A personalised book about confidence

Children are forever coming up against things that are just a bit too hard: jumping in from the side, putting their hand up, trying a new food. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, and it is easy to start believing you can't. A book about confidence lets your child see themselves succeed at something that at first felt impossible, in small steps and with mistakes along the way. They get to see what it looks like when they themselves try again, and that picture is hard to come by any other way.

The challenge in the book can be big or small. The hero might dare to sing at the end-of-term concert, ride without stabilisers, learn to tie their shoelaces, talk to a new child in the playground or carry something important all the way home. What carries the story is not instant success, but that the hero tries, fails, tries another way and finally realises it was possible all along. Someone can help along the way by showing a trick, but the last step is one the hero takes alone.

Tell us something your child is actually working on right now, or has recently managed: a swimming badge, their first letters on a piece of paper, the first night at grandma's. Include the people who usually cheer them on, such as a brother or sister, a parent or a coach. Courage and perseverance are close cousins of this message. For a ready-made storyline there is the idea Brave as a Lion.

For a small child, the big thing might be climbing onto a chair or pouring their own water. Pre-schoolers recognise everyday challenges, like getting dressed or asking to join in, and they like plenty of encouragement along the way. Six-year-olds see themselves in practising, getting it wrong and having another go. A story for the oldest can let the uncertainty hang around for a while, but without letting it take charge.

After reading, remember together the things your child once couldn't do but can now: walking, eating with a spoon, writing their name. It is a simple way of seeing that abilities grow over time. Ask what the hero did when it didn't work the first time, and what your child would like to try next. You could write it all down on a list that keeps on growing.

You fill in the child's name, age and what they like, and upload a photo. The story about confidence is written for your very own child, and the thirteen pictures and the cover are drawn from the photo in the style you choose. Brothers and sisters, parents, grandparents or the pet can come along, up to five characters. If you would like to include something that has happened lately, a trip or a lost tooth, just write it and it is woven in.

The eBook is ready a few minutes after payment. Read it, change the text and ask for new pictures until you are happy. Then order it as an A4 hardback book, printed and sent to your door, or straight to the child as a gift. Do add the audiobook or the colouring pages. Start creating the book or read more about the prices. Would you like to see a finished book before you decide? Browse our example books.