Top 10 Best Books About Anxiety for Kids & Teens
Navigating the choppy waters of anxiety can feel isolating for children and young people. In the UK, mental health challenges among the youth are on the rise, with social media pressures and academic stress often playing a significant role. One in five children now have a probable mental health condition. This isn't just a statistic; it represents a real, emotional toll on families and has a knock-on effect on the wider economy, with mental ill health costing UK businesses up to £56 billion a year.
Addressing mental health early is crucial for building resilience and emotional literacy. This is where the power of stories comes in. The right book can act as both a mirror, reflecting a child’s own feelings, and a window, showing them they are not alone and offering new ways to cope. At Little Fish Books, we champion the role of reading in nurturing emotional wellbeing and offer resources like our mental health books and supportive mental health apparel.
This guide presents the best books about anxiety and where to find them, offering practical tools to help your child understand and manage their worries. We will explore platforms from Amazon UK to local libraries, providing direct links to help you source these vital resources. While books offer a profound pathway to peace, exploring other mindful practices can also be immensely beneficial. For those seeking additional strategies, a guide to gentle yoga practices can provide a complementary approach to finding inner calm. Some find simple relaxation tips like deep breathing (inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for six) or the '5-4-3-2-1' grounding technique (naming five things you see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste) very helpful in the moment.
Please remember, while these resources are powerful, I am not a mental health professional. If you are worried about your child's mental health, it is vital to seek advice from a doctor or a qualified professional.
1. That’s Alright Emotions, Feelings and Mental Health Digital Book and Audio Book for Adult, Teenager and Youth Emotional Support
As our featured choice, the That’s Alright Emotions, Feelings and Mental Health digital book and audiobook package stands out as a uniquely versatile and comprehensive resource. Developed by Little Fish Books, this offering moves beyond a traditional single-format book, providing an adaptable toolkit designed to foster emotional literacy across a broad age spectrum, from youth to adults. Its position as one of the best books about anxiety is secured by its accessible, multi-format approach and its focus on practical emotional understanding.
This digital package is meticulously designed to help individuals recognise, articulate, and manage complex emotions like anxiety, stress, and fear. Its dual-format delivery, combining a PDF e-book with a full audiobook, ensures the content is accessible to different learning preferences. This flexibility allows users to engage with the material whether they are reading at home, listening during a commute, or integrating it into a family discussion. For instance, a parent could use a specific chapter on panic to help a teenager understand the physical sensations they experience before an exam, normalising the feeling and offering a shared language to discuss it.
Why It Stands Out as a Top Choice
What makes That’s Alright a premier resource is its inclusive design and practical application. It bridges the communication gap between teenagers, parents, and educators, providing a shared vocabulary to discuss mental health openly. The content is crafted with compassionate, straightforward language that demystifies overwhelming feelings without being clinical or intimidating.
For parents and caregivers, it serves as an invaluable guide to initiating conversations about mental wellbeing with their children. For educators and therapists, it’s a ready-made tool for social-emotional learning (SEL) sessions. The resource also acknowledges the profound connection between emotional and physical health. When navigating difficult feelings, it's crucial to understand the body's response, such as how anxiety can cause heart palpitations, making this holistic approach to wellbeing particularly effective.
Key Features and Practical Benefits
- Multi-Format Accessibility: The combination of a PDF and audiobook caters to both visual and auditory learners, enhancing comprehension and engagement.
- Broad Audience Appeal: The content is carefully structured to be relevant for teenagers navigating new social pressures, young adults entering the workforce, and parents seeking to support their families.
- Empathetic Language: It avoids jargon, using relatable scenarios to explain emotions like anxiety and stress, which helps to reduce stigma and encourage vulnerability.
- Actionable Guidance: The book doesn't just define emotions; it offers practical steps for managing them, promoting emotional regulation and resilience.
- Part of a Supportive Platform: As a Little Fish Books product, it connects users to a wider ecosystem of resources, including other books designed to help with finding calm.
Access and Availability
This digital resource is available for immediate download directly from the That's Okay website.
- Format: Digital PDF and Audiobook (MP3)
- Availability: Worldwide instant access upon purchase.
