Personalised book about including others in games: your child Makes Room on the Team

What happens in your child Makes Room on the Team

1. Your child joins a fast-moving playground ball game.
2. A new child arrives and is told the teams are full.
3. Your child notices they are left waiting at the side.
4. Your child suggests rotating players and adding a helper role.
5. Everyone gets a turn, and the game ends with room for all.

How the first page could read

At break time, your child hurried to the playground with a soft blue ball tucked under one arm. A game was already underway by the painted wall: pass, bounce, catch. Then your child noticed a child standing nearby, watching quietly, with no one asking them to join.

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 personalised book about including others in games gives children aged five to eight a recognisable playground moment to talk about. Your child does not solve the problem by taking over the game; instead, they notice someone waiting, speak up politely and help the group find a practical answer. The ball game keeps the action clear while showing that rules can be adjusted fairly, so nobody has to be left out. Seeing their own photo turned into your child at the centre of the story makes the choice feel close to home. It is a useful read before school, playdates, clubs or a busy birthday party.

Reading it together

• Pause when your child spots the child at the side and ask what they think the group could do.
• After reading, practise a few friendly phrases your child could use when inviting someone into a game.
• Ask your child to invent a simple rule that helps everyone get a turn in a favourite activity.

Suggested art style: Animated film

The animated film style gives the ball game clear movement and expressive playground scenes that are easy for young readers to follow. A sidekick idea: Milo, a cheerful scorekeeper with a clipboard. You can pick any of the four styles and change the details in the form.