Best books for kids with anxiety: 12 top picks for UK families
It can be heartbreaking to watch a child struggle with anxiety. The racing thoughts, physical symptoms, and overwhelming feeling of being out of control are difficult for adults to manage, let alone little ones. As a parent, carer, or educator, you want to help, but finding the right words isn't always easy. This is where storytelling becomes a powerful ally.
This guide explores why dedicated resources are so effective in helping children understand and manage their worries. The state of children's mental health is a growing concern; according to NHS Digital, one in six children aged 7 to 16 has a probable mental health problem. Modern pressures like the curated perfection seen on social media can intensify feelings of inadequacy and anxiety from a very young age. Addressing these challenges early is vital. Unaddressed mental health issues in childhood can lead to long-term difficulties, impacting education, relationships, and future employment. In fact, Deloitte estimates that poor mental health costs UK employers up to £56 billion a year. Early intervention is not just compassionate; it is economically crucial.
Reading stories that reflect their feelings helps children feel seen and understood, providing them with a vocabulary to express their emotions. Understanding the impact of positive language is crucial when selecting books that can encourage and uplift.
We'll introduce 12 fantastic resources, from specialist publishers to free library services, where you can find the best books for kids with anxiety. Each option includes screenshots and direct links to help you navigate your choices.
Please note: I am not a mental health professional. This article is for informational purposes only. If you have serious concerns about your child's wellbeing, please consult your GP or a qualified mental health practitioner. This guide aims to empower you with tools to start crucial conversations, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
1. Little Fish Books
Little Fish Books stands out as a comprehensive emotional support hub, moving beyond individual books for kids with anxiety to offer an entire ecosystem of resources. It’s an exceptional choice for parents, educators, and practitioners seeking a holistic approach to social-emotional learning. The platform expertly blends practical teaching tools with creative activities, making complex emotional concepts accessible and engaging for children.
The site’s strength lies in its integrated model, which combines free downloadable colouring sheets, a curated library of print and digital books, and hands-on activities. This multi-faceted approach ensures that children can learn to recognise and manage their feelings through various mediums, catering to different learning styles. Their collection of mental health books is specifically designed to open up these important conversations.
Key Strengths and Use Cases
The platform's design makes it uniquely suited for a range of applications. Parents can use the free resources and books at home to initiate conversations about feelings, while teachers and therapists can leverage the wholesale ordering options to equip entire classrooms or clinical practices with consistent, high-quality materials.
A significant advantage is the merchandise line, featuring organic cotton mental health apparel with positive affirmations. This allows adults to model and normalise conversations around mental health, a crucial step in reducing stigma for the younger generation.
Practical Considerations
While the site offers multi-currency support, the free shipping benefit on merchandise (for orders over £65) is limited to the UK and excludes books, which is a key consideration for international buyers. Furthermore, though the resources are evidence-informed and highly practical, the site does not display formal clinical certifications, positioning it as an educational support tool rather than a substitute for clinical treatment.
- Best For: Parents, educators, and therapists seeking an integrated suite of social-emotional learning tools.
- Pricing: Varies by product; T-shirts around £25–£30, hoodies about £45. Membership options available.
- Website: https://thatsokay.co.uk
2. Bookshop.org (UK)
For UK-based parents and carers looking to purchase books for kids with anxiety, Bookshop.org offers a fantastic, ethical alternative to mega-retailers. Its primary mission is to financially support local, independent bookshops across the UK. Every purchase you make contributes a percentage of the sale to a pool that is evenly distributed among participating indie stores, or you can choose a specific local bookshop to support directly.
The platform has an excellent, well-organised selection of mental health resources. You can easily find everything from gentle picture books about worrying for young children to evidence-based CBT and ACT workbooks for teenagers. They also stock a wide array of guides for parents, which is vital as supporting a child with anxiety often requires a family-wide approach.
Key Features & Considerations
While prices might be slightly higher than discount sites, the value comes from supporting the high street. Shipping is typically free on orders over £25, but delivery times can vary as items are dispatched directly from different independent partners. The website provides clear stock status and dispatch estimates, making the user experience transparent and reliable. This ethical model ensures your spending has a positive community impact.
