The post But What If…?: Picture Books To Help Children Who Worry appeared first on Brightly.
]]>no no 9780593350768 My Monster and Me by Nadiya Hussain, illustrated by Ella Bailey
A worry monster has followed a young boy around for as long as he can remember, possibly since he was born. No one can take the worry monster away, and sometimes it becomes so big and bossy that it takes over the day. One day, the worry monster won’t leave him alone. When he goes to his grandmother’s house after school, she asks him what’s wrong, and he tells her about the worry monster. As he speaks, the worry monster grows smaller and smaller until it fits in his pocket. While his worry monster never disappears, he learns how to handle it. This simple and vibrantly illustrated picture book is an excellent way to address worries for younger children.
(Ages 3 – 5)
9781368100236 Disney/Pixar Inside Out 2: Go to Sleep, Anxiety! by Luna Chi, illustrated by Gurihiru
Fans of Inside Out will love this book about emotions, bedtime, and quieting our minds. After a long day, Riley Andersen falls asleep for the night, and so do her Emotions! But there is one emotion who just can’t seem to fall asleep. Anxiety paces and worries until she has woken up every other Emotion in Headquarters. Can the Emotions help their friend fall asleep? Filled with kindness and humor, this picture book shines a light on an issue a lot of kids face.
(Ages 3 – 5)
9781680103687 The Worry Box by Suzanne Chiew, illustrated by Sean Julian
Murray Bear and his sister, Molly, set off on a hike to see a waterfall, but Murray is worried. What if the waterfall is too loud or he accidentally gets swept away? Luckily, Molly tells Murray about her own way to cope with anxiety — a worry box! Whenever she is worried about something, Molly writes it down on a slip of paper and puts it inside the box. Together, she and Murray make a worry box for all his worries and when he adds a piece of paper about the waterfall, he starts to feel better!
(Ages 3 – 7)
9780525553472 It Was Supposed to Be Sunny by Samantha Cotterill
The Little Senses series helps children with anxiety, sensory processing disorders, and who are on the autism spectrum. In this book, Laila’s outdoor unicorn-themed birthday party takes a turn for the worse when a storm arrives. She feels overwhelmed with worry, but her mother helps her plan alternative indoor activities, and Laila feels hopeful again. However, when things go wrong — like the birthday cake crashing to the floor — Laila despairs once more and has to take a break from the party. With some quiet and comfort from her dog, she returns to the party and has fun. This affirming picture book depicts techniques for handling anxiety and disappointment.
(Ages 3 – 7)
9780593378823 Everything in Its Place by Pauline David-Sax, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Nicky is shy and dislikes being around other children at recess. Instead, she works in the library, shelving books during recess. Everything has a proper place in the library, and Nicky doesn’t need to worry about interacting with her classmates. Nicky’s stomach hurts when she finds out the library will be closed for a week and she’ll have to go to recess. At her mother’s diner, she admires a motorcyclist who is brave and happy, and Nicky wants to be like her. At recess, Nicky brings a book of poems to read, and when another girl asks about the poems, Nicky remembers the motorcyclist and finds the courage to respond. Shy readers will identify with Nicky in this beautifully illustrated picture book for book lovers.
(Ages 3 – 7)
9781536220186 Jeremy Worried About the Wind by Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Kate Hindley
Jeremy is worried about many things, but mostly the wind! His best friend Maggie isn’t worried about anything. She always says, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Then, one windy day, Jeremy’s worst fears come true when a gust of wind blows him up into the sky! But soon, he finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime as he meets sled dogs, a narwhal, and some pirates. When Jeremy returns home, he can’t wait to take Maggie on another great adventure! This picture book is a wonderful reminder that when we step outside of our comfort zone, amazing things can happen.
(Ages 3 – 7)
9781536225082 As Brave as a Lion by Erika Meza
This imaginative picture book shows children how to be brave despite their fears and worries. A young girl has a lion that gives her courage, whether she feels shy around new people or needs protection during a storm. However, when the two visit a playground with a giant new slide, it’s the girl’s turn to be brave. She feels scared when she reaches the top of the slide, but when she sees the lion is also worried, she finds her bravery. Both she and the lion slide down and have fun. Sometimes, the lion needs a little help being brave, too.
