Little Kids, Big Emotions: Scared
If you can believe it, we’ve hit our tenth emotion for this series, but if you’ve missed any of the others, please make sure you go back and check them out – happy, sad, mad, shy, enthusiasm, frustrated, silly, calm, and anxious!
Today’s emotion, scared, can similar to anxious in many settings, but I thought it was important to offer a list specifically on this emotion. Often times, kids are scared to try something new or to be in a new setting, other times kids become scared of something that never used to be a problem, like being scared of the dark. No matter what the situation, it is up to caregivers to help kids embrace a growth mindset for trying new things or to show them that some things are not as scary as they seem. There are dozens of books available about being scared, many discuss specific situations, but I wanted to ty and share with you a wide variety of titles here as a starting off point. I hope that you find these books difficult in navigating your child’s fear and helping them to become, maybe not completely fearless, but open to new experiences!
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Little Kids, Big Emotions: Scared
Can I Tell You a Secret? by Anna Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant
He’s a little frog with a BIG secret that he’s ready to share. Monty learns how to face his fears with some help from his new friend—YOU!
Hannah and Sugar by Kate Berube
Every day after school, Hannah’s school bus is greeted by her classmate’s dog, Sugar. All of the other kids love Sugar, but Hannah just can’t conquer her fear of dogs. Then, one day, Sugar goes missing, so Hannah joins the search with her classmates. Will Hannah find a way to be brave, and make a new friend in the process?
I Am (Not) Scared by Anna Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant
Two fuzzy friends go to an amusement park. They try to convince each other that there are much scarier things than the roller coaster. Hairy spiders! Aliens! Fried ants! They soon discover that sometimes being scared isn’t as “scary” as they thought.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board.
The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field
Fed up of being ignored by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes … and even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion!
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd
Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard . . . clomp, clomp, shake, shake, clap, clap.
Orion and the Dark by Emma Yarlett
Orion is scared of a lot of things, but most of all he’s scared of the dark. So one night the Dark decides to take Orion on an adventure. Emma Yarlett’s second picture book combines her incredible storytelling and artwork with die-cut pages that bring the Dark to life.
Saturday is Swimming Day by Hyewon Yum
Swimming lessons are on Saturdays, and every Saturday one little girl has a stomachache. When she gets to the pool it’s loud, the floor is wet and slippery, and her swim cap is too tight. Her swimming instructor, Mary, says it’s OK to sit by the edge if she doesn’t want to get in the water this week. The next Saturday the girl has a stomachache again, but with Mary’s gentle encouragement, she eventually manages to make it into the pool to practice her kicks. Little by little, the girl’s confidence grows — until one Saturday comes around when she has no stomachache at all!
Something Wild by Molly Ruttan
Hannah loves to play her violin—as long as no one is watching. On the day of the recital, she’s wishing something wild would happen so she won’t have to go. Perhaps a dolphin will jump out of the fountain and carry her away, or a giant rabbit will abscond with her violin. Hannah’s big imagination dreams up all kinds of entertaining scenarios that could change the course of her day, but what actually happens is the most amazing of all!
There’s an Alligator Under My Bed by Mercer Mayer
The nightmare’s gone, but what about that alligator? You have to be so careful getting in and out of bed! Maybe a midnight snack to lure him into the garage will do the trick. In this funny and beloved follow-up, Mercer Mayer faces another nighttime fear head-on.
Wally Does Not Want a Haircut by Amanda Driscoll
Wally does not need a haircut. His hair is perfectly fine. Sure, it trips him up a tad and gathers a bit of greenery. But Wally does NOT want a haircut. He doesn’t even want one after his mama and their barnyard friends show off their own fun new ’dos. But when his unruly hair holds him back from the hoedown, he might have to reconsider.
You Can Do It, Bert! by Ole Könnecke
You Can Do It, Bert! is a joyful picture book with a light as a feather story about taking a risk and believing in yourself.
