Lots of parents have the same idea at some point: take photos of their child, weave them into a story, and turn it all into a real book. Something they'll be able to keep for the rest of their life.
But how do you actually do it? That's exactly what we're going to walk through here, step by step.
What exactly is a children's book with photos?
A children's book with photos is an illustrated album where the images are real photographs — of your child, your family, a trip you took, a beloved pet. The story revolves around those photos, which makes the book unique and deeply personal. The result looks like something you'd find in a library, except the hero is your kid.
This type of album comes in two main forms: the classic photo book (think Cheerz or Photobox, with no real narrative) and the illustrated storybook with an actual plot. It's that second format that genuinely captivates children — and keeps them coming back to read it again and again.
Which photos should you choose?
You don't need to be a professional photographer. Just keep a few simple guidelines in mind.
Natural light is your best friend. Photos taken indoors under flat artificial lighting often don't print well. Go for shots taken near a window or outside on an overcast day. Resolution matters. A blurry or low-resolution photo will be a disappointment once it's printed. Stick to photos taken with a recent smartphone or a proper camera — screenshots and heavily compressed old photos are best avoided. Pick photos with expression. A child laughing, pulling a face, gazing into the distance… These photos already tell a story. They're the perfect starting point for yours.Select 8 to 15 photos for a 24–32-page book. You really don't need more than that.
Story first, photos second (or the other way around?)
There are two ways to approach this:
Option 1: Write the story first, then match the photos to it. You come up with an adventure — a trip into space, a quest through the forest, a magical day — and choose the photos that best illustrate each moment. This gives you more creative freedom, but it works best when your photos are fairly varied. Option 2: Look at your photos first, then build the story around them. Spread all your chosen photos out on a table (or in a folder), look at them as if they were a storyboard, and find the narrative thread that connects them. This approach tends to feel more natural for beginners.Either way, aim for a simple structure: an opening situation, a problem or adventure, and a happy resolution. To learn more about this structure, take a look at the guide to writing a children's story — it'll help you shape your text.
The tools you can use to create your book
This is where a lot of people get stuck. Here are your main options:
Classic photo book sites
Photobox, Cheerz, Alboom… These platforms are great for putting together a keepsake album. But they're not designed for creating a real illustrated storybook. The result looks more like a holiday album than a library book.
General-purpose design tools
Canva or Adobe Express let you build a book from scratch. Total creative freedom — but also a lot of work: you have to handle everything yourself, from layout and typography to margins and print-ready export. It's a solid option if you enjoy tinkering, but it can easily eat up several hours of your time.
MakerBook
MakerBook is built specifically for creating illustrated children's books. The platform uses AI to generate illustrations, but you can also bring in your own narrative style and personalised text. The result is a proper book with a professional layout, ready to print or share digitally.If you want to see what books made with this tool actually look like, head over to the examples on the site.
Printing: your concrete options
Once your book is ready, you have several choices:
- Print at home: fine for a prototype, but quality will be limited — especially for photos.
- A local print shop: hand them a PDF file and they'll take care of the rest. Budget around €15 to €40 for a single copy.
- Print-on-demand via Amazon KDP: if you want multiple copies or even want to make it available for purchase, this is the way to go. The guide to publishing on Amazon KDP walks you through the whole process.
- Services like Lulu.com or Bookelis: specialised in self-publishing, with quality binding options.
What makes a book truly memorable
The photos alone aren't enough. What makes a child ask for their book over and over again is the text.
A rhythmic narrative, maybe with some repetition or gentle rhymes. Short sentences. A hero who feels like them — same name, same comfort toy, same fear of the dark. An ending that warms your heart.
If your child finds themselves in the pages — not just visually, but in the details of the story — then you've nailed it.
You can create your first personalised book directly on MakerBook and see how it turns out before committing to printing anything.
Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum resolution for photos in a printed book?
Aim for at least 300 DPI for print. In practice, a photo taken with a recent smartphone (2018 or later) is generally good enough, as long as you haven't compressed it. Avoid enlarging a small photo — it'll pixelate when printed.
Can you mix AI illustrations and real photos in the same book?
Absolutely. Some creators use photos for key pages and illustrations for imaginary scenes or transitions. The result can be really striking when the two styles complement each other well.
How much does it cost to print a single copy of a children's book?
Between €10 and €45, depending on the quality, format, and service you choose. Local print shops often offer competitive prices for small quantities. Amazon KDP tends to be a better deal when you're ordering multiple copies.
My child is too young to read — does a book still make sense?
Absolutely. Toddlers love books with familiar faces — their own, their parents', their siblings'. Even without being able to read, flipping through a book where they recognise themselves is a powerful experience. And one day, it'll be a treasured memory.
