Bravery Bookshelf: Favorite Reads for Inspiring Confidence in Kids

As a parent, I know how hard it can be to help kids navigate those big, overwhelming feelings—especially when anxiety sneaks in. Over the years, I’ve learned that books can be powerful tools to help kids process their emotions, feel seen, and build confidence in tackling their worries. That’s why I put together The Bravery Bookshelf: a curated list of some of my favorite books for helping kids face fears, calm their minds, and find their inner courage.

Whether it’s bedtime worries, first-day jitters, or just a case of the "what-ifs," these stories offer gentle guidance and a sense of comfort. Here’s a peek at what’s on the shelf—and why these books have made a big impact in my family.

My Top Pick: "Right Now, I Am Fine" by Dr. Daniela Owen

If there’s one book I keep coming back to, it’s this one. "Right Now, I Am Fine" teaches kids how to bring themselves back to the present moment when their minds feel anxious, or their worries start running wild.

Bedtime has always been when my kids’ worries seem the loudest—something about the quiet of the evening lets those thoughts creep in. Reading this book together became a calming ritual that helped them feel safe, find their center, and drift off to sleep more peacefully. It’s simple, beautifully written, and incredibly effective.

Other Bravery Bookshelf Favorites:

📖 "The What-ifs" by Emily Kilgore. This charming book shows kids how to turn those pesky "what if" worries into opportunities for growth and positivity. It’s a great reminder that not all "what ifs" lead to bad outcomes.

📖 "Wilma Jean the Worry Machine" by Julia Cook. Through a fun and relatable story, this book helps kids understand their worries and introduces practical tools for managing them in everyday situations.

📖 "Ruby Finds a Worry" by Tom Percival. Ruby’s story beautifully illustrates how acknowledging and talking about worries can make them feel smaller. It’s perfect for teaching kids the power of sharing their feelings.

📖 "A Little Spot of Anxiety" by Diane Alber. This interactive book explains anxiety in a kid-friendly way and gives practical strategies for recognizing and managing it.

Why Books Work

Books open the door for important conversations. They give kids words to describe their feelings, normalize their experiences, and offer strategies in a way that feels fun and approachable. But there’s another reason books are so effective: repetition.

When a child hears the same comforting words or sees a character face challenges over and over again, it helps reinforce those lessons and build familiarity. Repetition turns stories into touchstones, giving kids a reliable way to practice calming techniques and see that fears can be overcome. Even more, reading these stories together strengthens the bond between you and your child—reminding them they’re not alone in figuring it all out.

Ready to Build Your Bravery Bookshelf?

I’ve made it easy to explore all these titles and more. You can find the full collection on my Amazon page here: The Bravery Bookshelf.

Whether you’re looking for tools to complement your Bravery Box journey or just want to help your child navigate life’s big feelings, I hope these books bring as much comfort and inspiration to your family as they have to mine.

Do you have a favorite book for calming worries or building confidence? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Hi, I’m Liz—a parent who’s been in the trenches of navigating mental health challenges with my own family. Those experiences sparked a deep passion to help other families thrive. I’m on a mission to create simple, fun, and meaningful activities—like the Bravery Boxes—that bring families closer while building confidence and resilience in kids.

I hold a degree in Business with a minor in Psychology and am currently pursuing a master’s in counseling. I collaborate closely with professionals to ensure the tools and strategies I share are grounded in evidence while staying easy to use at home.

At the heart of it all, I want to help families feel supported, connected, and empowered as they tackle life’s big and small challenges—together.