Stories Where Your Child Is the Main Character
Your child's name, their favorite things, their reading level, and a brand-new illustrated adventure every time they open the app.
Kids light up when they see themselves in a story. Personalized books have been around for years, usually as a printed book with your child's name dropped into a fixed plot. Time-2-Read takes the idea further: it writes a new story, around your child, every time.
Tell it your child's first name (a nickname is fine), what they love and how well they read. Time-2-Read writes an illustrated story where they're the hero, at a level they can actually read.
They're the hero
Your child's name and interests drive the plot, not just the cover.
A new story every time
Not one book on a shelf: a fresh adventure whenever they want one.
Matched to their level
From pre-readers listening along to confident readers up to age 15.
How it works
- Choose your child's first name or a nickname, and pick a look for their character.
- Pick what the story is about: their favorite animal, sport, place or idea.
- Set the reading level. Younger children can listen with read-aloud narration, older ones read on their own.
- Read together or let them read alone. Every page has an illustration, tricky words can be tapped to hear them, and a 20-minute timer keeps the session a manageable size.
Printed personalized books vs. personalized story apps
A printed personalized book is a lovely keepsake: one story, made to order and shipped to your door. A story app like Time-2-Read is better for daily reading practice: the stories keep coming, the level can grow with your child, and help with hard words is built in. Many families find a place for both.
Why seeing themselves in the story matters
Researchers have studied children's personalized books and digital personalization in reading for more than a decade. Natalia Kucirkova's work is a good place to start if you want to read the research yourself. As a parent, you'll likely notice something simpler: a child who is the hero of the story wants to know what happens next.
Good for reluctant readers, too
If your child usually pushes books away, a story about their own interests, starring them, at a level they can manage, is a different kind of ask. See our guide for parents whose child hates reading.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child really be the main character?
Yes. Time-2-Read builds each story around your child's first name (or a nickname) and their interests, and they are the hero of the plot, with an illustration on every page.
What ages are the personalized stories for?
Ages 3 to 15. Pre-readers can listen with read-aloud narration while older children read at the level you set.
Is it a printed book?
No. Time-2-Read stories are read on a phone, tablet or computer, and a new story can be made whenever your child wants one.
What do I need to share about my child?
A first name or nickname and the things they like are enough to make the story theirs. You can use a nickname if you prefer.
How much does it cost?
Your first 3 stories are free. After that, Premium starts with a 7-day free trial, then costs $12.99/month or $99/year.
Sources
Ready to start reading?
Create a personalized, illustrated story in seconds. Your first 3 stories are free.
Start your 3 free stories