Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to create my family's personalized book? Starting a book and ordering it takes about 5 minutes. If you wish to provide all the details for the story plan for an addition 10-15 minutes. Once you submit the family details, it typically takes 2 weeks to craft the story, generate AI illustrations, and provide an eBook for a digital preview. After you approve the preview, printing and shipping take an additional 5–10 business days, depending on your location.

What age ranges are your books suitable for? We recommend our books to children up to the age of 14, creating cherished keepsakes that grow with them. Our books are tailored based on the child’s age to ensure they’re engaging and age-appropriate—we base this off the child's date of birth you provide during the book creation process. In households with multiple children, we default the book to the reading level for the youngest child so everyone can enjoy it. You can override the selected reading level during the ordering process to match your child’s needs.

Can I see a preview before the book is printed? Absolutely! Prior to printing your book, you'll receive an eBook to review and provide any edits on. We'll collaborate with you to ensure your book is just right before printing it.

What kind of family stories work best for the books? Our books center on one main character, weaving in key life facts like their birthplace and favorite memories, while emphasizing the lessons learned, values, and wisdom they'd like to pass down to future generations. To keep it exciting, we highlight their top hobbies or childhood dreams. The more vivid details you share during creation—like specific anecdotes or passions—the more personal, impactful, and engaging the final book becomes!

Can I include multiple family members in one book? Each book spotlights one main character to foster deep connections for children, but we naturally weave in stories of their spouse, children, and other key influences. For broader family tales, consider creating separate books for each loved one—it's a beautiful way to build a treasured collection!

What is the process of creating a personalized book? You start by providing details about your child and the family member the book will feature through our user-friendly online platform. We then conduct an interview with the family member (via online form, or phone call, based on your preference) to gather their story, dreams, and wisdom. We use this information, along with a provided photo, to create a fully illustrated, personalized book. You’ll receive a digital preview to review and make edits before ordering the printed copy, which is delivered to your door.

Can I create a book for multiple children or family members? Yes! You can personalize a book for a specific child or create one for a family’s last name, making it suitable for multiple children. Each book focuses on one family member’s story, but you can order multiple books to feature different family members, such as grandparents or great-grandparents. We also offer free shipping on orders of two or more printed books to the same address.

How are the books illustrated? Our books are illustrated using advanced AI technology, which creates vibrant, custom visuals that reflect the likeness of the featured family member based on the photo you provide. This ensures a unique, personalized look that captivates children and brings the story to life.

How does the book donation program work? For every book purchased, MyBranches donates a book to a child in foster care, designed to teach resilience, self-worth, and hope. You can also contribute extra at checkout to sponsor additional books for foster children, helping us extend our mission to inspire kids in need.

Is my family’s information secure? We take privacy and security seriously. All personal information, photos, and interview responses are securely stored and used solely for creating your book. Our platform complies with industry-standard data protection protocols, and we provide clear Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies at checkout to ensure transparency and build trust.

Can I see a sample book before ordering? Absolutely! You can explore example books on our website to see the quality, style, and personalization options. These samples showcase different reading levels and illustration styles to help you feel confident in your purchase.

What if I need to make changes to the book after reviewing the digital preview? After receiving the digital preview, you can request edits to the story or illustrations to ensure it meets your expectations. We’ll work with you to make adjustments before finalizing the book for printing, ensuring it’s a perfect family treasure.

Can I order a book for a child who isn’t part of my family? Yes, our books make wonderful gifts for any child, such as nieces, nephews, or godchildren. You can create a book featuring a family member significant to the child, like a grandparent or parent, to foster a sense of connection and legacy. We also make it easy to gift a book and the parent can select who the main character will be.

What makes MyBranches books different from other children’s books? Unlike generic children’s books, MyBranches creates fully personalized stories that celebrate your family’s unique history, values, and dreams. Our AI-driven illustrations, tailored reading levels, and focus on family legacy set us apart. Plus, our commitment to donating a book to a foster child with every purchase adds a meaningful social impact to your order.

