Frequently asked questions

Choose your book, upload one clear photo of your child, and tell us a few details such as their name, age, gender, and eye colour. We create a unique illustrated character based on the photo and place your child at the heart of the story. Add a personal dedication if you'd like, pick hardcover or softcover, and check out.

Our books are designed for children aged 0 to 10, from first keepsakes for the littlest ones to adventures for older children.

Your child becomes the hero of the story. We create an original illustrated character based on your photo, drawn in the book's style, and weave their name and details throughout. Because it's an illustrated character, it's an artistic interpretation rather than an exact photographic likeness, and that's part of the magic.

Yes. For each book, you can browse sample illustrations and a full example book so you can see exactly what the finished product looks like before ordering. You'll also see a preview image featuring your child. Once you place your order, your child's personalised version is then created just for you.

English only at the moment.

Your child's privacy matters to us more than anything. We use the photo for one purpose only, to create your child's character, and the moment that's done, the photo is deleted immediately. We don't store it, archive it, or use it for anything else.

One clear, well-lit photo where your child's face is fully visible and facing the camera. Avoid sunglasses, hats, or anything covering the face. A bright, sharp, front-on photo gives the best result.

Our books are bought by adults for children. By uploading a photo, you confirm you're the child's parent or legal guardian, or that you otherwise have permission to use the photo and details.

You can add a personal dedication message and choose between hardcover and softcover. Each story is written by our team of expert children's authors and carefully crafted for the age range, with the rhythm, vocabulary, and themes that suit your child, so every page is ready to be read and loved straight away.

You can review and adjust all your details, including the photo, name, and spelling, before you complete your purchase, so please double-check everything at that stage. Once you order, your book goes straight into production so it can reach you quickly, which means changes can't usually be made afterwards. If you do spot something you need to change, email our support team at [email protected] and we'll do our very best to help. The sooner you reach us, the better the chance we can catch it before printing begins.

Both options are available—just choose your preferred format at checkout. Hardcover is extra durable and perfect for keepsakes, while softcover is lightweight, flexible.

We offer a wide range of trusted payment options for every country we serve. You'll see everything available to you at checkout.

No, you can check out as a guest. However, creating an account lets us save your child's character, making it easy to use them again in any of our future books.

Of course, our books make a lovely gift. We never include prices or invoices in the parcel, you can add a personal dedication, and you can ship the book straight to the recipient.

Yes. Just enter the recipient's delivery address at checkout.

We ship to the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, printing and shipping your book within each of those countries.

No. Because we print and ship your book within your own country, there are no import duties, customs charges, or surprise fees.

We'll share full delivery times and costs for each country soon. In the meantime, email [email protected] and we'll be happy to help.

Because each book is personalised just for your child, it goes into production quickly and can't usually be cancelled once that's started. If you need to cancel or fix a mistake, email [email protected] as soon as possible and we'll do everything we can to help before production begins, though we can't always guarantee it.

Personalised books are made to order, so they're exempt from the standard 14-day right to change your mind. However, if your book arrives faulty, damaged, misprinted, or not as ordered, we'll always put it right. This doesn't affect your statutory rights.

We're so sorry! Email [email protected] within 30 days of receiving it, with your order number and a photo of the issue. We'll arrange a free replacement, or a refund if a replacement isn't possible.

Get in touch at [email protected] with your order details and we'll sort it out straight away.

Use the “forgot password” link on the sign-in page to reset it. If you're still stuck, just email us.

Email [email protected] or use the contact form on our website, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Emberly Books is a UK-registered company based in London.