In this time of heightened worry and anxiety, it may be tough to find ways to help young readers cope with their new remote learning situations and being separated from their friends at school. We’ve gathered a list of some picture books that are perfect for reassuring any anxious little ones in your life whose fears can sometimes get the better of them.

Youve Got Dragons PB

You’ve Got Dragons

Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.
Worries, fears, and anxieties are all dragons that sneak up on most of us at one time or another. This tender metaphor for the fears and worries of little ones reassures young readers that although lots of people get dragons, those dragons don’t stay forever. The perfect read-aloud to share with children learning to cope with new anxieties during this uncertain time of social distancing.

Wemberly Worried

Wemberly Worried

HarperCollins Publishers
Wemberly worried all the time―morning, noon, and night. She was especially worried about her first day of school until one day when she meets a fellow worrywart in class who helps her realize that there’s too much to enjoy at school to waste time worrying! A great read-aloud to share with little ones struggling to adjust to new learning situations.

Wilma Jean

Wilma Jean, the Worry Machine

National Center for Youth Issues
Wilma Jean is a worry machine, and she eventually learns that there are worries she can control and worries she can’t. Perfect for sharing with little ones who can let their anxieties get the better of them, this lighthearted approach to dealing with worry is a great tool for helping children feel more in control of their anxiety.

Worrywarts

The Worrywarts

HarperCollins Publishers
Wombat wants to wander the world with Weasel and Woodchuck, but before they can even begin their journey, they’re overwhelmed with worries: worries about wasps, weather, warthogs, and so much more! A humorous tale filled with enjoyable alliteration, parents will love reading this whimsical story of worry aloud to their anxious little ones.

Moody Cow

Moody Cow Meditates

Wisdom Publications
Peter the cow is having a BAD day. Everything seems to be going wrong until his grandfather teaches him how to let go of his frustration in a constructive way. This humorous story is a playful introduction to meditation for children and a lighthearted look at teaching little ones how to deal with strong, negative emotions.

Ruby Finds a Worry

Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Ruby has an ENORMOUS worry, but luckily she learns that everyone has worries, and there’s a great way to get rid of them too! A gentle, reassuring story about what to do when you can’t shake your extra-large worries, this title is a great starting point for talking to children about emotional intelligence and anxiety.

Koala Who Could

The Koala Who Could

Scholastic
Kevin the koala loves his routine, but when change happens, will he discover the joy that comes with trying something new? Children can sometimes struggle with change, and for those little ones in your life unsure how to cope with the changes they’re facing in these uncertain times, this sweet rhyming story will inspire anxious kids to accept change and embrace it with courage.