- Best For: UK readers wanting to support independent bookshops while accessing a curated range of mental health titles.
- Pricing: Competitive with standard retail; may not match large online discounters.
- Unique Offering: A profit-sharing model that directly benefits hundreds of local UK bookshops.
- Link: https://uk.bookshop.org
3. Hive.co.uk
Similar to Bookshop.org, Hive.co.uk is a UK-based online retailer with a strong ethical commitment to supporting local, independent bookshops. A portion of every purchase made on the site goes to a network of indie booksellers, and you can even choose to have your order delivered to a local shop for free collection. This provides a convenient and community-focused way to find books for kids with anxiety.
The website offers an excellent range of mental health resources, from gentle picture books that introduce the concept of worry to younger children, through to practical activity journals and guides for parents. The user experience is very clear, with prominent stock indicators like 'In Stock' or 'Usually despatched within 24 hours', helping you manage expectations around delivery times for these important resources.
Key Features & Considerations
Hive.co.uk combines the convenience of online shopping with the positive impact of supporting local businesses. Free home delivery is typically available on orders over £20, making it a competitive option. However, it's worth noting that stock levels can sometimes be low and dispatch windows may vary, as items are often sourced from different partner shops. Always check the availability status before ordering if a book is needed urgently.
- Best For: Shoppers who want the flexibility of home delivery or free click-and-collect while supporting indie bookshops.
- Pricing: Generally competitive, with regular offers and free delivery thresholds.
- Unique Offering: A dual model that gives back to local bookshops while offering a convenient collection service.
- Link: https://www.hive.co.uk
4. Blackwell's
For parents, educators, and even clinicians seeking academically-informed books for kids with anxiety, Blackwell's is a trusted UK institution. With a heritage rooted in academic bookselling, its online store offers a robust catalogue that includes not only popular children's titles but also specialised, evidence-based resources. You'll find everything from gentle picture books to CBT workbooks and guides from clinical publishers, often with detailed product information valuable for professional use.
This makes it a standout choice for those looking for resources endorsed by mental health professionals. The website's interface is clear, providing precise details on stock levels and dispatch timelines for each item. Its national 'Reserve in store' option is a convenient feature, allowing you to secure a book online and collect it from one of their many locations, often based in university towns.
Key Features & Considerations
Blackwell's offers free UK delivery on all orders, with no minimum spend, which is a significant advantage. While their customer service is reliable, be mindful that some niche or specialised titles may have longer lead times, which are clearly communicated on the product page. This transparency is key when sourcing specific therapeutic materials. The ability to find both mainstream and more clinical texts in one place makes it a valuable one-stop-shop for a holistic approach to a child's mental wellbeing.
- Best For: Parents and professionals looking for a mix of popular and clinician-endorsed anxiety resources with the convenience of free delivery.
- Pricing: Competitive retail prices; free UK delivery on all orders is a major benefit.
- Unique Offering: A strong academic and clinical selection alongside popular children's mental health books, plus a 'Reserve in store' feature.
- Link: https://blackwells.co.uk
5. Scholastic Shop (UK)
For parents and educators seeking school-aligned books for kids with anxiety, the Scholastic Shop (UK) is an invaluable resource. As a trusted name in children's publishing, its platform is perfectly tailored for finding reassuring picture books and Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education resources that tackle worries and promote mindfulness, primarily for children aged 3–11. Its curation makes it a go-to for resources that complement the UK school curriculum.
The platform excels in providing context. Many product pages include age guidance, curriculum links, and even downloadable teacher or parent notes, which is brilliant for adults wanting to guide a child through a book’s themes effectively. The 'mental wellbeing' categories are clearly organised, making it simple to find titles that address specific emotional challenges. This focus on educational integration helps bridge the gap between home and school support systems.
Key Features & Considerations
Scholastic often runs promotions and offers themed monthly picks, making quality resources more accessible. While the selection is excellent for early years and primary children, parents of teenagers may need to look elsewhere for more advanced workbooks. It's also worth noting that stock can sometimes vary between the UK shop and its global counterparts. Delivery is free on orders over £25, providing a straightforward and reliable service.