(Ages 3 – 7)
9781536209297 Shy Robin and the First Day of School by Jaime Kim
Robin’s mom says she’s a brave hippo, but Robin often feels shy and not so brave. On the first day of school, she’s very nervous and doesn’t think she can be herself. However, she meets Marco during circle time, who is even more shy and worried. At first, Robin thinks Marco enjoys playing alone but realizes he’s nervous about joining the others. When Marco helps her find her missing headband, the two become friends and help one another feel brave enough to be themselves in the classroom. This is a sweet picture book for shy preschoolers and kindergartners.
(Ages 3 – 7)
9780593697894 Good Night Thoughts by Max Greenfield, illustrated by James Serafino
Have you ever tried to fall asleep, but your thoughts kept you awake? This book from the actor and bestselling author Max Greenfield, brings this concept to life in a humorous and approachable way. When a child can’t stop his racing thoughts, he begins to ask the question, “do any of these thoughts have merit?” This reframing helps kids stay present and to acknowledge their anxiety without succumbing to it.
(Ages 3 – 7)
9781645470953 It’s OK by Wendy O’Leary, illustrated by Sandra Eide
This sweet and poetic picture book addresses self-love and self-compassion techniques for worried children. When a child loses a soccer match and feels despondent, they remind themselves that it’s okay. They put a hand on their chest and say, “It’s OK — I love you. I’m with you today.” They follow these reassuring steps for multiple scenarios: Accidentally breaking a pot, feeling insecure about a new baby sibling at home, feeling worried about a test, and more. The back matter includes ten exercises to help children learn mindfulness and self-compassion. It’s a lovely and affirming picture book.
(Ages 3 – 7)
9780593465639 The Big Worry Day by K.A. Reynolds, illustrated by Chloe Dominique
A young girl has anxiety, as does her dog Bea. The two want to play outside, but Bea and the child worry about what could happen. They need to plan for every eventuality, but planning makes them even more anxious. Instead, the girl teaches Bea other techniques to manage anxiety: Talking about their fears with stuffed animals, practicing yoga, taking deep breaths, and more. After using these techniques, the two go outside and have a fun day of imaginative play. The back matter includes an author’s note about having childhood anxiety. This relatable picture book is excellent for any child who experiences worry and anxiety.
(Ages 4 – 8)
9780593351444 Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett, illustrated by Marissa Valdez
On the first day of school, cat detective Hattie Harmony has her hands full when many classmates feel worried. First, Hattie helps Pearl the Porcupine release the butterflies in her stomach by catching actual butterflies. Then she gives a squishy ball to Seymour the Beaver, who worries about the teacher calling on him. When it’s time for recess, it’s Hattie’s turn to feel worried. She gives herself a pep talk about sliding down the tall slide, and with encouragement from her friends, she faces her fears and goes down the slide. Written by actress Elizabeth Olsen and musician Robbie Arnett, this picture book shows techniques for handling common back-to-school worries.
(Ages 4 – 8)
9780593324011 A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson, illustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey
Sometimes, worries and anxiety can become overwhelming. Coen is having one of those days when sadness and worry are so consuming that he can only lie in bed. He feels trapped by the emotions. His mother, father, and younger sister try to cheer him up, but nothing helps him feel better. Instead, when his family waits quietly and stays with him, letting him know they support him and his emotions, he begins to feel warm inside and leaves his bed to read with them. This is a lovely picture book about handling depression. An author’s note includes more information about childhood depression and how to spot the signs.
(Ages 4 – 8)
9780593306376 Brave Every Day by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton
When other kids play hide-and-seek, Camilla just wants to hide. At school, she worries about whether she’s using the right pencil and answering questions correctly. Anxiety overwhelms Camilla when her teacher announces a class field trip to the aquarium. When they arrive, she tries to hide but finds another equally scared classmate hiding in the same spot. This classmate loves stingrays but is too afraid to find them in the aquarium. Camilla decides they can face their fears together and enjoy the field trip. The author includes questions for more discussion at the end. This social-emotional picture book is perfect for elementary school libraries.
