Personalized books for babies and toddlers
At this age the story isn't really the point. The sound is. Babies and toddlers respond to rhythm, repetition and the shape of a familiar voice long before they follow a plot — and to their own name, which most children recognise before almost any other word.
Digital book $7.99, ready in under 30 minutes · A4 hardcover $29.99 plus delivery. You read the story and approve their character before anything is illustrated.
What the book looks like at this age
- Short, soft sentences with a rhythm that reads aloud well at bedtime
- Repetition that invites joining in — the line they'll start saying before they can read it
- Warm, gentle subjects — animals, bedtime, family, first adventures
- Their name throughout, and the people they see every day in the illustrations
- No peril, no scary scenes — reassurance is the whole job at this age
Usually bought by someone other than the parent
Most books at this age are bought by grandparents, godparents, aunts and uncles, for a birth, a christening, or a first birthday. Add a personal foreword and it becomes the book that's still on the shelf when they're twelve.
A personalized book for the shelf, not a teething toy
Worth being straight with you: the hardcover is an A4 book with paper pages. It is not a board book. It's made to be read with you and kept, rather than handed to a one-year-old to chew. If you want something that survives being gnawed, buy a board book as well and keep this one on the shelf.
Example books in this band
These are demonstration books we made ourselves, not real customers' children. Each one started from the same handful of choices you'll make.
You read it before anyone illustrates it
Read every word
The full story, before illustration.
Approve their character
The likeness, before it's used across 15 pages.
Change anything
It's a draft until you say otherwise.
What you get
- 30 A4 pages — 15 story pages and 15 full-page illustrations
- Digital book, ready in under 30 minutes, $7.99
- Optional A4 hardcover, $29.99 plus delivery, ordered after you've approved it
- An optional personal foreword printed inside
- Available in English, Spanish, French, German and Dutch
More on how the story is built around your child: a book where your child is the main character. Full pricing is on the pricing page.
Questions
Can a baby really appreciate a personalized book?
Not the personalization, not yet. They respond to rhythm, repetition and your voice. The personalization is for the years afterwards, and for whoever's giving it.
Is it suitable as a new-baby or christening gift?
Yes, and it's one of the most common reasons people make one. Add a foreword and it becomes a personal gift from day one.
Is the hardcover a board book?
No. It's an A4 hardcover with paper pages — a book to read together and keep, rather than something built to survive a teething toddler.
What if they're right at the top of the band?
If they're closer to three and already following stories, look at ages 3 to 5 instead — the pacing suits them better.
Can our pets and family be in it?
Yes, and at this age it helps — familiar faces are what a very young child recognises first.
How much is it?
$7.99 for the digital book. The A4 hardcover is an optional $29.99 plus delivery, bought afterwards only if you want it.
Buying for a different age?
Start their book
Shape the story, read every word, and approve their character before the final pages are made.
Start their book