What is the cost of a book, and are there any discounts? The eBook digital version of each book is priced at $19. A printed book costs $50. If you buy both the digital and printed versions together upfront, the combined price is $60. We do not offer discounts on individual books, but we provide free shipping on orders of two or more printed books to the same address. You can also add a donation to your purchase to sponsor a book for a child in foster care at a significantly reduced cost.

Is this a good gift for my grandchild's birthday or Christmas? Absolutely! MyBranches books make exceptional birthday and Christmas gifts because they're deeply meaningful and become more valuable as children grow. Unlike toys that get outgrown, a personalized family legacy book becomes a treasured keepsake. Each book features a grandparent, parent, or family member's life story with custom AI illustrations. Many grandparents order in November to ensure delivery before Christmas (typical completion time is 3 weeks).

Can I give this as a gift if I'm not the parent? Yes! MyBranches books are perfect gifts from grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, or family friends. You can create a book featuring yourself, another family member, or coordinate with the parent to feature someone meaningful in the child's life. We also make it easy to gift—you can purchase and coordinate the interview, then have the finished book shipped directly to the child's home.

Is this appropriate for a baptism, christening, or first communion? Yes! A MyBranches book makes a meaningful baptism, christening, or first communion gift because it celebrates faith and family values. You can highlight spiritual values, life lessons, and family traditions you want to pass down. Include stories about faith, overcoming challenges, and the wisdom that guides your family. This creates a keepsake that reinforces the values celebrated during these important milestones.

Can I order this for a baby or should I wait until they're older? Start now! While babies won't read it themselves, parents will read it to them from infancy, and by age 3-4, it becomes their favorite bedtime story. Our books are designed to grow with children—younger kids love the illustrations and sing-songy text, while older children (8-14) appreciate the deeper life lessons and family wisdom. Starting early builds strong family connections from the beginning. Plus, creating the book now preserves memories and stories while they're fresh.

What if the grandparent I want to feature has everything? Will they appreciate this? When creating a book ABOUT a grandparent (featuring their story for their grandchildren), it's one of the most meaningful gifts possible. You're honoring their legacy while creating something their grandchildren will treasure forever. Many families surprise grandparents with the finished book at milestone birthdays (70th, 75th, 80th) or holidays. It shows them their story matters and will live on through generations. Most grandparents are deeply moved by this gift.

How long does it take, and can I get it in time for a specific date? The typical timeline is 3-4 weeks from start to delivery: 1 week for interview/content gathering + 2 weeks for book creation and your preview + 5-10 days for printing/shipping. For specific deadlines (Christmas, birthdays, etc.), we recommend ordering at least 4 weeks in advance. If you're short on time, you can order the digital eBook version first ($19, 2-3 weeks) and present that as your gift, then add the printed book later ($50 additional).

Should I create this now or wait until my parent/grandparent is older? Create it now. Waiting risks losing precious details, memories, and potentially the opportunity entirely. Benefits of creating books early: (1) Memory and cognitive clarity produce richer, more detailed stories; (2) Family members can participate in interviews more easily; (3) Children benefit from having the book throughout their entire childhood; (4) You avoid the regret of missing the chance to capture their story. Stories don't improve with waiting—they fade. Start preserving your family legacy today.

Can I order this as a last-minute gift? For last-minute situations, order the digital eBook version ($19) which takes approximately 2 weeks to create. You can email our team at hello@mybranches.ai to request an expedited creation. You can present a printable gift certificate or the digital book as your gift, with the option to add a printed hardcover book later for $50. The interview process takes just 20-30 minutes, so you can start immediately. Many families use this approach for surprise gifts or tight deadlines.

How is this different from a regular photo book or memory book? While photo books preserve images, MyBranches books preserve the STORIES behind the photos—the context, emotions, lessons, and wisdom that photos alone can't capture. Our AI-illustrated books combine visual appeal with rich storytelling in an engaging children's book format that kids actually want to read repeatedly. Unlike photo books or memory books that sit on shelves, MyBranches books become beloved bedtime stories. They're designed specifically for children ages 0-14, with age-appropriate text and illustrations that bring family members to life as story characters.

