters! Robert Quackenbush and Yan Nascimbene tell a reassuring story that is sure to chase away those jitters for any soon-to-be first grader.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: One of my favorite things about this one is the word - Jitters. What a FANTASTIC way to describe difficult feelings like fear and anxiety to a six year old. Most children don't know how to communicate those types of emotions because they are not equipped with the language and coping skills. It makes me think about the importance of emotional intelligence. As an educator I am a big part of helping the inner growth of a child. Bibliotherapy like this is a great step in supporting that growth especially when students are feeling school is a fearsome place. I showed First Grade Jitters to both of our 1st grade teachers and they read it at the start of the school year. Apparently, at the end of the day one of the teachers commented to her students she was nervous about something. "Oh, well then you have the jitters," replied one of her students. This gave me an "I heart kids" moment. It will be nice as the school counselor to use the word jitters as a communication and validation tool.

Dinosaur Starts School
Author: Pamela Duncan Edwards
illustrated by Deborah Allwright
Interest Level: Grades K-1

From the Book Jacket: “What would you do if on the very first day of school Dinosaur wasn’t smiling his big, toothy dinosaur smile? You’d say, ‘Don’t worry, Dinosaur. School will be fun.’”

So begins the story as a little boy helps his dinosaur friend overcome his fears of the first day of school.  All sorts of questions that children might ask are addressed by the little boy - why does he have to go to school, what if he has to speak up and say his name, what if he doesn't like what they serve for lunch?  His answers should calm the tummies of any young student.  And best of all, he explains how to make new friend.  By the end of the day, Dinosaur loves school and can't wait to come again the next day.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I read this a few weeks into the school year with kindergarten classes. I'm well aware there are school anxiety issues going on with lots of different kids those first few days or weeks. This is great to use as a check-in with students. All of the questions proposed throughout the book are PERFECT. Even though the little boy has an answer for each of Dinosaurs worries, I was excited to hear how the kids would respond. Maybe this would be a confidence booster. It definitely was. School jitters decreased!

A Link to These Books:

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Book Review: Butterflies on the First Day of School

Author: Annie SIlvestro

Illustrator: Dream Chen

From the Book Jacket: Rosie can't wait to finally start school. She's spent hours practicing how to raise her hand, write her letters, and say her teacher's name. But when the big day arrives, Rosie finds that her belly hurts so much she can't even finish her chocolate chip pancakes! Rosie's mom tells her it's just butterflies dancing around in her stomach. Much to Rosie's surprise, when she greets a new friend on the bus, a butterfly flitters out of her mouth! By the end of the school day, will Rosie set all of her butterflies free?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Such a great book to help kids overcome fears they might be having about the first day of school. I thought it was so smart to also introduce the concept of the feeling of "butterflies in your stomach." It can help children understand that an upset tummy because of anxiety is normal and eventually it will go away as your nerves calm. In the story, Rosie's anxiety starts to go away as her day progresses and she also meets another girl who is also experiencing butterflies. They make each other feel better by playing together and becoming friends. So happy to discover this wonderful resource. 

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda

Author: Lauren Alderfer
Illustrator: Kerry Lee MacLean
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

About This Book: This wonderful picture book for children and adults alike introduces the powerful practice of mindfulness in a fun and exciting way. With the delightful Monkey and his serene friend Happy Panda guiding readers to a calmer and more attentive mind, this whimsical yet warm presentation will delight all readers. 

Monkey is not so mindful - his Monkey Mind constantly jumping from one thing to another

- but he encounters a mysterious and playful friend in Happy Panda. Panda helps Monkey recognize the simple joy of doing what you're doing while you're doing it. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Anxiety. I have been encountering more and more students who are struggling with anxiety. Most of these kids do not know how to manage it and the coping skills they have usually revolve around fight, flight or freeze. Putting together a curriculum around mindfulness to help students with these challenges has been a mission of mine. This book is an EXCELLENT resource. Monkey mind is a Buddhist expression which refers to the incessant chatter that goes on in our heads. I think we all struggle with this! I will definitely be using this as a read aloud in ALL classrooms. It's a message all kids will relate to because we all have some level of stress in our lives. Makes sense to learn how to manage it early in life- not later. 

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

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Book Review: Monday, Wednesday, And Every Other Weekend

Author/Illustrator: Karen Stanton
Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Henry Cooper and his dog Pomegranate have two houses. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and every other weekend, they live with Mama in her new apartment, but on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other weekend, they live with Papa in his new house. 

Henry and Pomegranate are happy as they dance with Mama and sing with Papa, but Henry knows that sometimes Pomegranate gets confused and just wants to go...home. This gentle and accessible story about dealing with the many changes that come with divorce is beautifully brought to life by author Karen Stanton's vivid and memorable illustrations. 



