Custom Books vs. Regular Books: Which Is Better for Kids?
When choosing books for kids, you’ll encounter two main types: custom books and regular books. Each serves a different purpose in a child’s reading journey:
- Custom Books: Personalize the story with the child’s name, traits, and experiences. These boost engagement, self-esteem, and emotional connection by making the child the star of the story. They’re great for early readers or during life changes like starting school.
- Regular Books: Feature fixed characters and timeless stories. These help expand vocabulary, introduce new ideas, and build empathy by exposing kids to diverse perspectives.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Custom Books | Regular Books |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement | High – Personalization draws kids in | Moderate – Depends on story quality |
| Language Depth | Moderate – Simplified for young readers | High – Rich vocabulary and sentence structure |
| Emotional Impact | High – Mirrors child’s experiences | Moderate – Builds empathy for others |
| Story Variety | Limited – Focused on the child | High – Explores broader themes |
| Keepsake Value | High – Sentimental and personal | Moderate – Cherished classics |
Best Approach
Use both types together. Custom books make reading personal and fun, while regular books broaden horizons and deepen literacy skills. Together, they create a balanced reading experience that supports growth and learning.
How Custom Books Increase Engagement and Emotional Connection
Imagine a child discovering themselves as the hero of a story - reading suddenly becomes a thrilling, personal adventure.
Increasing Attention and Motivation to Read
Spotting their own name and likeness in a story can be transformative for kids. Research shows that personalized stories can improve reading comprehension by over 40% [4]. When children see themselves woven into the narrative, they naturally become more curious, ask questions, and engage in conversations that enhance word learning and memory [4][3]. The National Literacy Trust captures this beautifully:
"Seeing oneself in a book can have a powerful effect on children, making 'explicit the idea that they are welcome … in the world of the written word'" [4].
Starting with personalized books like this one early can give children a significant advantage - by age 14, they might be up to three years ahead of their peers in reading age [4]. This heightened engagement doesn’t just build better readers; it also nurtures confidence and emotional growth.
Building Self-Esteem and Emotional Intelligence
Personalized books do more than grab attention - they help shape how kids see themselves. By starring in stories where they overcome challenges or show kindness, children begin to internalize these traits. Dr. Natascha Crandall, an Education Consultant, explains:
"By having this be a personalized book, it takes it one step further and shows children that they already have these traits" [4].
Studies also show that personalized books can improve key aspects of emotional intelligence, such as recognizing and expressing emotions, regulating feelings, and showing empathy [7]. Exploring emotions - whether joy, fear, or excitement - through their own character allows kids to develop better self-awareness and emotional control [3].
Creating More Relatable Stories
The magic of these books lies in their ability to make stories feel deeply personal. The best examples go beyond just swapping out names. They include details like family dynamics, personal interests, cultural elements, and even familiar places, creating stories that feel authentic and memorable [4]. Simple name changes might not leave a lasting impression, but weaving in rich, specific details - like a child’s favorite hobby or their family’s traditions - creates stronger connections and better recall [1].
One parent, Mum Aamna, put it perfectly:
"Your stories also always have a great moral or something to teach and make the experience of reading and learning more relatable for the child through visualizing themselves as the main character" [4].
This thoughtful personalization not only makes reading more engaging but also strengthens the bond between the child and the story, turning reading time into a cherished ritual [2].
How Regular Books Build Literacy and Expand Perspectives
Traditional books have a unique ability to transport children to worlds far beyond their everyday surroundings, offering both educational and emotional growth.
Expanding Vocabulary and Language Skills
Books are a treasure trove of language, exposing children to a wide range of vocabulary and more intricate sentence structures. This exposure helps develop fluency and expressive abilities. Research shows that children whose parents read to them daily hear an estimated 290,000 more words by the time they start kindergarten. With consistent reading, this number can surpass a million words [8].
Stories also provide context for learning new words, aided by illustrations and engaging narratives. Techniques like dialogic reading - where parents ask questions, explain unfamiliar terms, and connect the story to everyday life - can further enhance vocabulary and early literacy skills [9]. Re-reading favorite books is especially powerful, as it reinforces understanding and introduces children to new concepts repeatedly. This steady language exposure not only strengthens communication skills but also lays the groundwork for exploring broader cultural themes.
Introducing New Settings and Viewpoints
Books act as windows into different cultures, experiences, and ways of thinking [10]. Through these stories, children are encouraged to question their assumptions and develop an appreciation for the diversity of the world [26,28,30]. Literature also serves as a bridge across generations, sharing timeless lessons and stories that spark critical thinking about our interconnected world [27,29]. By stepping into the shoes of others, children build empathy and understanding for lives that may differ greatly from their own [26,28]. This exposure helps create a foundation for meaningful storytelling and connection.
Creating Shared Stories and Characters
Books create a shared narrative that unites children across different backgrounds. Familiar characters and beloved stories provide a common ground for conversations and connections. As David Foster Wallace eloquently put it:
"Fiction is about what it means to be human" [11].
Similarly, Sunil Yapa highlights the deep connection between reading and empathy:
"Empathy is a profound act of imagination and human connection. In fiction, we imagine ourselves into other people's experiences. Of course, another word for that is 'reading'" [11].
Through these shared experiences, literature fosters understanding and builds bridges between individuals and communities.
