The Great Big (But Totally Not Scary) List of Kids Books About Fears

A great big list of fabulous children’s books about fears – both facing fears more generally and books about specific fears too. Add them to your collection of best books for kids.

I hate swimming in deep water. Being out of my depth makes my heart race, I feel anxious and unsafe. I am not a strong swimmer so that probably doesn’t help (or maybe my fear is the reason for my lack of swimming prowess), and I have a vague memory of being pushed into a pool by an adult family member with a ‘sink or swim’ type of approach to kids learning to swim from when I was a child. I am pretty sure my fear of deep water has something to do with that.

Fortunately, neither of my children seem to have inherited my fear. Like their father, they love the water and they are both confident swimmers. But they do have other fears. As do all kids. Many childhood fears, such as fear of the dark or storms or separation anxiety, are common and most childhood fears change over time. But that knowledge doesn’t always make it easier to cope when you are feeling afraid.

Related: 101 Books That Build Friendship, Social & Communication Skills

And sometimes, when fears persist, the anxious feelings can begin to impact upon a child’s sense of well being and their self-belief that they are indeed able to cope in a situation where they feel afraid. As parents we can help by recognising the signs that our child feels anxious, by being available to listen and understand that the fear is very real to our child. We can provide gentle support without catering to the fear and help them to learn a range of calm down, coping strategies.

Related: The Managing Big Emotions Resource Library

And we can read stories. Books about fears that help our children to feel less alone when they are scared or afraid. This collection of books includes both books that talk about fear in a more general sense, and books about some common childhood fears – such as fear of the dark or a fear of storms.

As always, each title includes links to an Amazon or Book Depository page (these are affiliate links) where you can find reviews and age recommendations for those you might not be personally familiar with.

General Books About Fears

I Am (Not) Scared by Anna Kang is the fun story of two friends trying to find the nerve to ride a rollercoaster. Available: Amazon

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwell is a special story of courage when trying something new and a little scary. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears by Emily Gravatt is a lovely, interactive book that reassures readers that everyone has fears. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Brave as Can Be: A Book of Courage by Jo Witek An older sister explains to her younger sibling how she outgrew her (common childhood) fears. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Courage by Bernard Waber A lovely exploration of all the different kinds of courage, that we exhibit in our everyday lives. Available: Amazon

When I’m Feeling Scared by Trace Maroney Explores the physical reaction of the body to fear, as well as common childhood fears and potential solutions. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

The I’m Not Scared Book by Todd Parr A lovely book exploring common childhood fears paired with potential, helpful solutions. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright A beautiful story of courage, determination and friendship. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Witt is a fun story about a squirrel who never leaves his nut tree – it is just too dangerous out there! Great for talking with children about catastrophizing. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Max the Brave by Ed Vere is a cute book for younger readers about a brave cat who sets out to find a mouse to chase. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Sheila Rae, the Brave by Kevin Henkes is the story of Sheila, who is very brave. Until one day she gets lost and her little sister saves the day. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Books About Common Childhood Fears

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst offers a simple, novel idea for helping children overcome separation anxiety from family members. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

When Stella visits the beach with her brother in Stella, Star of the Sea by Mary-Louise Gay, she discovers Sam is a little nervous about swimming in the sea. With imagination and patience, Stella helps her brother overcome his fears. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

There’s a Sea In My Bedroom by Margaret Wild is the story of David who is afraid of the sea. When David hears the sound of the sea trapped in a conch shell, it sparks his imagination and helps him to overcome his fears. Available: The Book Depository

The Deep by Tim Winton shares the story of Alice, who is not afraid of many things but is afraid of swimming in the deep ocean water with her family, and her struggles to overcome her fear. Available: The Book Depository

Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson Bear is away from home when it starts to get dark and a storm approaches. Bear is frightened by the storm and wonders how he will find his way home. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco is the beautiful true story of a grandmother helping a young girl to overcome her fear of thunderstorms. A longer story, perfect for school aged children. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

In Hannah and Sugar by Kate Berube, Hannah is afraid of dogs, even her classmate’s friendly dog, Sugar. When Sugar goes missing, Hannah joins the search and in the process makes a surprising new friend. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

George in the Dark is the story of George, who is afraid of the dark, and the night he discovers his bear is not in his bed – but in the darkest, scariest corner of the room. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

In Orion and the Dark by Emma Yarlett, Orion is scared of a lot of things but especially the dark. Until one night Dark visits to take him on an adventure. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

The Dark by Lemony Snicket is a great option for school aged children who fear the dark, it feels a little scary for younger children. Lazlo is afraid of the dark until Dark befriends him and shows him that the world needs dark as well as light. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

After the Fall by Dan Santat is the story of Humpty and his fears after falling off the wall. It’s a beautiful book for school aged children about failing, or getting hurt, and trying again. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Do you have a book about fears that has been helpful for your own children?