- Best For: Parents and teachers looking for curriculum-linked mental health books for children aged 3–11.
- Pricing: Competitive, with frequent sales and multi-buy offers available.
- Unique Offering: Detailed product pages with teacher/parent notes and direct links to the UK school curriculum.
- Link: https://shop.scholastic.co.uk
6. Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP)
For parents, educators, and therapists seeking professional, evidence-based books for kids with anxiety, Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP) is an exceptional resource. As a specialist publisher, JKP focuses on child mental health, neurodiversity, and social-emotional learning, offering titles written by practising psychologists and therapists. Their catalogue is built on a foundation of clinical expertise, providing targeted and reliable support for families.
The platform features a superb collection of practical activity books that utilise CBT and mindfulness approaches, alongside picture books tackling specific issues like selective mutism. A standout feature is the inclusion of a ‘Note to Parents/Professionals’ in many books, offering guidance on how to use the material effectively. This makes JKP a go-to source for resources that bridge the gap between therapeutic strategies and everyday family life.
Key Features & Considerations
While direct-from-publisher shipping can sometimes be slower or incur higher costs, their high-quality titles are widely stocked by major UK retailers, providing alternative purchasing options. The high editorial credibility and focus on very specific anxiety-related topics ensure that you are buying a resource designed with both the child's and the caregiver's needs in mind. Ebook versions are also available for many titles.
- Best For: Parents and professionals seeking therapist-authored, evidence-based books on specific anxiety topics.
- Pricing: Standard retail pricing, comparable to other specialist publishers.
- Unique Offering: A highly curated collection of practical, practitioner-written resources with clear guidance for adults.
- Link: https://www.jkp.com
7. The Reading Agency – Reading Well for Children
The Reading Agency’s Reading Well scheme is an invaluable, free resource for families in the UK seeking professionally endorsed books for kids with anxiety. This "books on prescription" style programme provides a curated list of titles chosen by health experts, librarians, and children with lived experience of mental health needs. It’s designed to provide quality-assured support for children aged 7-11, with all recommended books available to borrow from local public libraries.
This initiative stands out because it removes the cost barrier, allowing parents to access multiple expert-vetted stories and workbooks without financial commitment. The platform itself isn’t a retailer; it’s a trusted guide that directs you to borrow the titles from your library, often as e-books or audiobooks. This model underscores the profound benefits of reading for mental wellbeing, making essential resources accessible to everyone.
Key Features & Considerations
As the books are accessed via the public library system, you might face wait times for popular titles, so it’s wise to place holds in advance. However, the credibility of the partnership between the NHS, public libraries, and mental health charities provides immense reassurance. The website also offers supporting materials and separate, tailored lists for teenagers and adults, making it a comprehensive hub for family-wide mental health support.
- Best For: UK families seeking free, quality-assured mental health books endorsed by health professionals and accessible through local libraries.
- Pricing: Free to access via the public library network.
- Unique Offering: A 'books on prescription' scheme co-produced by health experts, ensuring titles are credible and effective.
- Link: https://readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/our-programmes-and-campaigns/reading-well/reading-well-for-children/
8. OverDrive / Libby
For families looking for a completely free way to access books for kids with anxiety, OverDrive and its user-friendly app, Libby, are an invaluable resource. This platform connects directly to your local UK library’s digital collection, allowing you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks without spending a penny. All you need is a valid library card from a participating institution to get started, making it one of the most accessible options available.
The selection of mental health titles is often surprisingly comprehensive, ranging from picture books that gently introduce concepts of worry to evidence-based workbooks for older children and teens. The availability of audiobooks is particularly beneficial for children who may struggle with reading or prefer to listen. It’s an excellent way to sample different books to see which resonates with your child before committing to a purchase, supporting a more considered approach to building your family's mental health toolkit.
Key Features & Considerations
The primary limitation is that availability and wait times are determined by your local library's catalogue and demand. Popular titles may have long queues, but the app’s hold-and-notify system is seamless. The Libby app itself is exceptionally well-designed, making it easy to browse, borrow, and read or listen offline. This cost-free model removes financial barriers, ensuring every family can access high-quality resources to support a child’s emotional wellbeing.
