What is Real Big Stories?

Real Big Stories creates personalised books where your child becomes the hero of their own story. Our creative team, powered by our technology, generates unique illustrations from your child's photos — with their face on every single page.

Enter your child's name and age, choose a world and a storyline, add supporting characters (family, friends, a pet), then upload a photo. You'll get a free preview of your book in just a few minutes.

How are the illustrations made?

Our creative team works with our technology to generate each illustration from your child's photo, capturing the unique features of their face. No templates, no stock characters — every book is a one-of-a-kind creation, made especially for your child.

What stories are available?

Over 20 worlds tailored to every age group: space adventures, fairy realms, pirate islands, dino kingdoms, magic schools, time travel, and much more. Every story nurtures courage, imagination and self-confidence.

Will the character actually look like my child?

Yes. Our creative team uses your photo to recreate your child's facial features: face shape, eyes, hair colour. The character genuinely looks like them — not some generic kid.

What age range are the books for?

From 0 to 12 and beyond. The story and writing style adapt automatically to your child's age: gentle picture books for toddlers, illustrated stories for ages 3–5, early readers for ages 6–8, and a proper short novel for ages 9 and up.

What size and quality is the book?

Square format, 21×21 cm. Standard edition: 10 chapters (28 pages). Long edition: 20 chapters (48 pages). Each chapter includes an age-appropriate text page and a full-page illustration — plus an introduction, conclusion, front cover and back cover. Printed in France on premium paper. Also available as a digital edition (PDF).

How long does delivery take?

The digital edition (PDF) is ready within 48 hours. For a printed book, allow around 15 days with standard delivery (Colissimo), or approximately 1 week with the Express Shipping option (Chronopost).

Can I make changes after ordering?

Absolutely! After your order, we send you the complete digital version of the book for you to review before it goes to print. You can check all the details and even edit the text yourself. If we've made a mistake, we'll fix it.

Yes. Your photos are used solely to generate the illustrations and are automatically deleted once the book has been sent. They are never shared with third parties, and all data is stored on secure servers in Europe.

Does it make a good gift?

Here's what parents tell us: it's one of those gifts that doesn't end up gathering dust after a week. Kids want to look at it again and again — because they're the main character.

Their face, their name, their story. They're the hero

Starting from their photos, we illustrate their face on every page. They'll recognize themselves on the cover — and won't want to put it down.Personalise their adventure, from their name to their passions

Create their story Create their magical book See examples

A truly personalised book in every single detail

For their eyes to truly light up, they need to believe this book was written just for them. And it really was.

They're the hero

Their name, age and appearance — all brought to life so they recognise themselves straight away.

With their crew

Add their best friend, little sister or even their faithful dog to join the adventure.

Their favourite places

The story can unfold in their bedroom, at school, or in an imaginary world they absolutely love.

Their world

Pirates, fairies, space or dinosaurs? You choose the theme of the story.

Their adventure starts here

Personalise your child's adventure in just a few seconds.

What's your little hero's name?

They are...

A Boy

A Girl

Their age4 years

Baby (0)Older (12)

Where will you take them on tonight's adventure?

Whatever captures their heart right now, we have the perfect adventure waiting for them.

Filter by age

0-2 yrs

Down on the Farm

Meet the cows, sheep, and hens in a warm and wonderfully cosy world.

Down on the Farm

Meet the cows, sheep, and hens in a warm and wonderfully cosy world.

0-2 yrs

A World of Colour

A rainbow adventure for learning colours and shapes.

A World of Colour

A rainbow adventure for learning colours and shapes.

0-2 yrs

The Four Seasons

Journey through the seasons, from the first buds of spring to winter snow.

The Four Seasons

Journey through the seasons, from the first buds of spring to winter snow.

0-2 yrs

Zoom Zoom Vehicles

All aboard your little one's favourite vehicles!

Zoom Zoom Vehicles

All aboard your little one's favourite vehicles!

0-2 yrs

The Magic Snuggle

When no one's looking, the cuddly toys come alive to share in every little moment.

The Magic Snuggle

When no one's looking, the cuddly toys come alive to share in every little moment.