- Website: That’s Alright Digital Book and Audio Book
While this is an exceptional introductory tool, it is important to remember that it is designed for emotional support and literacy, not as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling significantly with their mental health, please consult a GP or a qualified mental health professional.
2. Amazon UK (Books and Kindle Store)
For sheer variety and accessibility, Amazon UK is an unparalleled resource for finding the best books about anxiety for children and young adults. Its vast library includes everything from picture books for toddlers to detailed workbooks for teenagers, making it a comprehensive one-stop-shop for parents, educators, and young readers themselves. The platform excels at offering multiple formats, ensuring every preference is catered for.
The ability to compare paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and Audible audiobook versions of a single title on one page is a significant advantage. This flexibility allows you to choose the format that best suits your child’s reading habits and your family’s lifestyle, whether it's a physical book for bedtime stories or an audiobook for car journeys.
Why It Stands Out
Amazon UK’s main strength is its robust customer review system. Real-world feedback from other parents and readers provides invaluable insights into a book's effectiveness and age-appropriateness, helping you make a more informed choice. Furthermore, its competitive pricing and frequent promotions make sourcing these vital mental health resources more affordable. For Prime members, the fast and free delivery is a major benefit, ensuring you can get a much-needed book into a child's hands quickly.
Pro Tip: Utilise the "Look Inside" feature for Kindle-enabled books. This allows you to preview the first few pages, illustrations, and overall tone to ensure it’s a good fit for your child before you commit to buying.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Selection | An extensive catalogue of new releases, bestsellers, and niche titles focused on youth anxiety. |
| Formats | Multiple options per title: paperback, hardcover, Kindle eBook, and Audible audiobook. |
| Pricing | Generally competitive, with regular sales events and discounted prices on many popular books. |
| Delivery | Fast dispatch and delivery, especially for Prime members. Non-Prime members should check the free delivery threshold. |
| Reviews | A vast database of user ratings and detailed reviews to guide your purchasing decisions. |
While the selection is unmatched, be mindful of marketplace sellers, as shipping times and seller reliability can vary. Always check seller ratings and estimated delivery dates before purchasing.
Website: https://www.amazon.co.uk
3. Waterstones
As the UK's leading high-street bookseller, Waterstones provides a trusted and expertly curated online space to find the best books about anxiety. Its strong online catalogue is particularly noteworthy for its selection of therapy-based workbooks and practical guides, often recommended by mental health professionals. This makes it an ideal destination for parents and educators looking for resources grounded in established techniques like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
Choosing Waterstones means supporting a UK retailer while gaining access to a thoughtfully selected range. The platform often features staff recommendations and curated lists, which can help cut through the noise and highlight genuinely impactful books. This personal touch provides a reassuring alternative to algorithm-driven suggestions.
Why It Stands Out
Waterstones uniquely bridges the gap between online convenience and the tangible experience of a physical bookshop. Its standout feature is the Click & Collect service, allowing you to order a book online and pick it up from your local store, often on the same day. This is perfect when you need a resource quickly to help a young person navigate a difficult moment. Furthermore, their physical stores host events and provide a space for children and adults alike to discover books in a calm, welcoming environment.
Pro Tip: Look for the "Signed & Special Editions" filter when searching. Waterstones often has exclusive signed copies or special print runs of popular books, which can make a gift for a struggling young person feel even more personal and encouraging.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Selection | A well-curated catalogue with a strong focus on therapy-based workbooks and expert-recommended titles. |
| Formats | Primarily offers physical books (paperback and hardcover) with a growing selection of audiobooks. |
| Pricing | Competitive retail pricing, with special offers available to Waterstones Plus rewards members. |
| Delivery | Free UK delivery on orders over £25 and a highly convenient Click & Collect option available at local branches. |
| Experience | Combines a user-friendly website with the community benefits of physical stores, including staff expertise and events. |
While the range is excellent, be aware that some highly specialised or academic mental health titles might only be available via special order. Additionally, delivery options and stock availability for Click & Collect can vary between branches.
