HabitSeedsA story written for your child about friendship
Making friends, keeping them, and coping when one turns unkind are some of the first big lessons of growing up. This story helps a kid like yours with whichever they're facing.
- Best for
- Ages 2–4, Ages 5–7, Ages 7–10
- Length
- 24, 28, 32 pages, based on reading age
- Price
- From $7.99, one-time
- Written
- New for your child
Why it’s so hard for them
Around school age, friendships start to matter enormously, and kids are still learning how to treat each other. Being left out by someone they trust can hurt more than any scraped knee.
Children in this spot often don't have the words for it, or worry that telling will make it worse. A story lets them watch another kid go through it from a safe distance, then talk about their own version if and when they're ready.
How the story goes
Every book is written from what you tell us, so yours will be its own. Here’s the shape a story like this usually takes.
It hurts, and that's allowed
The hero feels sad and confused when a friend leaves them out. The story names both feelings and why they're there.
Saying something kind and clear
The hero tries one honest sentence: "That hurt my feelings." Simple words a child can actually say.
Telling a grown-up
The hero shares what happened with a parent or teacher, and it helps. Telling is shown as brave, not tattling.
Room for new friends
The story ends with the hero finding a kid who's kind back. Sometimes the old friend comes around, sometimes not, and both are okay.
Questions to ask while you read
The conversation is where the lesson sticks. Pause on a page and try one of these, then let your child lead. Why we build books this way.
- How did it feel to be left out? Why?
- What did the hero say to their friend? Would that be hard to say?
- Who's someone who's kind to you at school?
Questions parents ask
Can I tell you what's actually happening at school?
Yes. Describe the situation the way you'd tell a friend. We'll write an original story with an illustrated hero who goes through something similar. Use a made-up name for the other child if you'd rather.
Does the story make the other child the villain?
No. The other kid is shown as a child who made an unkind choice, not a bad person. That makes the story easier for your child to talk about.
My child is shy and struggles to make friends. Can the story help with that?
Yes. Describe what's hard, like joining a game or talking to a new kid, and the story will show a hero like yours trying one small, brave step toward a friend.
What if this is bullying, not a falling out?
A story can help your child talk about it, but please also contact your child's school. Repeated, targeted unkindness needs grown-ups to step in.
Do I pick from ready-made books?
No. Every book is written and illustrated new from what you tell us: what your child is facing, a hero you name, their reading age and the setting. This page is a starting point, not a finished book.
How much does a book cost?
Ages 2–4: 24 pages for $7.99; Ages 5–7: 28 pages for $9.99; Ages 7–10: 32 pages for $11.99. Length and price follow the reading age you select, paid once. No subscription. Sign in before checkout and your first book is 20% off.
Do you use a photo of my child?
No, never. The hero is an original illustrated character you name and describe, so the story is about what your child is going through, not their face.
How do I get the book?
Writing and illustrating takes a few minutes after checkout. You read it in our online reader, download it as a PDF to print at home, and we email you when it's ready.
Tell us what’s happening.
We’ve filled in a starting point. Change it to match your child, and we’ll write the rest.
Create a book