Why It's On My Bookshelf: I haven't gotten any new bibliotherapy about divorce in quite awhile. This one is so great and will be such a comfort to kids who are getting used to being on a schedule between two homes. Henry's dog Pomegranate is experiencing anxiety and a little sadness. I thought this was a great way to mirror a child's feelings....through the pet. Even though Henry is happy in both homes, understands his schedule, and is obviously loved, it can still be hard at times.

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful: 

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Book Review: Don't Worry Little Crab

Author/Illustrator: Chris Haughton

From the Book Jacket: Little Crab and Very Big Crab live in a tiny tide pool, and today they are off to the OCEAN! "This is going to be so great!" says Little Crab. But when they get there, the waves are HUGE! And they keep getting bigger...and bigger! "Maybe we should go home," says Little Crab. "Don't worry," says Very Big Crab. "I'm here."

But will Little Crab be brave enough to face the waves and go in the ocean?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This has a really straight forward message of not giving into our fears. When we quit something because of a worry we don't just miss out on life but we don't gain the skills we need to overcome anxiety. So lets be brave! Great book!

Book Trailer:


A Link to This Book: 

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Book Review: The Don't Worry Book

Author/Illustrator: Todd Parr

From the Book Jacket: A new book that reassures kids everywhere that even when things are scary or confusing, there's always something comforting around the corner. 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. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Every year I have more and more parents reporting their kids are suffering from anxiety and worry. I'm happy to add this resource to my shelf - it's concrete with humor and offers up ways to cope and get rid of the worry. Kids need to know there are things they can do to feel better. They don't need to be stuck or debilitated by anxious feelings. 

A Link to This Book: 

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Book Review: Panda Kindergarten

Author: Joanne Ryder
Photos by Dr Katherine Feng
Interest Level: Kindergarten or younger

From the Book Jacket: School is in session! But this is no ordinary kindergarten class. Meet sixteen young giant panda cubs at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Preserve. The cubs are raised together form infancy in a protected setting, where they grow strong. Under the watchful eyes of the scientists and workers, the cubs learn skills that will help prepare them to be released into the wild. Follow a day in the life of the cubs with Joanne Ryder's spare and simple text and full-color photographs.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: O.M.G. Adorable. I was waltzing through my local library last spring returning my books, like the good citizen that I am, when I spotted a potential gem titled.....Panda Kindergarten!!!! Don't you just love when a possible AMAZING read is just staring you down off the shelf! First, kids love pandas(or any animal for that matter). And second, I totally heart kindies! I only wish I had found it in the fall to share at the beginning of the year. Panda Kindergarten was definitely a hit. The kids thought it was so cute that a bunch of pandas were also having a kindergarten experience. Lots of ooohs, awes, and giggles were going on as we read about the panda cubs going about their daily school routine. If you are looking for a fun beginning of the year theme or a way to ease kindergarten anxiety....check this one out!

I had to include this picture of one of the panda cub's playing on the playground because it busted me up laughing and the kids loved it!

Recess at Panda Kindergarten!

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: Brave

Author: Stacy McAnulty

Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up

From the Book Jacket: An empowering picture book for all kids that demonstrates to children that they can be real-life superheroes and that all kids have what it takes to be brave. Superheroes seek adventure, never give up, and stay calm when others are 

afraid. Superheroes are brave. But they aren't the only ones.

Kids are brave every day. When they are told they are too little, but accomplish something big. When they check for monsters under the bed, just in case. When they face something uncertain, whether a thunderstorm or a hospital visit. When they stand up for what's right, even when it means facing consequences.

Like superheroes, brave kids can save the world, just by being brave.

Brave encourages kids to be brave in all the ways they can: trying new things, speaking their mind, confronting bullies, and more. This book will inspire kids to follow their hearts and to have courage, no matter the situation.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've been looking for more books to help kids overcome fear and anxiety. Helping kids understand they have the power within themselves to face small and big obstacles is part of my daily job as a counselor. Brave is a confidence builder and I am using it to help kids develop their self-talk around using bravery to defeat problems. So happy to add this one to my shelf! 

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

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Book Review: What Does It Mean To Be Present?

Author: Rana DiOrio
Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

About This Book: This refreshing, vibrant picture book engages all of the senses to demonstrate the myriad of ways a child can seize the moment. The story sparks meaningful discussions about the important gift of appreciation, giving children and adults alike the opportunity to live more fully and richly.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is the perfect book to start the New Year. It's the absolute cure for all of us (children and adults) who are overwhelmed with anxiety. The message of living in the moment gets lost with everything that is thrown at kids in school etc. Often times we ask kids to set goals when we come back from winter break as part of a New Year's activity. How about a simple goal like - Being Present. I'd love to explore this more with students. It's up to us to model this way of being. Lets get started!

Take a peek at the awesomeness below from What Does It Mean To Be Present. Wish I would have bought this sooner. Thanks to a colleague/wonderful friend, she reminded me of this book She has been reading it with her 5th grade class - with positive results in her classroom community and in the hearts and minds of her dear students. 