0-2 yrs

0–8 yrs

The Fairy Realm

Enchanted forests, sparkling stardust, and shimmering magic around every corner.

The Fairy Realm

Enchanted forests, sparkling stardust, and shimmering magic around every corner.

0–8 yrs

0-2 yrs

Tiny Dinos

Adorable baby dinosaurs roaming a prehistory that's perfectly sweet.

Tiny Dinos

Adorable baby dinosaurs roaming a prehistory that's perfectly sweet.

0-2 yrs

My Cosy Nest

Discover the familiar things of home in a warm and reassuring world.

My Cosy Nest

Discover the familiar things of home in a warm and reassuring world.

0-2 yrs

3–8 yrs

Pirate Island

Treasure hunts and swashbuckling adventures on the high seas!

Pirate Island

Treasure hunts and swashbuckling adventures on the high seas!

3–8 yrs

3-5 yrs

Superheroes

A cape, amazing powers, and a mission to save the city!

Superheroes

A cape, amazing powers, and a mission to save the city!

3-5 yrs

Dino Kingdom

Explore the prehistoric jungle and meet gentle giant dinosaurs.

Dino Kingdom

Explore the prehistoric jungle and meet gentle giant dinosaurs.

3-5 yrs

The Magic Circus

Acrobats, magicians, and performing animals under the starlit big top.

The Magic Circus

Acrobats, magicians, and performing animals under the starlit big top.

3-5 yrs

Monsters Under the Bed

Monsters aren't so scary after all… they're even afraid of the dark!

Monsters Under the Bed

Monsters aren't so scary after all… they're even afraid of the dark!

3-5 yrs

3–8 yrs

Dungeons & Dragons

Mighty castles, fire-breathing dragons, and brave knights on an epic quest.

Dungeons & Dragons

Mighty castles, fire-breathing dragons, and brave knights on an epic quest.

3–8 yrs

3-5 yrs

The Animal Forest

Explore the forest and meet all the wonderful little creatures who call it home.

The Animal Forest

Explore the forest and meet all the wonderful little creatures who call it home.

3-5 yrs

6-8 yrs

The Magic Academy

Magic wands, spells, and bubbling potions at an enchanted wizarding school.

The Magic Academy

Magic wands, spells, and bubbling potions at an enchanted wizarding school.

6-8 yrs

The Big Investigation

Magnifying glass in hand, follow the clues and crack the case!

The Big Investigation

Magnifying glass in hand, follow the clues and crack the case!

6-8 yrs

6–9+ yrs

Virtual Reality

Dive into a digital world where absolutely anything is possible!

Virtual Reality

Dive into a digital world where absolutely anything is possible!

6–9+ yrs

6-8 yrs

Ninja Mission

Stealth, gadgets, and jaw-dropping acrobatics under cover of darkness.

Ninja Mission

Stealth, gadgets, and jaw-dropping acrobatics under cover of darkness.

6-8 yrs

6–9+ yrs

Time Machine Adventure

Hop into a time machine and explore every era in history!

Time Machine Adventure

Hop into a time machine and explore every era in history!

6–9+ yrs

9+ yrs

Epic Fantasy Quest

Legendary swords, ancient prophecies, and kingdoms on the brink.

Epic Fantasy Quest

Legendary swords, ancient prophecies, and kingdoms on the brink.

9+ yrs

The Academy of Secrets

A hidden school where forbidden powers are taught.

The Academy of Secrets

A hidden school where forbidden powers are taught.

9+ yrs

Galactic Rebellion

Starships, laser swords, and an intergalactic war!

Galactic Rebellion

Starships, laser swords, and an intergalactic war!

9+ yrs

Forbidden Investigation

A plot lurking in the shadows. Crack the case before it's too late.

Forbidden Investigation

A plot lurking in the shadows. Crack the case before it's too late.

9+ yrs

The Haunted Manor

Ghosts, curses, and spine-tingling chills in a Victorian mansion.

The Haunted Manor

Ghosts, curses, and spine-tingling chills in a Victorian mansion.

9+ yrs

Tournament of Champions

Face the very best in an epic tournament!

Tournament of Champions

Face the very best in an epic tournament!