Why should I choose this over a regular children's book? Generic children's books entertain, but MyBranches books build identity, belonging, and family connection. Research shows children who know their family history have stronger self-esteem, better emotional resilience, and clearer sense of identity. Our personalized books feature REAL family members—grandparents, parents, or great-grandparents—helping children understand their roots, values, and heritage. Plus, for every book sold, we donate one to a foster child, adding social impact to your purchase.

Will my child actually read this, or will it just sit on the shelf? Families consistently tell us MyBranches books become their children's most requested bedtime stories. Why? Because children LOVE seeing people they know as story characters, especially family members they love. The illustrations make grandparents or parents into heroes of their own adventures. Kids ask questions, connect emotionally, and return to these books repeatedly as they grow. Unlike generic books, these are deeply personal—children see themselves in the family story, which makes them want to read it again and again.

What if the person I want to feature isn't comfortable with technology or interviews? We offer three interview options to accommodate everyone: (1) AI-guided chat for tech-comfortable people; (2) Phone interview with our team (we ask the questions and take notes); (3) You provide the information through a form if the subject is unable to participate directly. For older adults (70+) or those with cognitive challenges, we recommend option 2 or 3. Many families sit with their parent/grandparent during the interview to help them remember stories and feel comfortable. We make it as easy as possible.

What if I don't have a good photo of the person? Don't worry! We can work with a variety of photo types—old photos, casual snapshots, or even recent cell phone pictures. Our AI technology creates illustrations based on the photo you provide, so it doesn't need to be professional quality. If you only have multiple older photos, we'll work with you to choose the best one or combine elements. The goal is to create illustrations that capture their likeness and bring them to life as a story character.

Can I create a book about someone who has passed away? Yes, you can create a MyBranches book honoring someone who has passed away. We'll need family members who knew them well to provide stories, memories, and photos during the interview process. This creates a beautiful tribute that keeps their memory alive for children who never met them or want to remember them. Many families create memorial books for grandparents or great-grandparents, ensuring their wisdom and legacy are preserved. These books become especially treasured as children grow.

What if the featured person doesn't want to share difficult parts of their story? That's completely fine! Our books focus on the stories, wisdom, and values the person WANTS to share with children. We don't push for difficult or traumatic details—the interview process is designed to be positive and celebratory, focusing on dreams, proud moments, lessons learned, and advice for future generations. The featured person has full control over what's included. You'll review the digital preview before printing and can request any changes.

Can I create multiple books featuring different family members? Absolutely! Many families build a collection of MyBranches books featuring different family members—one for each grandparent, great-grandparent, or even parents. Each book focuses on one person's story to create deep connection. We offer free shipping on orders of two or more printed books to the same address, making it affordable to build a family library. Some families order all at once; others add a new book each year for birthdays or holidays.

Can one book work for multiple children in the same family? Yes! You can personalize a book to a specific child's name or create one for the family's last name, making it suitable for all children. We default the reading level to the youngest child so everyone can enjoy it together. This works well for siblings close in age. However, if children are very different ages (e.g., infant and 10-year-old), you might want separate books at different reading levels to maximize engagement for each child.

What if my child is older—will this still work for tweens or teens? Yes! Our books work beautifully for older children (ages 8-14) when created at the appropriate reading level. At this age, children appreciate deeper family stories, understand complex life lessons, and connect with wisdom about overcoming obstacles and pursuing dreams. We create books with more sophisticated language and detailed narratives about career journeys, values, and resilience. Many families say their older children return to these books during challenging times for guidance and inspiration.

Is this worth the investment compared to other gifts? At $50 for a MyBranches book, we offer lasting value that transcends the cost. Unlike toys that break, clothes that don't fit, or experiences that end, these books: (1) Last forever and become MORE valuable as children grow; (2) Strengthen family identity and emotional resilience; (3) Preserve irreplaceable stories before memories fade; (4) Create bonding moments through years of repeated readings; (5) Support foster children (we donate a book with every purchase). Families report these become heirloom treasures worth far more than the initial investment.