Website: https://www.waterstones.com
4. Bookshop.org UK
For those who want their purchases to have a positive community impact, Bookshop.org UK offers a fantastic, ethically-minded alternative for finding the best books about anxiety. This mission-driven platform directly supports local, independent bookshops across the country. Every purchase you make contributes to the financial health of these vital community hubs, making it a powerful way to access mental health resources while giving back.
The platform functions as an online marketplace that pools inventory from major distributors, allowing you to buy books online while a portion of the cover price goes directly to an independent bookshop of your choice. This model ensures that even if your local shop doesn't have a specific title in stock, you can still support them through your online purchase, a crucial factor in helping small businesses thrive in the digital age.
Why It Stands Out
Bookshop.org UK's standout feature is its powerful social mission. As a certified B-Corporation, its entire structure is built to benefit independent bookshops rather than a single corporate entity. When you purchase a book to help a child manage their anxiety, you are also helping to sustain the high-street shops that foster a love of reading in our communities. This dual benefit provides a sense of purpose to your shopping that large marketplaces simply cannot match. The clear, tracked delivery options and transparent pricing add to a trustworthy user experience.
Pro Tip: Use the map feature on the website to find and select your favourite local independent bookshop. Once chosen, they will receive 30% of the cover price from all your future purchases, offering them substantial and direct support.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ethical Model | A significant portion of each sale directly supports a chosen independent bookshop or is added to a shared profit pool. |
| Selection | A growing catalogue of anxiety-focused books for all ages, including many popular and niche titles as well as e-books. |
| Pricing | Prices are generally set closer to the recommended retail price (RRP), reflecting fair value rather than deep discounts. |
| Delivery | Clear UK delivery pricing with tracked options. Free delivery is available on orders over £25. |
| User Experience | A clean, easy-to-navigate interface that makes finding books and supporting specific shops straightforward. |
While the ethical model is a huge plus, be aware that stock availability and delivery speeds can sometimes depend on distributor timelines, and prices may not be as low as on discount-focused websites.
Website: https://uk.bookshop.org
5. Hive.co.uk
For those who want the convenience of online shopping while still supporting local businesses, Hive.co.uk offers a compelling and ethical choice for finding the best books about anxiety. This online bookseller is built on a unique model that gives back to independent bookshops across the UK, making it a fantastic alternative for socially conscious consumers. Its extensive catalogue covers titles for all age groups, from young children to teenagers, ensuring you can find the right resources to support a young person’s mental wellbeing.
The platform successfully blends the feel of a community-focused retailer with the efficiency of a major online store. You can easily search for specific anxiety-related workbooks or browse curated lists, with clear information on availability and formats, including print, eBooks, and audiobooks. This ensures you can access vital mental health resources in a way that suits your family’s needs.
Why It Stands Out
Hive’s standout feature is its commitment to supporting the high street. With every purchase made, a percentage of the sale goes to an independent bookshop of your choice. This allows you to invest in your community while purchasing essential books about anxiety for your child. Furthermore, the option to collect your order for free from a local partner shop combines the ease of online browsing with the personal touch of a neighbourhood bookseller.
Pro Tip: Use the "Choose a bookshop to support" feature at checkout. You can select your favourite local indie store from a map, and they will receive a commission on your order, even if it's delivered to your home.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Independent Support | A commission from every online sale is shared with a physical independent bookshop. |
| Delivery Options | Free home delivery on orders over £20 and free click-and-collect from a local partner bookshop. |
| Formats | A wide selection of print books, alongside immediately downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks. |
| Bookshop Finder | An integrated tool to locate and support your nearest independent bookshops. |
| Pricing | Competitive pricing on many titles, often comparable to larger online retailers. |
While Hive offers a fantastic service, be aware that premium or next-day shipping options come with additional fees, and lead times for more niche titles may occasionally be longer than those of larger competitors.
Website: https://www.hive.co.uk
6. Reading Well (Books on Prescription) – UK libraries
For a trusted, evidence-based approach to finding the best books about anxiety, the Reading Well programme is an exceptional and freely accessible UK resource. Endorsed by health experts and delivered through local libraries, it offers curated booklists aimed at helping people understand and manage their health and wellbeing. The collections for children and young people are particularly valuable, as they are chosen by clinicians and individuals with lived experience to ensure they are helpful, safe, and effective.