9+ yrs

3–8 yrs

Dungeons & Dragons

Mighty castles, fire-breathing dragons, and brave knights on an epic quest.

Dungeons & Dragons

Mighty castles, fire-breathing dragons, and brave knights on an epic quest.

3–8 yrs

3-5 yrs

The Animal Forest

Explore the forest and meet all the wonderful little creatures who call it home.

The Animal Forest

Explore the forest and meet all the wonderful little creatures who call it home.

3-5 yrs

6-8 yrs

The Magic Academy

Magic wands, spells, and bubbling potions at an enchanted wizarding school.

The Magic Academy

Magic wands, spells, and bubbling potions at an enchanted wizarding school.

6-8 yrs

The Big Investigation

Magnifying glass in hand, follow the clues and crack the case!

The Big Investigation

Magnifying glass in hand, follow the clues and crack the case!

6-8 yrs

6–9+ yrs

Virtual Reality

Dive into a digital world where absolutely anything is possible!

Virtual Reality

Dive into a digital world where absolutely anything is possible!

6–9+ yrs

6-8 yrs

Ninja Mission

Stealth, gadgets, and jaw-dropping acrobatics under cover of darkness.

Ninja Mission

Stealth, gadgets, and jaw-dropping acrobatics under cover of darkness.

6-8 yrs

6–9+ yrs

Time Machine Adventure

Hop into a time machine and explore every era in history!

Time Machine Adventure

Hop into a time machine and explore every era in history!

6–9+ yrs

9+ yrs

Epic Fantasy Quest

Legendary swords, ancient prophecies, and kingdoms on the brink.

Epic Fantasy Quest

Legendary swords, ancient prophecies, and kingdoms on the brink.

9+ yrs

The Academy of Secrets

A hidden school where forbidden powers are taught.

The Academy of Secrets

A hidden school where forbidden powers are taught.

9+ yrs

Galactic Rebellion

Starships, laser swords, and an intergalactic war!

Galactic Rebellion

Starships, laser swords, and an intergalactic war!

9+ yrs

Forbidden Investigation

A plot lurking in the shadows. Crack the case before it's too late.

Forbidden Investigation

A plot lurking in the shadows. Crack the case before it's too late.

9+ yrs

The Haunted Manor

Ghosts, curses, and spine-tingling chills in a Victorian mansion.

The Haunted Manor

Ghosts, curses, and spine-tingling chills in a Victorian mansion.

9+ yrs

Tournament of Champions

Face the very best in an epic tournament!

Tournament of Champions

Face the very best in an epic tournament!

9+ yrs

0-2 yrs

Down on the Farm

Meet the cows, sheep, and hens in a warm and wonderfully cosy world.

Down on the Farm

Meet the cows, sheep, and hens in a warm and wonderfully cosy world.

0-2 yrs

A World of Colour

A rainbow adventure for learning colours and shapes.

A World of Colour

A rainbow adventure for learning colours and shapes.

0-2 yrs

The Four Seasons

Journey through the seasons, from the first buds of spring to winter snow.

The Four Seasons

Journey through the seasons, from the first buds of spring to winter snow.

0-2 yrs

Zoom Zoom Vehicles

All aboard your little one's favourite vehicles!

Zoom Zoom Vehicles

All aboard your little one's favourite vehicles!

0-2 yrs

The Magic Snuggle

When no one's looking, the cuddly toys come alive to share in every little moment.

The Magic Snuggle

When no one's looking, the cuddly toys come alive to share in every little moment.

0-2 yrs

0–8 yrs

The Fairy Realm

Enchanted forests, sparkling stardust, and shimmering magic around every corner.

The Fairy Realm

Enchanted forests, sparkling stardust, and shimmering magic around every corner.

0–8 yrs

0-2 yrs

Tiny Dinos

Adorable baby dinosaurs roaming a prehistory that's perfectly sweet.

Tiny Dinos

Adorable baby dinosaurs roaming a prehistory that's perfectly sweet.

0-2 yrs

My Cosy Nest

Discover the familiar things of home in a warm and reassuring world.

My Cosy Nest

Discover the familiar things of home in a warm and reassuring world.