A Link to This Book and Others That Might Be Helpful:

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Book Review: Jack's Worry

Author/Illustrator: Sam Zuppardi
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: A touching and reassuring story about the jitters associated with first experiences — and the satisfaction that comes with conquering your fears. Jack loves playing the trumpet, and for weeks he’s been looking forward to taking part in his first concert. But on the morning of the big day, Jack finds he has a Worry. And his Worry starts to grow. Even when Jack’s mother calls him for a special breakfast, even when he hides under the bed or runs around the yard, his Worry follows him. Suddenly, when it’s almost time to leave for the concert, Jack finds it’s all too much. For anyone who’s ever been afraid of failing at something new, this book offers just what’s needed to shrink a Worry down to size.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Such a great book to help kids understand their anxiety and how to overcome it. I feel like I have so many kids who are dealing with worry. These worries are debilitating because kids don't know what to do other then Fight, Flight, or Freeze. 

Jack is worried about performing in a concert so he tries to deal with it by avoiding having to go. When his mom asks him if everything is OK, he cannot find the words to talk about his worry. Many children feel this way. He is afraid of making a mistake in the concert. His mom is able to reassure him that the concert is about having fun and not about being perfect. His worry begins to shrink. 

When he arrives at the concert he sees his friends are also covered with worry. So he helps them make their worries go away. As a counselor I am so happy to have this new resource. It's going to help me show kids how to open up, develop strategies, and face their fears. 

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

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Book Review: I Am Peace - A Book of Mindfulness

Author: Susan Verde
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

From the Book Jacket: I give myself a moment. I take a breath. And then I tell myself: It's alright. I am Peace. Mindfulness means being fully in the present moment. Children can learn how to manage their emotions, make good choices, and balance their busy lives by learning to be mindful. Express emotions through speech. Find empathy through imagination. Wonder at the beauty of the natural world. I Am Peace encourages children to breathe, taste, smell, and be present in the here and now. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This year I used this book in a small group setting to teach students how to regulate using positive self talk when they are feeling anger or anxiety. We also created affirmations that help students reframe and transform the negativity they are feeling. I had a couple of teachers in my school who created corners in their room students could use for relaxation and calming. So this book came in handy to help encourage kids to use those spaces to practice techniques and skills to help them be happier in the classroom and not feel like they need to avoid or escape. 

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: Angry Octopus - A Relaxation Story

Author: Lori Lite

Illustrator: Max Stasuyk

Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Children love to unwind and relax with this fun exercise known as muscular relaxation. Children will be able to relate to the angry octopus in this story as the sea child shows him how to calm down and manage his anger. This effective stress and anger management technique focuses awareness on various muscle groups to create a complete resting of the mind and body. Muscular relaxation can lower stress and anxiety levels. It can be used to decrease pain and anger. This engaging story quiets the mind and relaxes the body so your child can let go of anger and fall asleep peacefully. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: My favorite thing about this book is how it stresses you are the boss of your body and feelings. You can control your anger - even when things are falling apart and you feel like you might explode. Many kids feel out of control and need to hear this. Angry Octopus works on teaching the child how to be the boss by practice deep breathing. He becomes angry over something very small and after he gets himself back together through breathing he is able to solve the problem. Such an excellent resource! 

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

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Book Review: Saturday is Swimming Day

Author/Illustrator: Hyewon Yum

From the Book Jacket: I changed ever so slowly. I even went to the bathroom three times. When Mary called everyone to the pool, I was the last in line. Swimming lessons are on Saturdays, and every Saturday one little girl has a stomachache. 

She eventually gets in the pool, where her patient swim instructor, Mary, holds her while she practices her kicks. The next Saturday she gets in the pool on her own and even tries floating like a starfish. And - even better - no stomachache! Sometimes a little bravery and a lot of patience are all you need to face your fear. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Lots of kids complain of stomachaches when they are feeling fear or panic. This is a sneaky trick of anxiety. I was happy to see a picture book that talks about this symptom because it can completely shut down a child and convince them to give up. Now that I am teaching kids about their tummies and how they can be connected to nerves - I am seeing a lot more kids use coping skills to overcome those anxious moments. 

A Link to This Book: 

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Book Review: It's Okay to Make Mistakes

Author/Illustrator: Todd Parr
Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up

From the Book Jacket: It's okay to fall down. You can always get back up. It's okay to color outside the lines. It's good to follow your own path. 

In a colorful, kid-friendly way, Todd Parr shows reader that mistakes are okay - that's how you learn. 



Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've become so passionate about this message. Todd Parr does a great job of keeping it simple and understandable for the littles. I see this as a great read for the preschool -first grade kids. But really - you can use picture books for any age. I read this to our two year old daughter and I heard her later in the day playing and singing, "Making mistakes is okay...." She made up a whole song about it. So this will be in my library at school and home. We are moving this generation away from perfectionism and towards living a life free of anxiety and full of courage. Yes to that!

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful: 

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