Your child and the Ferry Crossing: personalised children's book about a ferry trip

What happens in your child and the Ferry Crossing

1. Your child arrives at the harbour with a ticket and a small bag.
2. The ferry pulls away as gulls circle over the water.
3. On deck, your child follows the foamy wake and spots boats below.
4. A friendly gull points out the first shape of land ahead.
5. Your child walks down the ramp, ready to explore the new place.

How the first page could read

“All aboard,” says Mum, as your child steps onto the ferry with a small bag and a very important ticket. The ramp hums beneath their feet. Outside, gulls wheel above the harbour, and the sea is waiting beyond the railings for them.

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

Why this story works

A ferry trip has its own small landmarks that young children can recognise: the harbour ramp, the wide deck, gulls overhead, the wake behind the boat and land slowly appearing ahead. This story gives your child a clear, gentle version of that day, with the crossing as the main event rather than simply the way to get somewhere else. It suits ages two to six, with plenty to point at and talk about before travelling or while looking out at the water. A photo of your child makes them the child holding the ticket, leaning on the rail and stepping ashore.

Reading it together

• Read the deck scenes together before travelling and ask your child what they think they might spot from the ferry.
• Use the story to name simple parts of the journey, such as the harbour, ramp, deck and wake.
• Pack the book for a quiet moment on board, then look for matching views through the window or over the railings.

Suggested art style: Storybook watercolour

Soft watercolour washes suit the changing blues of the sea, sky and distant coastline. A sidekick idea: Skipper, a curious harbour gull. You can pick any of the four styles and change the details in the form.