- Best For: Families wanting free, digital access to a wide variety of anxiety-focused books and audiobooks.
- Pricing: Completely free with a participating UK library membership.
- Unique Offering: A vast digital library of ebooks and audiobooks accessible from home at no cost.
- Link: https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby
9. BookTrust
As the UK's largest children's reading charity, BookTrust serves as an invaluable, expert-led resource for parents seeking guidance rather than direct purchases. It excels at helping families discover the best books for kids with anxiety through thoughtfully curated lists and insightful editorial reviews. Instead of functioning as a retailer, its purpose is to guide you towards impactful titles and explain how they can be used to support a child's emotional wellbeing.
The platform is particularly useful for those new to bibliotherapy. You'll find expertly organised booklists like 'Ten books to calm and reassure children', which are broken down by age bands to ensure suitability. Each recommendation often comes with a short, practical summary explaining how the story addresses feelings of worry or fear, making it easier for parents to choose the right book. For a deeper dive into how to select appropriate titles, you can also explore more about the best books about feelings for kids.
Key Features & Considerations
BookTrust's strength lies in its trusted, non-commercial voice. As a charity, its recommendations are driven by child development expertise, not sales targets. The user experience is clean and focused on discovery; once you find a book you like, the site provides links to find it at your local library or purchase it from various retailers. This model empowers you to borrow or buy according to your preference, but it does mean you cannot purchase directly from the website itself.
- Best For: Parents and educators looking for trusted, expert-curated recommendations and guidance on using books to support children's emotional health.
- Pricing: Free to access all resources and recommendations.
- Unique Offering: A focus on guidance and discovery from a reputable UK reading charity, with clear pathways to borrow or buy elsewhere.
- Link: https://www.booktrust.org.uk
10. YoungMinds (Parents' hub)
While not a retailer, YoungMinds is an indispensable UK-based resource for parents and carers seeking to support a child with anxiety. This leading mental health charity provides a wealth of practical, expert-reviewed information that acts as a vital companion to using books for kids with anxiety. The platform offers guidance on everything from how to start a conversation about feelings to navigating the healthcare system and what to do while waiting for professional support, which is critical given the current strain on services.
The Parents' hub helps you contextualise the themes found in therapeutic books, providing real-world strategies to implement alongside reading. It equips you with the language and confidence needed to address your child's worries effectively. If you're looking for further reading, their resources can help you identify the right kind of support, allowing you to choose the best books about anxiety to match your child's specific needs.
Key Features & Considerations
YoungMinds is a free-to-access charity service, supported by donations. Its key strength is providing clear, actionable advice that complements other resources. It doesn't sell books directly, so you will need to source recommended titles elsewhere. However, its free Parents Helpline and webchat service offer direct, confidential support from trained advisors, providing a crucial lifeline for families feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their next steps.
- Best For: UK parents needing practical strategies and direct support to use alongside therapeutic books.
- Pricing: Free to access; it is a registered charity.
- Unique Offering: A free, confidential Parents Helpline and expert-backed guidance on supporting a child's mental health.
- Link: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/
11. The Works (UK)
For parents seeking budget-friendly resources, The Works is an excellent UK-based discount retailer. It offers a surprisingly robust selection of low-cost picture books, worry journals, and introductory mindfulness activity books, making it a great place to find supplementary books for kids with anxiety. This is particularly useful for families wanting to try several different approaches or build a home toolkit without a significant financial outlay.
The range is especially strong for younger children, typically aged 4 to 10, with many activity-led tools like ‘worry monster’ notebooks and beginner CBT-style exercises. While not a specialist mental health bookshop, its value-driven model allows parents to explore different formats, from simple stories about feelings to interactive journals, helping them discover what resonates most with their child. The platform is ideal for finding affordable additions to support a child’s emotional wellbeing.
Key Features & Considerations
Prices are highly competitive, often featuring multi-buy offers that provide exceptional value. The website clearly displays shipping promotions, such as free standard delivery thresholds, and offers Click & Collect or ParcelShop options for many items, adding convenience. However, stock levels can fluctuate, and some popular titles may have limited availability or may not be eligible for next-day dispatch, so it's wise to check product pages for specific details before ordering.