The platform isn’t a store but a powerful discovery tool that guides you towards clinically approved titles available to borrow for free from your local library. Many of these titles are also available as eBooks and audiobooks through library apps like Libby. This 'Books on Prescription' model removes cost barriers, making expert-backed mental health support available to every family.
Why It Stands Out
Reading Well’s primary strength is its credibility. Every book on its anxiety lists has been rigorously vetted, providing parents and young people with peace of mind that the content is not only supportive but also based on sound therapeutic principles like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It’s a direct and reliable pathway to discovering proven self-help resources without having to sift through the overwhelming number of options online. This is crucial when addressing mental health, as using the right resources is paramount.
Pro Tip: Ask your GP or a school mental health lead about the scheme. They can often formally "prescribe" a book from the list, which can help normalise the process of seeking support for a child and encourage them to engage with the material.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Selection | Expert-curated lists of evidence-based books for children, teens, and adults, specifically targeting mental health topics like anxiety. |
| Formats | Primarily physical books borrowed from libraries, with many titles also offered as free-to-borrow eBooks and audiobooks. |
| Pricing | Completely free to access and borrow through the UK's public library network. No purchase is necessary. |
| Delivery | Instant access at your local library or via digital library apps. Popular titles may have a waiting list. |
| Reviews | The books are endorsed by health professionals and charities, offering a level of assurance that user reviews cannot match. |
While access is free, availability can be a limitation. Popular titles may have waiting lists at your local library branch, and borrowing periods are fixed. It’s a discovery and borrowing service, not a retailer, so you cannot purchase books directly.
Website: https://readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/our-programmes-and-campaigns/reading-well/
7. Audible UK (audiobooks)
For those who prefer listening over reading, or for integrating mental health resources into a busy lifestyle, Audible UK offers an exceptional library of audio content. It's an ideal platform for discovering some of the best books about anxiety in an accessible audio format, perfect for both young people and adults. From guided meditations to full-length self-help books, the audio format can be a calming and less intimidating way to absorb valuable coping strategies.
The platform’s strength lies in its flexibility. A monthly subscription provides credits for any audiobook in the catalogue, regardless of its retail price, and includes access to a growing selection of 'Plus Catalogue' titles at no extra cost. This model allows users to build a personal library of mental wellness tools they can return to anytime, anywhere, through a highly-rated mobile app. The experience of combining audio and print can be powerful; you can learn more about how audiobooks can enhance your reading experience.
Why It Stands Out
Audible UK excels with its user-friendly app and seamless cross-device synchronisation. You can start listening on your phone during a commute and pick up right where you left off on a smart speaker at home. For those dealing with anxiety, the convenience of having calming narration or practical advice instantly available can be a significant comfort. The platform also features member-only sales and a 30-day free trial, making it a low-risk way to explore if audiobooks are the right fit for your mental health journey.
Pro Tip: Look for titles narrated by the author, especially for memoirs or expert-led guides. Hearing the content in the author's own voice can add a layer of authenticity and connection that makes the advice more impactful and easier to digest.
Key Features and Considerations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Selection | A vast catalogue of anxiety, self-help, and mindfulness audiobooks, including exclusive productions. |
| Formats | Primarily high-quality digital audio, with some titles offering supplementary PDF materials. |
| Pricing | Flexible monthly membership plans with credits. Non-members can purchase titles at full retail price. |
| Accessibility | Superb mobile app for iOS and Android with offline listening capabilities, ideal for on-the-go access. |
| Reviews | User ratings and reviews help identify the most effective and well-narrated audiobooks. |
The main consideration is its subscription model. While the Plus Catalogue offers value, many new or popular titles will require a monthly credit or a full-price purchase. Non-members may find the individual pricing to be higher than other formats.
