Picture books tagged with: phobias

What’s worrying you?

A great picture book to help children explore their worries. While it is normal to feel anxious now and then, when anxiety escalates and can't be controlled, sitting down with your child and reading this book together should help.

The Koala Who Could

An entertaining story that encourages children to try something new. Perfect for children who find change difficult.

Tappity-Tap What was That?

The book conveys the message that facing our fears means they are often not so scary.

Bella and Monty: A Hairy Scary Night

May comfort a child who is anxious about the dark, spiders, ghosts or monsters, and make them realise they are not alone.

The Monster Who Ate Darkness

This book elegantly 'neutralises' fear of monsters by portraying a non-threatening (and ultimately caring) one. It also provides a fun and poetic explanation to why darkness is so necessary at night time.

The Great Big Book of Feelings

A child struggling with negative emotions may find great comfort in this sympathetic, entertaining and reassuring book which explores many different feelings: happy, sad, excited, bored, interested, angry, upset, calm, silly, lonely, scared, safe, embarrassed, shy, confident, worried, jealous and satisfied.

Billy Monster’s Daymare

Exploring common night time fears about monsters under the bed, in cupboards or lurking in shadows. This book may help to explain to a child in a humorous way that lots of people feel the same way. The humour lies in the fact that this book is about a monster having a 'daymare' about a child!

Eeeek, Mouse!

This book may help a child who is frightened of mice to see a less threatening side to them.

Halibut Jackson

Reassuring anxious or shy children that others experience similar emotions. Providing a positive role model who learns to accept his shyness.

Aaaarrgghh, Spider!

Overcoming fears and phobias associated with spiders.

What Makes Me Happy?

May help a child to identify emotions they are experiencing and encourage them to discuss any they feel uncomfortable with. Reassures children that it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions.

The Mermaid Who Couldn’t

Many children struggle with self-esteem, like Mariana The Mermaid. Through Mariana's journey to happiness, a child who is struggling to feel good about themselves will see that, over time, and with friends, good things can happen.

Under the Love Umbrella

A book to comfort 'anyone who has ever felt lonely, lost or alone'. Useful for children who are experiencing separation anxiety or loneliness, it sends the comforting message that wherever you are, you are loved.

The King Who Banned the Dark

Children who are afraid of the dark may find comfort and acknowledgement here, but the story also explores themes of power, revolution, manipulation and acceptance which older children might enjoy discussing.

Pom and Pim

A story about a child who encounters good luck and bad luck. This book can help children to discover how sometimes bad luck can lead to surprising and wonderful good luck!

Suzie Goes On An Aeroplane

This is a colourful and cheerful book that will teach a child all about flying in an aeroplane. It tells the reader what to expect at every stage of the journey, with some helpful advice thrown in.

The Very Busy Spider

A story that portrays spiders in a positive way. This book may also encourage children to persevere with difficult tasks.

Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears

A child may recognise some of his own fears on the pages of this book, and feel like he is 'less alone' with them. Provides a good starting point for a conversation on phobias and anxieties.

All Kinds of Feelings: a Lift-the-Flap Book

Little Princess – I Don’t Want to Go to Bed

Helping children to understand why it's important to go to bed on time.

All Kinds of Fears: a Lift-the-Flap Book

Going on a Plane

Introduces some typical aspects of going on a family holiday. May help to allay fears of flying, and prepare young children for some of the procedures associated with modern plane travel (such as security checks and safety briefings).

The Monster Bed

Reassuring children who are afraid of the dark or anxious about monsters.

Going to the Dentist

Introducing young children to what happens at the dentist, and encouraging them to take good care of their teeth.

Can’t You Sleep, Little Bear?

Soothing fears of the dark, encouraging young children to settle down for the night.

Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep

May comfort a child who is experiencing bad dreams or who is afraid of the dark.

Go on an Aeroplane (Topsy & Tim)

Provides a practical and positive account of travelling by plane which may reassure a child apprehensive about flying.

Why Do I Feel Scared? A First Look At Being Brave

This non-fiction picture book explores what it means to be brave and defines bravery in many different forms (including standing up for yourself and others, and trying new things).

Best Bear

Great for any child that has a special bear to comfort them through the night as the book illustrates how together they can overcome a fear of the dark.