- Best For: Parents on a budget looking for low-cost, engaging activity books and journals for younger children.
- Pricing: Highly discounted, with frequent multi-buy deals and special offers.
- Unique Offering: A wide variety of affordable, hands-on mental health tools like worry journals and activity packs.
- Link: https://www.theworks.co.uk
12. Amazon (UK)
As a global marketplace, Amazon (UK) provides unparalleled access to an extensive catalogue of books for kids with anxiety, often being the fastest and most convenient option. Its vast inventory means you can almost always find specific titles, from popular bestsellers to niche workbooks, in multiple formats like paperback, Kindle, or Audible audiobook. This makes it a reliable choice when a specific book is recommended by a professional and needed quickly, or if you're looking for an alternative edition that other retailers may not stock.
The platform aggregates thousands of user reviews, which can be invaluable for comparing different books and seeing how other parents and children have responded to them. Features like wishlists are also useful for organising potential purchases or sharing ideas with schools or family members. However, it's important to remember that purchasing here doesn't support local independent shops.
Key Features & Considerations
While the convenience of next-day Prime delivery is a major draw, it's wise to vet third-party marketplace sellers by checking their ratings and delivery estimates, as quality and speed can vary. Prices fluctuate, so it can be worth monitoring a book before buying. Despite these considerations, Amazon's sheer scale and speed make it an indispensable resource for parents needing immediate access to mental health materials for their children.
- Best For: Finding specific or hard-to-find titles quickly, and accessing various formats like Kindle or Audible.
- Pricing: Highly variable with both new and used options; prices can change frequently.
- Unique Offering: Unmatched inventory depth and fast delivery, plus a vast collection of aggregated user reviews for comparison.
- Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk
12-Resource Comparison: Books for Kids with Anxiety
| Provider | Core offerings & unique features ✨ | Target audience 👥 | Price & value 💰 | UX & trust ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Fish Books 🏆 | Free emotion colouring sheets, print & digital SEL books, activities, wholesale + mental‑health apparel ✨ | Parents, teachers, therapists, retailers 👥 | Pay-per-item; T‑shirts ~£25–£30, hoodies ~£45; free UK merch shipping over £65 💰 | Active site, 103 Trustpilot reviews; educational (not clinical) ★★★★ |
| Bookshop.org (UK) | Curated children/teen anxiety titles; supports independent bookshops ✨ | Buyers who want UK fulfilment & support indies 👥 | Retail pricing; free UK shipping over ~£25; slightly above discount outlets 💰 | Transparent stock/dispatch per indie; reliable indie support ★★★★ |
| Hive.co.uk | Links to local shops for delivery or click‑collect; clear stock flags ✨ | Parents & local-shop supporters; primary years buyers 👥 | Standard retail; free delivery over ~£20 thresholds 💰 | Good stock visibility; availability varies by partner shop ★★★★ |
| Blackwell's | Broad catalogue incl. clinician/publisher lines; reserve & collect ✨ | Academics, professionals, university customers 👥 | Retail pricing; strong academic selection 💰 | Detailed product data & reliable service; some long lead times ★★★★ |
| Scholastic Shop (UK) | PSHE-linked picture books, teacher/parent notes, school-friendly curation ✨ | Schools, teachers, parents of early years & primary 👥 | Regular promotions; school-focused pricing/events 💰 | Easy navigation; stock varies by region ★★★★ |
| Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP) | Practitioner-authored CBT/mindfulness workbooks & specialist titles ✨ | Therapists, clinicians, practitioners seeking evidence-based resources 👥 | Publisher pricing; ebook options; shipping may be slower/ pricier overseas 💰 | High editorial credibility; targeted backmatter ★★★★ |
| The Reading Agency – Reading Well for Children | Curated, health‑partnered booklists (borrow via libraries) ✨ | Families & schools wanting quality‑assured recommendations 👥 | Free to borrow via public libraries 💰 | Trusted "books on prescription" model; may involve holds ★★★★★ |
| OverDrive / Libby | Library ebook & audiobook lending app; multiple formats ✨ | Library members who want free digital access 👥 | Free with participating library card 💰 | Widely used app; holds/availability can cause waits ★★★★ |