Website: https://www.audible.co.uk
Top 7 Sources for Anxiety Books Comparison
| Item | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements ⚡ | Expected Outcomes 📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| That’s Alright Emotions, Feelings and Mental Health Digital Book and Audio Book | Low - ready-to-use digital formats | Minimal - digital device and internet needed | Improved emotional literacy and mental wellbeing | Emotional support for adults, teens, youth; educational and therapeutic settings | Multiformat delivery; inclusive; reduces stigma |
| Amazon UK (Books and Kindle Store) | Low to Medium - platform-based buying | Moderate - requires account, payment means | Wide access to anxiety-related books in various formats | Quick book availability check; format variety; price comparison | Massive selection; fast delivery; customer reviews |
| Waterstones | Medium - online and physical store presence | Moderate - account and delivery/payment | Reliable access to curated anxiety/self-help titles | UK customers wanting in-store browsing or local events | UK-focused selection; click & collect; strong service |
| Bookshop.org UK | Medium - online marketplace | Moderate - account, shipping fees apply | Supports indie bookshops; access to ethical book catalogue | Ethical purchases supporting local shops; tracked UK delivery | Profit sharing with independents; ethical focus |
| Hive.co.uk | Medium - online marketplace with indie support | Moderate - account, delivery/payment | Supports indie shops; varied format availability | Support independents; mix of online and local collections | Commission shared; click & collect options; varied formats |
| Reading Well (Books on Prescription) – UK libraries | Low - library borrowing system | Low - free access via library card | Free access to clinically endorsed mental health books | Access to vetted self-help titles without purchase | Free clinically vetted books; digital & physical; nationwide |
| Audible UK (audiobooks) | Low - subscription audiobook platform | Moderate - subscription required | Access to extensive anxiety/self-help audio library | Users preferring audiobook format; mobile/offline listening | Vast audio catalogue; flexible plans; strong app experience |
Your Next Chapter in Supporting Youth Mental Health
Navigating the landscape of youth anxiety can feel daunting, but as we've explored, the right story can be a powerful and gentle guide. From the accessible digital format of That’s Alright Emotions to the curated collections at Waterstones and the community-focused ethos of Bookshop.org, this guide has highlighted some of the best places to find books about anxiety tailored for young minds. We've seen how platforms like Audible UK make these resources available to different learning styles, while initiatives such as Reading Well ensure that vital support is accessible to all through local libraries.
The key takeaway is that you are not alone in this journey, and a wealth of carefully crafted resources is available to support you and the young people in your life. Choosing a book is more than just a purchase; it's an invitation to start a conversation, validate feelings, and build a toolkit for emotional resilience.
How to Choose the Right Resource for Your Needs
Selecting the most suitable book or platform depends entirely on your specific situation. To make the best choice, consider the following factors:
- For Immediate, On-the-Go Support: If you need a resource that is instantly accessible on a phone or tablet, the That’s Alright Emotions Digital Book and Audiobook is an excellent choice. Its multi-format approach is perfect for engaging children who may benefit from both reading and listening.
- For a Traditional Browsing Experience: If you and your child enjoy the experience of discovering books in person, visiting a Waterstones provides a tactile and engaging way to find the perfect story together.
- For Supporting Local Bookshops: If community impact is important to you, purchasing through Bookshop.org UK or Hive.co.uk ensures a portion of your money supports independent retailers, combining a great purchase with a good cause.
- For Cost-Free, Professional Recommendations: If you are working within a budget or would like guidance from healthcare professionals, the Reading Well scheme is an invaluable, free resource available through your local library.
Putting These Stories into Practice
Remember, a book is just the beginning. The real magic happens when its lessons are integrated into daily life. After reading one of the best books about anxiety, use it as a springboard for open dialogue. Ask questions like, "Have you ever felt like the character in this story?" or "What do you think we could try next time we feel that big worry?"
It is crucial to create a safe space where emotions are treated with respect and curiosity, not judgement. This ongoing conversation is what builds lasting emotional intelligence. However, while these books are fantastic tools, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have persistent concerns about a child's mental health, it is essential to consult with a GP or a qualified mental health professional.
The journey of understanding and managing anxiety is a continuous one. By equipping children and teens with these stories, you are giving them the language to understand their own minds and the confidence to navigate life's challenges. You are showing them that their feelings are valid and that support is always available.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our curated resources at Little Fish Books, where we offer more than just recommendations. From our unique That’s Alright Emotions digital book to free downloadable activities, we provide practical tools designed to support the mental wellbeing of young people. Visit Little Fish Books to discover how we can help you continue the conversation.