From Favourite Stuffed Animal to Children's Book

Almost every child has one: a stuffed animal that goes everywhere with them.

To bed, on holiday, to nursery. Sometimes a little worn out, but loved all the more for it.

What if that same beloved toy also got a starring role in its very own bedtime story? Not as a background prop, but as a real main character alongside your child.

Why stuffed animals work so well in stories

For children, stuffed animals are often real friends. Something between fantasy and reality. That is exactly what makes them such a great foundation for a story.

• Children are emotionally attached to their stuffed animal, so they feel immediately drawn into the story.
• Stuffed animals make stories playful and adventurous — anything is possible.
• It makes reading aloud feel familiar: this is my toy, this is my adventure.

How to work a stuffed animal into a children's book

You choose the role the stuffed animal plays. There are a few options:

The stuffed animal as a funny sidekick who causes comic chaos. The stuffed animal as a hero who solves a problem. Or as the troublemaker your child has to rescue.

Just upload a photo of the stuffed animal, add a photo of your child, and tell us a little about the character. We take care of the rest.

Curious how the nursery can also be a source of inspiration? Also read: https://boekjesatelier.nl/en/blog/from-childrens-room-to-book

Example: Otis's Dino Adventure

"Otis and his dino stuffed animal go on a real dinosaur adventure together. From fossil hunting to a face-off with a real T-Rex — Otis is up for anything."

Below you can see a photo of Otis and his favourite dino toy. Underneath that you can flip through the complete book.

Sometimes the best stories begin right in the bedroom. With a stuffed animal, a little imagination, and a child who gets to play the lead.