Do you ever offer discounts or sales? We do not offer discounts or promotional sales on our books. Like premium keepsake brands, we maintain consistent pricing to reflect the personalized, high-quality nature of each book. However, we do offer free shipping on orders of two or more printed books to the same address. You can also add an optional donation at checkout to sponsor additional books for foster children at a reduced cost ($10 per book). Our mission-driven approach means every purchase supports children in foster care.

Will this really help my child feel more connected to distant grandparents? Yes! Distance makes family connection challenging, but MyBranches books create powerful emotional bridges. When children have a book featuring distant grandparents, they: (1) Feel like they "know" them deeply even between visits; (2) Have conversation starters for video calls ("Tell me more about when you..."); (3) Build emotional bonds through story; (4) Look forward to visits with excited recognition. Many families report that after receiving their book, children are more engaged during calls and visits because grandparents transformed from distant figures into beloved story heroes.

How does this actually build my child's identity and self-esteem? Research shows children who know their family history have stronger identity, higher self-esteem, and better emotional resilience. MyBranches books build this foundation by helping children understand: (1) Where they come from and what shaped their family; (2) The values and strengths that run in their family; (3) That family members overcame challenges—so they can too; (4) They're part of something bigger than themselves. This creates a deep sense of belonging and purpose. Children with strong family narratives are better equipped to handle life's challenges.

How do you include life lessons in the books? Our books are designed to be more than just biographical—they're wisdom-sharing tools. During the interview process, we specifically ask the featured family member about: (1) Obstacles they overcame and what they learned; (2) Moments they're most proud of and why; (3) Dreams they pursued and lessons from that journey; (4) Values that guide them and advice for future generations. These insights are woven naturally into the story, so children absorb important life lessons through engaging narrative rather than feeling "lectured to." For example, instead of saying "always work hard," the story might show how Grandpa's perseverance helped him achieve a dream, making the lesson memorable and relatable.

What kind of values and character traits do the books teach? Each book reflects the specific values of the featured family member, making them authentic and personal to your family. Common themes that emerge include: resilience and perseverance, kindness and compassion, courage to pursue dreams, importance of family and relationships, honesty and integrity, gratitude and appreciating what you have, and learning from mistakes. Because these values come from REAL family stories—not generic moral tales—children connect with them more deeply. They see that Grandma wasn't born perfect; she learned these values through real experiences, which makes the lessons feel achievable and meaningful.

Will the book feel preachy or like a lecture? Not at all! We craft the stories to feel like magical adventures where the family member is the hero of their own journey. Life lessons emerge naturally through storytelling—showing rather than telling. For example, instead of saying "be brave," the story might describe how Great-Grandpa felt scared moving to a new country but took the leap anyway, and what happened next. Children absorb wisdom through empathy and engagement with the story, not through direct instruction. Parents tell us their kids don't realize they're learning values—they just love the story and want to hear it again.

How do the books help children understand they can overcome challenges? One of the most powerful aspects of MyBranches books is showing children that the adults they love weren't born successful—they faced and overcame real obstacles. When children hear how Grandma struggled in school but found ways to learn, or how Grandpa failed at his first business but tried again, they internalize an important message: challenges are normal, and you can get through them. This builds what psychologists call a "growth mindset." Knowing their own family members overcame difficulties gives children both inspiration and permission to struggle, fail, and persist. It's far more powerful than reading about fictional characters because these are real people they know and love.

Can I request specific lessons or values to emphasize in the book? Yes! During the ordering process, you can share any specific themes, values, or lessons that are particularly important to your family. For example, if your family highly values education, service to others, or cultural heritage, we'll make sure the interview explores those areas and the story emphasizes them. However, the best books emerge when we let the featured person's authentic story shine through—often the most powerful lessons are the ones that naturally emerge from their real experiences. We'll work with you during the preview stage to ensure the final book reflects the values and wisdom you want to pass down.