0-2 yrs

3–8 yrs

Pirate Island

Treasure hunts and swashbuckling adventures on the high seas!

Pirate Island

Treasure hunts and swashbuckling adventures on the high seas!

3–8 yrs

3-5 yrs

Superheroes

A cape, amazing powers, and a mission to save the city!

Superheroes

A cape, amazing powers, and a mission to save the city!

3-5 yrs

Dino Kingdom

Explore the prehistoric jungle and meet gentle giant dinosaurs.

Dino Kingdom

Explore the prehistoric jungle and meet gentle giant dinosaurs.

3-5 yrs

The Magic Circus

Acrobats, magicians, and performing animals under the starlit big top.

The Magic Circus

Acrobats, magicians, and performing animals under the starlit big top.

3-5 yrs

Monsters Under the Bed

Monsters aren't so scary after all… they're even afraid of the dark!

Monsters Under the Bed

Monsters aren't so scary after all… they're even afraid of the dark!

3-5 yrs

And many more worlds to explore… or invent!

How to create their personalised book

From their photo to a preview of their book: just a few minutes. We then print it and deliver it straight to your door.

Let's get to know them

Tell us everything about your little hero! Their name, what they love, their favourite dreams… Every little detail is a spark that will light up their story.

Their name, age and favourite world
The theme that makes them dream: magic, animals, space, princesses…
Their passions and favourite things (if you'd like to share!)

💡We'll guide you through every step — promise!

Assemble the cast

Who will join your child on their adventure? Mum, Dad, brothers, sisters, friends or even their favourite pet — everyone is welcome in the story!

The people they love most
Up to 3 characters in total
You decide — anything goes!

💡Your team, your rules!

Photos (optional)

Got photos? Wonderful! They'll make the illustrations even more magical. No photos? No problem — just describe your child and our illustrators will work their magic!

Photos are completely optional — really!
1 to 3 photos per character if you have them
Or a simple description is all we need!

💡Ultra-secure storage and deleted after creation — your privacy is guaranteed.

Choose their adventure

We come up with 3 stories made just for them — instantly, no waiting! Read the summaries and pick the one that will make them jump for joy.

3 unique stories, created for them in an instant
Tailored to their age and what they love
You have the final say!

💡Zero waiting — the magic happens straight away!

The sneak peek

This is the magical moment! You get to see their book cover and the story summary. If you love it, we carry on together.

A preview of their personalised cover
The full story summary
You give the green light before we move on

💡Love it or we'll make it right together!

Your book arrives

A beautiful premium hardcover, printed with care. Thick pages, sturdy binding — a treasure children love to reach for, night after night.

Printed with care, premium quality
Thick pages, sturdy binding — built to last
Kids love it — and so do you!

💡Your book is on its way — ready to become a family treasure.

Magic at a swipe

Their photo becomes an illustration — their face, every detail

Drag the slider to see the transformation. Every feature, every smile — instantly recognisable.

Before / After

Jade, age 6

Before / After

Leo, age 5

✨ Your photos are securely stored and automatically deleted once your book is created — 100% private.

More than a book, a superpower

Why do parents (and child psychologists) love our personalised books? Because they turn storytime into a truly formative experience. Discover our mission.

Self-confidence

Seeing themselves achieve incredible things builds self-esteem. "If I can save the galaxy in a book, I can do anything!"

StudyR.S. Bishop, Ohio State University — seeing yourself in a book builds self-esteem

A love of reading

Even reluctant readers devour their book — and no wonder, it's the only book that's entirely about them!

StudyKucirkova et al., Cambridge — personalised books increase engagement

Parent–child bonding

Bedtime stories become something truly magical. You're not just reading a story — you're sharing THEIR adventure.

StudyHutton et al., Pediatrics — reading activates the child's brain (MRI)

A unique book made just for them

Every detail is crafted so your child is the hero of their own adventure. The book they'll ask for every single night.

The Magical Adventure

from44,90€

The unforgettable gift that will make their eyes light up tonight — and for years to come.

