Behind the Scenes: How I Create a Personalized Book

How I create personalized books

Every personalized book I make starts with a simple idea: how can I bring more joy and imagination to a child’s special day? From there, it’s a creative process that mixes storytelling, animals, and a little bit of magic. Today, I thought I’d share a peek behind the scenes so you can see how one of my books comes to life.

Step 1: Finding the Spark ✨

Most of my stories begin with inspiration from the natural world around me. Living at Hummingbird Hill, I’m surrounded by birds, squirrels, and all kinds of wildlife. Often, it’s an encounter with an animal — like a cheerful hummingbird or a curious squirrel — that sparks the idea for a new story.

Step 2: Shaping the Story for a Personalized Book

Once I have the inspiration, I start writing. My goal is always to create a fun, whimsical adventure where the child is the hero or main character. I think about the rhythm of the words, the colorful details that will capture their imagination, and how to weave in birthday or celebration themes when needed.

Step 3: Adding the Personal Touch 💕

This is where the magic happens! Every book is customized with a child’s name — sometimes even their age or a special message. I love knowing that when a child opens their book, they’ll see their name in the story. It makes the book uniquely theirs and turns reading into a truly personal experience.

Step 4: Bringing the Pages to Life 🎨

The illustrations are what make the story leap off the page. From dancing ballerina bears to fluttering butterflies, I work to ensure the art feels bright, playful, and full of heart. I want children to be excited to turn each page.

Step 5: Creating a Keepsake - a Personalized Book

When the story is finished, the real reward is imagining a child opening their personalized book for the first time. These books aren’t just something to read once — they’re keepsakes families treasure for years, often becoming part of their birthday traditions.

The Joy of Storytelling

For me, writing personalized books is about more than just words on a page. It’s about helping families celebrate milestones, encouraging kids to fall in love with reading, and capturing the wonder of childhood in a way that feels magical and lasting.

📚 Curious to see what your child’s story could look like? Browse my Birthday Collection today and make them the star of their very own adventure.

Monika Strand is the author of over 50 children's books. Her happy space and niche is creating personalized books for birthdays, baptisms, big brother/sister books, holidays, kids moving and other momentous occasions.

For all your personalized children's book needs, you can find Monika’s books by visiting: justforyoubooks.com.

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