(Ages 4 – 8)
9780593615669 Are You Mad at Me? by Tyler Feder and Cody Feder, illustrated by Tyler Feder
Award-winning author Tyler Feder and her sister Cody Feder co-wrote this heartwarming and funny picture book about an ostrich with anxiety. When Opal feels worried, her neck wobbles, which her family affectionately refers to as The Noodles. When Opal needs to pick up a dessert from a bakery for a party, she worries she’s offending everyone she runs into. By the time she reaches the bakery, she’s exhausted by all the worry. But the friendly elephant who runs the bakery helps put her mind (and The Noodles) at ease.
(Ages 5 – 8)
9780593435458 When Harley Has Anxiety by Regine Galanti, PhD, illustrated by Vicky Lommatzsch
Written by a child psychologist, this fantastic workbook about anxiety for picture book readers will help children explore their worries. Six chapters address emotions, anxiety, healthy thinking, and more. Each page spread has colorful illustrations where Harley the Hedgehog discusses his anxiety. There’s a discussion that follows, then child-friendly activities, like a self-portrait, drawing an anxiety triangle, creating an emotional thermometer, and more. This workbook helps children identify emotions, what causes those emotions, and how to handle big feelings.
(Ages 5 – 9)
9780593568453 Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell by Melanie Watt
Scaredy prefers to stay in his tree where it’s safe. If he leaves he could come face-to-face with aliens or dust or the fluffy bunny who always seems to pop up. But when things don’t go to plan, Scaredy has to venture out of his tree and he isn’t prepared for the wave of emotions that hit him. When the fluffy bunny sees Scaredy, she helps him weather those emotions and see that the world isn’t as scary as he thought. Funny and expressive, kids will go nuts for this graphic novel!
(Ages 6 – 9)
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2024 and updated in 2025.
The post But What If…?: Picture Books To Help Children Who Worry appeared first on Brightly.
]]>The post 12 Beautifully Illustrated Nonfiction Picture Books To Get Lost In appeared first on Brightly.
]]>Many of the following picture book illustrators have won awards for their art and have other nonfiction children’s books to check out. While several of these titles are geared toward ages 8-10, older and younger readers will also find them appealing. These books also make excellent gifts for holidays and special occasions.
no no 9780823450701 The Universe in You by Jason Chin
Caldecott Award-winning author and illustrator Jason Chin focuses on the microscopic in this gorgeous STEM picture book. From the tiny Calliope hummingbird to skin cells and bacteria, Chin depicts the importance of life’s smallest building blocks through his stunning watercolor and gouache illustrations and accessible text. Back matter includes more details about the building blocks of life. This nonfiction picture book provides a thought-provoking introduction to microbiology.
(Ages 8 — 12)
9781536226133 One World: 24 Hours on Planet Earth by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Jenni Desmond
This nature-themed title follows two sisters as they travel through various time zones, exploring ecosystems and the fragile connection between nature and humanity. At 8:00 PM in Pantanal, Brazil, a tiger sneaks up on a caiman, while at 6:30 AM on the Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve in China, gibbons greet the morning with a song. Each full-page spread depicts a stunning scene from nature through mixed media. It’s an unparalleled, lyrical nonfiction book for young animal lovers.
(Ages 6 — 9)
9781536220407 Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees by Lulu Delacre
A granddaughter asks her abuelo about his passion for trees in this poetic arboreal celebration. The grandfather then describes many reasons he loves trees in lyrical verse, from towering redwoods along the coast to the symbiotic relationship between mother trees and fungi. Delacre collected twigs, bark, and leaf specimens from trees mentioned in the text to create mixed-media collages and phenomenal graphics. The text contains some Spanish, and a fully Spanish edition is available: Verde fresco: Árboles asombrosos y extraordinarios.
(Ages 4 — 8)
9781682633120 Behold the Octopus! by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez
This gorgeous nonfiction picture book pairs lyrical text with breathtaking, full-page illustrations to examine octopuses’ deep-sea life. Each page provides two stories: a poem celebrating the type of octopus pictured and a paragraph giving more details about the octopus and its behavior. The richly textured and warm illustrations will capture the reader’s imagination and fully immerse them in the octopuses’ lives. Extensive back matter gives even more details about octopuses.