Create their magical book

Made with love by parents

10 or 20 adventure chapters + intro & conclusion
Every chapter has its own text and illustrations created just for them. Choose the length that suits them best.
Printed with care, close to home
Crafted to a high standard, plus a digital edition to take anywhere.
Crafted just for them
Our creative team imagines and illustrates every detail with care. You don't have to lift a finger.
Up to 5 heroes
Bring their brothers, sisters or best friends along on the same epic journey.
Magic happens fast
Your masterpiece is ready to enjoy in 48 hours.
Enchanted delivery
The treasure chest travels across the UK, Europe and beyond.

Why choose Real Big Stories?

Other sites add a child's name to a ready-made story. We create a genuinely unique book made just for your child.

Comparison between Real Big Stories and other personalised book sites
Feature	Real Big Stories	Other sites
Your child is the real hero Not just their name dropped into a generic story
Illustrations made from their photos Their face appears in every illustration
Vibrant, premium illustrations Bold colours and action-packed scenes — not flat, lifeless clipart
100% unique story Written around their passions, their friends and their world
10 or 20 illustrated chapters + intro & conclusion A proper 28- or 48-page book, not a pamphlet
Up to 3 characters Siblings, friends — everyone joins the adventure
Choose your theme and world Pirates, space, fairies, dinosaurs… your child picks
Printed in France Artisan quality, responsibly made

Your child is the real hero

Not just their name dropped into a generic story

Elsewhere, it's just a name swap

Illustrations made from their photos

Their face appears in every illustration

Elsewhere, illustrations are generic

Vibrant, premium illustrations

Bold colours and action-packed scenes — not flat, lifeless clipart

Elsewhere, dull clipart

100% unique story

Written around their passions, their friends and their world

Elsewhere, the same story for everyone

10 or 20 illustrated chapters + intro & conclusion

A proper 28- or 48-page book, not a pamphlet

Elsewhere, often fewer than 20 pages

Up to 3 characters

Siblings, friends — everyone joins the adventure

Elsewhere, only one character allowed

Choose your theme and world

Pirates, space, fairies, dinosaurs… your child picks

Elsewhere, a handful of preset themes

Printed in France

Artisan quality, responsibly made

Elsewhere, often printed abroad

Create their unique book

Discover examples of personalised children's books

Made with love

The magic draws, our artists bring it to life.

Every story is carefully crafted by hand: every word reviewed, every illustration checked. 48 hours of work before it arrives at your door.

Crafted with care

We review every word and every illustration. Your child deserves a story that's warm, consistent, and full of wonder.

Bookstore quality

You receive a beautiful high-definition digital book — stunning on a tablet screen and ready to print whenever you like.

Great magic takes time

This level of attention to detail takes 48 hours of work. That's the secret to creating a keepsake that will last a lifetime.

See examples

Parents love our personalised stories ❤️

Excellent

on Trustpilot

Emily R.

Verified purchase

Trustpilot

A magnificent book

A magnificent book for my granddaughter. The illustrations are truly superb and the story matched my expectations perfectly. It arrived very quickly.

Sarah Thompson

Verified purchase

Trustpilot

Effortless to create

So easy to put together. They really took my requests into account. Very fast delivery — I'm delighted.

James Carter

Verified purchase

Trustpilot

Brilliant

Very fast and spot-on. The likenesses are genuinely amazing and my niece loved it. The creativity after my request was fantastic.

Rachel Adams

Verified purchase

Trustpilot

A perfect experience

A perfect experience from start to finish. I especially appreciated the customer service, the fast delivery and the care put into the books. The illustrations are superb.

Laura Bennett

Verified purchase

Trustpilot

Beautiful quality

Great quality book, the characters really look like them, and a lovely story with little details just as I'd asked. Changes were made quickly. Very happy!

See more reviews

Our Mission

I wish you endless dreams, and the fierce desire to make at least some of them come true.
- Jacques Brel -

Bedtime story time is something sacred — a quiet bubble where your voice gently guides their dreams. Our mission is to make that moment truly magical by turning your child into the real hero of the adventure. So they drift off to sleep full of wonder, knowing they are loved and capable of anything.

Today, young people read for pleasure for just 19 minutes a day, compared to 3 hours 11 minutes in front of screens. Rekindling a love of reading has never felt more important.

Centre national du livre / Ipsos, 2024

Discover our mission