Families who loved Help Hungry Henry Deal with Anxiety by Esther Pia Cordova often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
You would reach for this book when your child is facing a new milestone, like the first day of school, and is struggling with physical symptoms of stress or a cycle of 'what-if' thoughts. It provides a concrete way to talk about the physiological experience of anxiety, such as 'butterflies' or a racing heart, by personifying these feelings through the character of Henry. The story follows Henry as he navigates the nervous anticipation of school. Rather than just telling him to be brave, the book introduces actionable coping mechanisms, specifically 'The Box Breathing' technique. It is perfect for children aged 4 to 8 who need a bridge between feeling overwhelmed and feeling in control. Parents will appreciate the secular, practical approach that validates a child's fears while modeling a gentle way to move forward through resilience and self-regulation.
