Personalised story about baby smiling at older sibling

Your child wants to know whether the new baby recognises them, so they try quiet songs, funny faces and a gentle hello. When the baby responds with a small smile, your child sees that there is room for their voice, their play and their place in the family.

Ages 3-6
Their own home town
Storybook watercolour

See the cover free before you pay.

Cover of “Ava and the Missing Rainbow”, a personalised picture book starring Ava — An example book in the storybook watercolour style

What happens in your child and the Baby's First Smile

Your child watches the baby make serious little faces in the cot.
Your child tries a funny face, but the baby only blinks.
A parent suggests a quiet song and a gentle hello.
The baby turns towards your child's voice and gives a small smile.
Your child shares the moment with the family and chooses another song for tomorrow.

How the first page could read

On a quiet morning at home, your child peeped into the baby's cot. The baby blinked, stretched one tiny hand and looked very serious. Your child tried a silly face. Nothing. Then your child sang the little tune used at bedtime, and the baby's eyes turned towards the sound.

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

Why this story works

For children aged three to six, a new baby can seem very small, sleepy and hard to read. This story gives your child a gentle, familiar role: not being asked to do a big job, but offering a voice, a song and a patient hello. The tiny smile provides a concrete moment of connection while leaving space for the everyday waiting that comes with a baby. Seeing themselves as the main character can make the story feel close to home. Picture to Story creates a 32-page book with 15 illustrated story spreads, using one photo of your child and the details you choose.

Reading it together

Read the baby’s serious faces and smiles together, and ask your child what they think the baby might be noticing.
Invite your child to choose a quiet song or gentle greeting to try when they next see the baby.
Use the final page to talk about small ways your child can share time with the baby, without making it a duty.

Suggested art style: Storybook watercolour

Storybook watercolour gives the home scenes a soft, calm feel while keeping your child's expressions clear and recognisable. A sidekick idea: a watchful window robin. You can pick any of the four styles and change the details in the form.

Make your child and the Baby's First Smile

Add one photo and answer a few questions. This story is picked for you, and you’ll see the cover before you decide.

Start with a photo

What’s in the book

A hardcover and a paperback copy of the same personalised picture book, seen from above — Both editions are 8.5" × 8.5" with the same 32 pages. The hardcover has rigid boards; the paperback has a soft cover.

pages: 32pages
full-page pictures of your child: 15full-page pictures of your child
square book (21.6 × 21.6 cm): 8.5" × 8.5"square book (21.6 × 21.6 cm)
years, words matched to their age: 2–8years, words matched to their age

Front cover with their name in the title
Title page with their portrait and your dedication
15 spreads: a picture on one page, the story on the other
“The End” page made especially for them
Printed: premium full-colour paper, paperback or hardcover
Digital: PDF and online flip-book reader

Questions

Is this personalised story suitable for a child who has just become a big brother or sister?

Yes. It is written for ages three to six and centres on a small, everyday moment between your child and their new baby sibling. You can add your child's age, choose the adventure and include little details, so the story can reflect familiar routines and family life.

How is your child included in the book?

You upload one photo of your child and answer a few questions, including their name, age, preferred art style, adventure and small personal details. Picture to Story then creates a 32-page personalised picture book starring them, and you can see the cover free before paying.

Can I see the book before I pay?

Yes. Your child’s cover and the first page of the story are made while you answer the questions, usually in under a minute, and you see them before checkout. You only pay if you love it.

How long does it take?

The digital book is usually ready about 10 minutes after you order. Printed books take 3 to 5 working days to print, then 3 to 7 days to post in the UK and US.

More new baby brother or sister book ideas

Ages 2-5Your child Meets Baby at Granny'sYour child spends the afternoon at Granny’s house, noticing the small preparations while Mum and Dad return from hospital with the new baby. When the family arrives, your child gets a quiet first hello, a helpful job and time close beside the people who love them.Their own home town · Storybook watercolour Ages 2-5Your child and the Pram ParadeWhen the new baby is ready for a neighbourhood walk, your child helps turn the outing into a pram parade. Along the way, your child discovers that there is plenty of room beside the pram for their own ideas, games and place in the family.Their own home town · Storybook watercolour Ages 3-7Your child Makes Room in the FamilyAs a new baby joins the family, your child notices changes in the home, from an extra chair at the table to a space on the picture wall. With each change, your child sees that their own place in the family is still there, full of familiar love and belonging.Their own home town · Storybook watercolour Ages 5-10Your child's Big Sibling School DayYour child takes a drawing of the new baby to school and finds the right moment to share their family news with the class. Between lessons, playtime and a thoughtful chat with their teacher, your child learns that home can change while they still have their own important place in it.Their own home town · Storybook watercolour Ages 3-7Your child's Day with DadWhile another grown-up cares for the baby at home, your child and Dad set out for a day of small choices in their hometown. From picking the route to making a simple keepsake, your child sees that Dad still has time set aside just for them.Their own home town · Storybook watercolour Ages 3-6Your child's Special Big Brother JobsWhen a new baby needs gentle care at home, your child discovers a list of small, useful jobs made especially for a big brother. From choosing a soft muslin to singing a quiet song nearby, your child helps in ways that matter while hearing that there is always room for them in the family.Their own home town · Coloured pencil

All new baby brother or sister ideas →