People often ask how it actually works. You upload a few photos, and somehow your child ends up illustrated into a storybook, looking like themselves rather than a generic cartoon. It is not magic, but there is real craft behind it. Here is a friendly look at how a Mematime book comes together, from the first photo to the finished hardcover.
It starts with your child
First you tell us about the star of the book: their name, and a few clear photos. The photos matter more than anything else, because they are what let the illustrated character genuinely resemble your child rather than just share a name. A few well-lit, front-facing shots are all it takes.
Choosing the story
Next you pick a story for your child to star in. Each of our stories is written and illustrated to work as a real book, not just a name dropped into a template. The aim is something that holds up at bedtime, the fortieth time as much as the first.
Bringing your child into the pages
This is the part people find surprising. Rather than a build-your-own avatar, we illustrate your child into the artwork so the hero on the page looks like them. We match the look so the character feels recognisably your child, page after page, woven into the story rather than pasted on top of it.
Preview before you commit
Before anything is printed, you get to see your child in the book. That preview removes the guesswork: you know exactly what you are getting before you order. You can see how it looks here.
Printed, bound and sent
Once you are happy, the book is printed and bound as a proper keepsake, then sent to you ready to wrap and read. The result is a book that gets read again and again, which is rather the point. Sharing books from a young age is one of the best things you can do for a child, as Reading Rockets explains.
Make one of your own
If you would like to see your child as the hero of their own story, our personalised books for children let you preview the whole thing before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos do I need for a personalised book?
A few clear, front-facing photos are usually enough. Good lighting helps the illustrated character resemble your child as closely as possible.
Can I see the book before I order?
Yes. You preview your child in the story before anything is printed, so there are no surprises when it arrives.
