Start with the reader's age#
Open Kids Books and choose an age band. The app uses that choice to guide vocabulary, story length, reading level, illustration density, and reader/export typography.
The six bands span ages 1–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12, 13–16, and 17–18. These are writing instructions and display categories, not certified content ratings or a substitute for knowing the individual reader.
Give the story one clear purpose#
For younger children, a single emotional or practical idea is often enough. For example:
A gentle picture book for a five-year-old about starting at a new school. Mina is nervous about speaking to other children. Let her find one small act of kindness she can manage. Use repetition, a reassuring ending, and no frightening scenes.
For older readers, specify the desired complexity, themes, and boundaries. A short description of the reader's interests can make the story more personal than adding a name alone.
Add characters#
Use Add character to enter a name and a brief description: age, role, interests, visual traits, or relationship to the main character. Keep descriptions consistent across the brief and character fields.
You can optionally attach a reference photo to a character. The app resizes it for storage and image requests. Nano Banana sends selected reference photos to Google to guide generated illustrations. Use only photos you have permission to share and consider whether a text description is sufficient. Photo references are not a promise of exact likeness across every image.
Review the plan and pictures#
Enable outline review so you can inspect the story beats before drafting. After generation, check the text and every illustration together:
- Does the language fit this reader rather than just the selected age band?
- Are the emotional stakes and ending reassuring or appropriate for the reader?
- Are people, relationships, and backgrounds represented respectfully?
- Do pictures match the events, characters, and details in the text?
- Could any advice, imitation, or scene be unsafe or confusing for a child?
AI output can be unsuitable even when the prompts include safety instructions. An adult should review the whole book before giving it to a child.
Read or listen together#
Use the reader's type and theme controls for comfortable reading. If you configure ElevenLabs, you can choose a separate default voice for children's books in Settings → Audiobook. Narration is optional and uses that provider's quota or billing.
Export an EPUB or PDF when you want to read on another device. Open the exported file before sharing it to check image placement and type size.