Help and FAQ

A short picture story that shows a child what will happen in a new situation, how they might feel, and what they can do. It uses short first-person sentences like "I sit in the big chair." Many families read it a few times before the day.

Children who feel better when they know what to expect, including children on the autism spectrum, with ADHD or anxiety, or who are neurodivergent in other ways. Grown-ups make the book; the child reads it with them.

About five minutes. Pick your child's look and name, choose a story, pick pictures or symbols, then read it.

Make your child’s story

No. There is no account and no sign in. Your book is saved in the browser on the device you used.

Yes. Choose a hairstyle, skin tone (light, medium or deep), glasses, a wheelchair if your child uses one, and Mom or Dad as the grown-up. The same child appears on every page.

Yes. Turn them on in the look step and the story text mentions them on the pages where they help.

Yes. You can change any sentence, add a page or remove one before you buy.

Yes. Swap any picture for a photo of the real place or person. Photos stay on your device; we never upload them.

High-contrast pictures with big words, similar to AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) symbols, for children who read better that way.

Tap "Request a story" in the story list. Stories marked "Coming soon" are being drawn now.

Open the story list

$3.99 per book, paid once. You can preview every page before you pay. There is no subscription.

A print-ready PDF without the preview mark. You can print as many copies as you like, and edit and download it again for 30 days. A receipt email includes your download link.

Yes. On the last step tap "Money tight? Get this book free". No proof and no questions. Each free code works once within 30 days, and one internet connection can get one code a day. Need more? Email us.

Make your child’s story

Nothing is charged unless checkout finishes. Try again, or email [email protected]. If you were charged twice we will refund the extra payment.

Yes. Email [email protected] within 14 days of buying and we will refund you.

Open the link in your receipt email, or come back to the site on the same device and browser within 30 days.

Use the link in your receipt email on that device. Your unlock is remembered on the device you bought on.

Every book prints on regular paper at home. For a sturdier copy use cardstock and a stapler, or take the PDF to any copy shop. Some books offer more sizes (half page, full page, cards, square) on the last step.

Yes. Open the book reader on the last step and swipe or tap through the pages.

Nothing on our servers. Your child's name, look and story stay in your browser. We never receive your child's name or photos.

Your book is saved in that browser. On the last step, tap "Remove this book from this device" to clear that book and your child's name. You can also clear the browser's site data for getreadystory.com, or use a private window next time.

No. Ready Story books are educational tools, not medical or therapy advice. Talk with your child's care team about specific needs.

We aim for WCAG 2.2 AA: keyboard and screen reader support, reduced motion, light and dark mode, and large-text symbol pages. Tell us if anything is hard to use.

A free printable routine chart with your child's name and look in every step. No account and no payment.