| BookTrust | Editorial reviews & curated age-banded lists explaining emotional support use ✨ | Parents, practitioners seeking discovery & guidance 👥 | Free recommendations; links to retailers/libraries 💰 | Trusted UK charity voice; excellent discovery resources ★★★★★ |
| YoungMinds (Parents' hub) | Practical guidance, conversation starters, helpline signposting ✨ | Parents & carers needing mental‑health advice alongside books 👥 | Free guidance & helpline/webchat 💰 | Leading UK youth‑mental‑health charity; trusted resources ★★★★★ |
| The Works (UK) | Discount picture books, worry journals & beginner activity books ✨ | Budget-conscious families & classrooms 👥 | Very low prices; good for trial purchases 💰 | Competitive pricing; stock and dispatch can fluctuate ★★★ |
| Amazon (UK) | Massive catalogue across formats, fast delivery (Prime), marketplace sellers ✨ | Buyers needing speed, variety or hard‑to‑find editions 👥 | Variable pricing; Prime delivery benefits 💰 | Fast & extensive but seller quality varies; supports urgent needs ★★★★ |
Building Your Child's Emotional Toolkit, One Story at a Time
Selecting the right resources from platforms like Bookshop.org, The Reading Agency, or Jessica Kingsley Publishers is a significant and proactive step in supporting your child. The journey through this list has highlighted a wealth of options, from clinically endorsed collections to accessible high-street finds, all aimed at helping you find the perfect books for kids with anxiety. These stories are far more than just words on a page; they are practical tools that can transform abstract feelings into understandable concepts, giving children the language to articulate their worries and fears.
By introducing characters who face similar struggles, you are showing your child they are not alone. This validation is a cornerstone of emotional wellbeing, creating a safe space for open conversations. The true power of these books is realised when they become a springboard for dialogue and action. Pairing a story about a worried little monster with a simple breathing exercise, for instance, connects the narrative to a real-world coping mechanism your child can use when they feel overwhelmed.
Putting Stories into Practice
To make these resources most effective, consider integrating them into a broader approach to mental health support.
- Create a Routine: Make reading together a consistent, calm activity. This predictability can be comforting for an anxious child and reinforces the idea that it's always okay to talk about feelings.
- Connect to Real Life: Gently link the stories to your child's own experiences. For example, after reading, you could say, "Remember how the squirrel in the book took three deep breaths when he felt scared? Let's try that together now. Breathe in... one, two, three... and out."
- Use Relaxation Tips: Simple mindfulness can be very powerful. Try the '5-4-3-2-1' grounding technique: ask your child to name five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste. This brings their focus to the present moment and away from anxious thoughts.
Beyond the pages of books, there are many other practical strategies to build emotional resilience, complementing the comfort found in stories. Integrating these various approaches builds a robust support system for your child.
Your Role as a Trusted Advocate
It's crucial to acknowledge the wider context of children's mental health. With the pervasive influence of social media and academic pressures, providing early support is more important than ever. The cost of unaddressed mental health challenges extends beyond the individual, impacting families, schools, and eventually, the wider economy. Early, compassionate intervention is an investment in a healthier future for everyone.
While this article provides a comprehensive guide, it is essential to remember that I am not a mental health professional. The resources listed are tools for support, not substitutes for clinical diagnosis or treatment. Trust your instincts as a parent or caregiver. If your child's anxiety seems persistent, overwhelming, or is impacting their daily life, please seek professional help. Contacting your GP or a qualified child therapist is a sign of strength and the most responsible step you can take. You are your child's greatest advocate, and with the right combination of stories, strategies, and professional support, you can empower them to navigate life's challenges with courage and confidence.
Ready to start building your child's emotional library? Explore the curated collection at Little Fish Books, which offers beautifully illustrated stories specifically designed to open up conversations about feelings like anxiety and worry. Find the perfect starting point for your family's mental health journey today. Little Fish Books