Comparing Learning, Creativity, and Development Benefits
Custom and regular books each bring their own strengths to the table when it comes to fostering learning and creativity. Together, they offer a well-rounded approach to a child's development.
Custom books encourage creativity and self-expression. By tailoring stories to the child, these books build reading confidence and enhance word recognition and comprehension [1][12][4].
Regular books inspire imagination and broaden perspectives. They challenge children to think beyond their own world by introducing them to rich language, diverse characters, and unfamiliar settings - from magical realms to different communities. Through vivid illustrations and descriptive storytelling, they spark curiosity and encourage empathy. As Professor Natalia Kucirkova from The Open University explains:
"Most popular personalised books portray children as the heroes and stars of their own stories. This might be empowering to some, and insulting to other, children."
She also highlights the value of balance:
"The most powerful children's books are those that hit the sweet spot of personalisation and pluralisation. Such books teach children out-group empathy that occurs with story characters whose experiences are radically different from their own." [13]
These perspectives highlight the unique contributions of both formats, making it easier to compare their benefits side by side.
Custom Books vs. Regular Books: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Benefit | Custom Books | Regular Books |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement | High – Personalization draws the child in | Moderate – Depends on the story's quality |
| Literacy Depth | Moderate – Simplified language for the child | High – Offers exposure to advanced vocabulary |
| Emotional Connection | High – Mirrors the child’s experiences | Moderate – Builds a broader, general bond |
| Content Breadth | Limited – Focused on the child’s perspective | High – Explores diverse themes and settings |
| Keepsake Value | High – A sentimental, personalized memento | Moderate – Often cherished as a classic |
Choosing the Right Option for Your Child
Deciding between custom and regular books comes down to what your child needs at a particular stage. Both have their strengths and can serve different purposes.
When to Choose Custom Books
Custom books shine when it comes to engaging young readers, especially those just beginning their reading journey. These books place your child at the center of the story, making reading a more personal and exciting experience. This can boost their confidence and keep them interested in books.
Custom stories are particularly helpful during big life changes like starting school, welcoming a new sibling, or moving to a new home. When the story mirrors their own experiences, it can help them process emotions and feel understood.
When to Choose Regular Books
As kids grow, their reading needs naturally change. Regular books offer more complex language, intricate plots, and opportunities to explore different worlds, time periods, and perspectives.
These books help children build empathy by introducing them to characters with varied experiences. They also create shared family memories through timeless classics like Where the Wild Things Are and Charlotte’s Web. Regular books are perfect for broadening your child’s horizons and deepening their understanding of the world around them.
Using Both Types Together
Combining custom and regular books can give your child the best of both worlds.
For example, you might turn to a custom book during a challenging moment when your child needs encouragement or reassurance. Then, follow it up with a regular book that sparks their curiosity and imagination. A mix of both ensures a well-rounded reading experience that keeps them engaged while supporting their growth [2].
Conclusion
Choosing between custom books and regular books isn’t about picking one over the other - it’s about embracing both. Each type offers something special to your child’s reading experience, and together they create a well-rounded approach to learning and growth.
Custom books bring stories to life in a deeply personal way. When kids see themselves as the hero of their own story, reading becomes more engaging and meaningful. Studies show that personalized stories boost both enthusiasm and reading comprehension [5]. The National Literacy Trust highlights that personalized content can accelerate early reading skills [4].
On the other hand, regular books provide a gateway to rich language, diverse perspectives, and new ideas. They help children expand their vocabulary, develop empathy, and gain a broader understanding of the world.
The best strategy? Combine the two. Mixing custom books with regular ones ensures your child enjoys a personal connection to reading while also exploring the vast world of literature [1]. As the National Literacy Trust puts it:
"Personalised elements may not only attract children less engaged by non-personalised texts to reading, but that this impacts positively on their literacy outcomes" [5].
FAQs
How do personalized books make reading more engaging for kids?
Personalized books grab a child’s attention by weaving their name, interests, and sometimes even their appearance into the story. This unique touch helps create a stronger bond with the narrative, making the experience of reading more engaging and enjoyable.
When kids see themselves as part of the story, they’re more likely to stay interested, concentrate better, and develop a deeper appreciation for reading. These books also spark creativity and fuel imagination by letting children picture themselves in exciting adventures crafted just for them.
What are the advantages of using both custom and regular books for kids?
Using a mix of custom books and regular books can give children a more enriching reading experience. Custom books add a personal touch to stories, helping kids feel seen and valued while fueling their imagination. Meanwhile, regular books expose them to a wide range of perspectives, classic narratives, and expressive language that strengthens literacy and critical thinking.
Blending these two types of books allows parents to encourage creativity, cultivate a love for reading, and support both the emotional and intellectual growth of their child in a well-rounded way.
When should I choose regular books instead of custom ones for my child?
Regular books are an excellent way to help your child develop literacy skills, grow their vocabulary, and explore a variety of topics and viewpoints. They play a key role in supporting cognitive development and sparking curiosity, especially during those formative early years.
Beyond that, classic stories often carry enduring lessons and offer glimpses into different cultures, helping children better understand and connect with the world around them. If you're looking to encourage a lifelong love of reading and support academic growth, regular books are a fantastic choice.