Helping Children Cope in Scary Times

It can sometimes be scary being a kid. There are potential dangers lurking around every corner, from the dark to monsters to carrots? Yes, carrots. But in these uncertain times due to COVID-19, it can be harder to explain these fears away. But good news! The Seattle Public Library has lots of books aimed at children available via our Overdrive catalog on how to talk about and overcome fear and anxiety.

When I Feel Afraid by Cheri Meiners
This nonfiction picture book is geared towards younger children and gives them advice and encouragement on how to deal with fears and where to turn for help.

What to Do When You’re Scared & Worried: A Guide for Kids by James Crist
A book for older kids and pre-teens that gives them coping methods on how to deal with fears and anxiety. It also gets to the root of where some of these fears and anxieties come from.

Little Unicorn is Scared by Aurélie Chien Chow Chine
A picture book nonfiction story about a unicorn who gets scared at bed time and features breathing exercises kids can use to calm their fears.

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat
This picture book follows Humpty Dumpty after his “Great Fall” and how he’s afraid to get back on the wall even after he was put back together. The book has beautiful illustrations and gives a wonderful lesson about bravery and overcoming fear.

Get Me Out of This Book!: Rules and Tools for Being Brave by Kalli Dako
A bookmark becomes afraid of the pictures in the books he’s being used for in this charmingly illustrated picture book. He overcomes these fears using strategies the author took from Navy Seals, making them applicable to children and bookmarks alike!

If you don’t already have a library card, you can sign up and start borrowing some of these digital titles and more today!

For more information on talking to children about their fears surrounding COVID-19, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Washington State Department of Health have a plethora of resources for parents and caregivers.

~Posted by Katherine H.