How to make a children's book (with AI, from idea to hardcover)

1. Decide who the book is for

A children's book works best about one real child: their name and age, the people and pets around them, and one thing only they do. The age sets how much text goes on a page: a few words for a toddler, a few sentences for a seven-year-old.

2. Choose how to make the book

Pick the way that fits what you already use:

1. papergarden makes the book: answer the questions, pay €9.95 once, and papergarden writes the story and paints every page. No AI account needed. Usually 30 to 60 minutes; papergarden emails you when the book is ready.
2. In ChatGPT: connect papergarden and make the book in the chat. With a paid ChatGPT plan, making the book is free.
3. In Claude or another assistant: connect papergarden the same way. The assistant writes the story and papergarden paints the pictures, for 1 credit each (the cover too).

3. Tell the story you have in mind

Most families already have a story: a trip to the sea, a new sibling, a fear of the dark. Say what happened, and the book tells that story. No idea yet? The AI writes a first try and you change what you like.

4. Let the AI paint the pages

Every page gets one picture, in one painting style, with the same characters throughout. ChatGPT paints the pictures itself; for Claude and other assistants papergarden paints them. Share a photo in the chat and the character looks like that person; or describe hair, clothes and glasses instead.

Mila packed the important things. A map. A flashlight. Two cookies. And Pip, of course.

5. Check every page, then order the hardcover

Flip through the book online and change what you want first. Every version is saved, so you can always go back. Then order the hardcover: pick the number of copies, add the address and see the shipping options before you pay.