Why a story with your child’s name in it works so well

There is a particular look on a child’s face the first time they hear their own name in a story. It turns out that spark is backed by research.

They lean right in

In studies of personalised books, children smiled and laughed more, talked more, and stayed more engaged than they did even with their own favourite non-personalised book (Kucirkova, Messer & Whitelock, 2013).

It can help them learn, and be kind

Personalisation has also been linked to better word learning and to kinder, more prosocial behaviour. When a child sees themselves as the hero who shares, or who is brave, it lands differently than when it happens to someone else.

It is about belonging, not just novelty

Hearing their name, their interests, even what they call you woven into a tale tells a child: this was made for you. That sense of being known is what makes a personalised story feel special night after night.

If you would like to see what that looks like, we have two example stories you can read.