(Ages 4 — 8)
9781536223811 Oceanarium by Loveday Trinick, illustrated by Teagan White
The Welcome to the Museum series offers a glimpse into scientific topics with visually stunning illustrations. Oceanarium pairs marine biologist Loveday Trinick with naturalist artist Teagan White as they explore the ocean. The undersea world comes to life in Teagan’s gorgeously rendered, intricate illustrations. Reading this is like visiting an aquarium — each page provides fascinating information about the ocean, from arthropods to jellyfish and seabirds, and the realistic art makes the subjects leap off the page.
(Ages 8 — 12)
9783791373935 The Weather by Maike Biederstadt
Innovative cut-paper pop-ups explore five weather patterns in this cleverly illustrated picture book. The pop-ups show a boat rocking on a stormy sea, a tornado decimating a barn, rain streaming from clouds creating a rainbow, and more. Biederstadt opens the book with an explanation of what causes weather and closes with information on climate change’s effects on weather. It’s an informative and fascinating read.
(Ages 7+)
9781682631911 Serengeti by Leslie Bulion, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander
This lyrical picture book depicts animal life in the East African Serengeti with realistic, up-close illustrations, from gazelles nibbling grass to rock rabbits darting across fields. Each page includes a verse and several facts about the animals depicted on that page. Bulion uses the Swahili poetic form utendi for her poems, which work beautifully with the illustrations to show the interconnectedness of life in this unique ecosystem. Extensive back matter includes a description of the utendi, a glossary, and organizations protecting life in the Serengeti.
(Ages 8 — 12)
9781536229738 Birds Everywhere by Camilla de la Bedoyere, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup
The latest addition to the Animals Everywhere nonfiction picture book series centers on birds, and Britta Teckentrup’s vibrant illustrations give readers plenty to explore visually. The book examines big-picture topics like the history of birds and flight and more focused subjects like barn owls and love birds. Bird breeds are labeled in each illustration, where readers can find fun facts and hidden images. It’s a must-have for all bird lovers.
(Ages 6 — 9)
9781623543136 No World Too Big edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley, illustrated by Jeanette Bradley
Each page spread in this biography collection profiles a young environmental activist through a poem, a paragraph-long biography, and a beautiful illustration by Jeanette Bradley. Children’s book author and member of the Cherokee Nation Traci Sorrel (We Are Grateful) writes an acrostic poem about the Brazillian human rights activist Artemisa Xakriabá. Rajana LaRocca (Where Three Oceans Meet) writes a free verse poem about Maanasa Mendu, who invented a light source so rural Indian children could have light to study by. The profiles are inspiring and as beautifully written as they are illustrated. It’s a powerful collection.
(Ages 5 — 9)
9780593406502 You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce! by Chiquita Mullins Lee and Carmella Van Vleet, illustrated by Jennifer Mack-Watkins
This picture book biography spotlights African American woodcarving artist and barbershop owner Elijah Pierce. When a boy steps into a barbershop for a haircut, he isn’t expecting to see any art. But Elijah Pierce’s barber shop displays his unique woodcarvings, and he tells the boy how he became an artist. Mack-Watkins’s illustrations use mokuhanga print-making techniques and mixed-media collages to emulate Pierce’s woodcarvings. It’s a wonderful tribute to the folk artist, and the back matter includes more information about Elijah Pierce, his art, and how his art speaks to the authors and illustrator.
(Ages 4 — 8)
9780593426548 Jackie Ormes Draws the Future by Liz Montague
Jackie Ormes was the first African American woman with a nationally syndicated cartoon, and the vibrant pop-art illustrations in this picture book biography are the perfect homage to her artistic style. Ormes was born in 1911 and started telling stories through art at a young age. She later became a journalist in Pittsburgh, reporting on racism, the Great Migration, pollution, and more. She eventually developed the child character Patty-Jo for a series of politically charged cartoons for the Chicago Defender. This picture book provides a captivating glimpse into Ormes’ life and art.
(Ages 4 — 8)
9781984861740 The Women Who Make History Collection [3-Book Boxed Set] by Rachel Ignotofsky
This set compiles three uniquely illustrated biography collections: Women in Science, Women in Sports, and Women in Art. Each book contains one-page biographies of 50 groundbreaking women in these fields paired with Ignotofsky’s detailed and fascinating illustrations. She uses a monochromatic palette with pops of color for each profile and includes fun facts in the margins. This series is a fantastic reference for children and is perfect for classroom and home libraries.
(Ages 10+)
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