Personalised book for a blended family child: your child's map

What happens in your child and the Blended Family Map

1. Your child spreads out paper to begin a family map.
2. Two front doors and familiar places appear on the page.
3. Your child adds family members, pets and favourite details.
4. A winding route joins the places marked on the map.
5. Your child shares a finished map with space for everyone.

How the first page could read

On a bright Saturday, your child spread a big sheet of paper across the kitchen table. “I’m making a map,” said your child, “with every place and person in my family.” There were two front doors to draw, familiar rooms to add, and plenty of small details waiting for a place on the page.

Your child’s name, look and little details replace these words, and the whole story is written for their age.

Why this story works

This 32-page personalised picture book gives your child a clear, playful way to see the people and places in their blended family together through a page-by-page adventure. Rather than centring the story on one occasion, the map grows through ordinary details: a favourite chair, a pet, a route between homes or a shared weekend activity. Parents can add little details that feel familiar to their child, while your child appears in the illustrations from one photo. With words suited to ages 4–8, it is a warm read for talking about routines, visits and the many connections that belong on your child's map.

Reading it together

• Read the map slowly and pause to point out any places or details that your child recognises.
• Before reading, ask your child what they would add to their own family map.
• Keep the book nearby for times when you are talking about plans, visits or changing routines.

Suggested art style: Storybook watercolour

Soft watercolour gives the homes, routes and hand-drawn map details a welcoming, storybook feel. A sidekick idea: a small map-folding robin. You can pick any of the four styles and change the details in the form.