10 Books That Help Children Cope With Separation Anxiety

Some kids with separation anxiety may refuse school, follow you from room to room, or cry before goodbyes. But with the right support, these feelings improve over time. The good news is that children's books about separation anxiety can offer comfort, normalize their emotions, and show them that goodbyes don’t last forever.

Through relatable characters and gentle stories, these books help children feel safe, understood, and reassured until you’re back together again.

10 Books That Help Children Cope With Separation Anxiety

It’s normal for babies to feel upset when away from their parents starting around 6 to 12 months old. This can last until they’re about 3 years old. After that, most kids naturally start feeling more comfortable being apart from their parents [*].

The right story can work wonders in helping children understand their feelings and learn that being apart doesn't mean being unloved. These carefully chosen books offer comfort, validation, and practical coping strategies wrapped in engaging narratives that are easy to understand for children.

1. Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse

This story follows a young girl who tests her mother’s love by imagining all sorts of mischievous or challenging scenarios. No matter what the girl suggests, whether she makes mistakes, causes trouble, or wanders far away, her mother assures her that her love is constant and unshakable.

The story reassures children that a parent’s love doesn’t change, even during times apart or in difficult moments.

Price: $8.36 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes and Noble

2. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

When a storm frightens two children in the middle of the night, their mother introduces them to a beautiful concept: invisible strings made of love connect us to everyone we care about, and these strings can never be broken or severed by distance, anger, or time.

This metaphor gives children a concrete way to visualize their connection to loved ones and understand that love transcends physical presence.

Price: $6.99 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

3. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

This tells the story of Chester Raccoon, who feels nervous about starting school and being away from his mom. To help him feel brave, his mother kisses his palm and explains that he can press it to his cheek anytime he misses her to feel her love.

About 2% to 5% of school-aged children experience anxiety-related school refusal [*]. A simple ritual like Chester’s “kissing hand” gives children a concrete way to cope with separation, reminds them their feelings are normal, and reassures them that love stays with them no matter where they go.

Price: $11.50 on Amazon, $12,99 on Barnes and Noble

4. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney follows Little Llama as he settles into bed and calls for his mama. When she doesn’t come right away, his worry grows into fear, only to be comforted when she returns and reminds him she’s always nearby.

This story normalizes waiting and shows kids that a short time apart doesn’t mean a parent has gone away forever.

Price: $23.99 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

5. I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas

This book follows Owen through his day at school. It shows how his mother's love stays with him even when she's not physically present.

The story reminds kids that love doesn’t pause just because they’re apart. It addresses first-day nerves and comforts very young children starting school.

Price: $7.99 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

6. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

Sarah is anxious about starting a new school and tries to avoid going. With encouragement, she finally heads in, only for readers to discover in a playful twist that Sarah is the new teacher, not a student.

This story normalizes nervousness and shows that even adults can feel worried about new situations. The surprise ending lightens the mood and helps children understand that anxiety is normal and that new experiences often turn out better than expected.

Price: $5.40 on Amazon, $8.99 on Barnes and Noble

7. Owen by Kevin Henkes

Owen adores his yellow blanket and doesn’t want to part with it, even when it’s time to start school. With a little creativity from his parents, Owen finds a way to keep a piece of his beloved blanket with him.

This Caldecott Honor book addresses attachment to comfort objects while showing how children can find ways to feel secure in new environments without completely abandoning what comforts them.

Price: $10.98 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

8. The Way I Feel by Janan Cain

This book explores various emotions, including fear and sadness, through eye-catching illustrations and simple text. It helps children identify and name their feelings, which is an important step in managing separation anxiety and other emotional challenges.

The story encourages expression and healthy communication about fears and worries.

Price: $7.64 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

9. On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman

This is a lyrical, beautifully illustrated story that celebrates a child’s unique and irreplaceable place in the world. It emphasizes that their arrival was so special that it caused nature itself to rejoice. The poetic language makes it a comforting bedtime read.

The book's message, which shows that the whole world celebrated when this particular child was born, helps children feel valued, cherished, and secure in their parents' love. This foundation provides comfort during times of separation.

Price: $13. 99 on Amazon, $7.99 on Barnes and Noble

10. Bye-Bye Time by Elizabeth Verdick

Bye-Bye Time by Elizabeth Verdick uses short, reassuring sentences and easy-to-understand illustrations to guide young children through the process of saying goodbye. It shows kids what they can do during “bye-bye time,” such as giving hugs or waves, and reminds them that goodbyes are temporary and lead to happy reunions.

Additionally, the book teaches kids practical ways to express and regulate their emotions when they feel sad and anxious.

Price: $8.03 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

The Bottom Line

Reading books about separation anxiety with your child on a regular basis can open the door to important talks about feelings, help them learn the words to express those feelings, and create comforting routines that make bedtime and other separations easier.

If your child’s separation anxiety is severe, persistent or keeps them from doing everyday activities, it’s a good idea to get advice from a pediatrician or a child mental health professional.

For more anxiety resources for kids check out our anxiety worksheets collection.

References:

• Feriante J, Torrico TJ, Bernstein B. Separation Anxiety Disorder. [Updated 2023 Feb 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560793/
• School Refusal. (n.d.). Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA). https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/children/school-refusal