Straight answers to the questions families ask us most. Still unsure? Contact us, we reply within one working day.
The books
What is a BookBuddies book?
A personalized hardcover storybook in which your child is the main character. Their name is on the cover, and their face, drawn from your photos, appears in every scene. Parents, grandparents, siblings and pets can be added as characters.
How many stories do you have?
23 titles: birthdays, big adventures (dinosaurs, space, pirates, planes, cars), animals and nature, family stories with Mom, Dad or the grandparents, dreams and talents (ballet, soccer, art, cooking), confidence, a new baby, Christmas and Easter. See all books.
What age are the books for?
Ages 1 to about 8. Preschoolers love them most, and early elementary kids enjoy the stories about their hobbies.
What size are the books?
Classic 8 × 8 in (20 × 20 cm), Large 11 × 11 in (28 × 28 cm) or Portrait 8 × 11 in (21 × 28 cm). All are real hardcovers with 30 illustrated inside pages, printed on thick coated paper with a matte laminated cover.
How much does a book cost?
From $66 (€57) for the Classic size. Larger sizes cost more. Shipping is calculated at checkout.
Are the children on your covers real?
No. The children, parents, grandparents and pets on our covers and product photos are illustrated sample characters. Your book is made from your photos only.
What makes BookBuddies different
How is BookBuddies different from other personalized books?
Most personalized books are fixed templates: the same pictures for every child, with a name or a cartoon avatar dropped in. At BookBuddies every book is created new for one child. Not only their face: every scene, the world around them, the light and the details are made just for them, so no two BookBuddies books are the same.
Is my child's book made from a template?
No. We start from your photos and first create a realistic Master Portrait of your child. Then we build each spread of the book as a new scene around them, with the family members and pets you add. You see the full book as a digital proof and approve it before anything is printed.
Does the book use my child's real face or a cartoon avatar?
Your child's real likeness, made from the 1 to 3 photos you send, in a cinematic, realistic 3D style with a touch of magic. It is not a pick-the-hair-and-skin avatar. One round of changes is included if something doesn't look right.
Photos and personalization
Which photos do you need?
One to three photos of your child: face from the front, from the side (waist up) and full body. Daylight, no hats or sunglasses. Phone photos are fine. For each extra person or pet, one clear front photo is enough.
Can I add parents, grandparents, siblings or pets?
Yes. Each extra character needs a name and one photo.
Can you include glasses, a wheelchair, a birthmark or a favorite color?
Yes. Tell us the details that matter and we draw them in.
Can I write my own dedication?
Yes. Every book opens with a dedication page written by you.
What happens to my photos?
They are used only to make your book, never for marketing, and are deleted within 30 days of delivery. See our privacy policy.
Proof, production and shipping
Will I see the book before it's printed?
Always. We email you a full digital proof, usually within 1 to 3 working days. One round of changes is included, and nothing is printed until you approve.
How long does it take?
Proof in 1 to 3 working days. After approval, production takes 2 to 5 business days. Delivery is typically 4 to 8 business days in the US and 3 to 7 business days in the EU, with tracking. In Malta, delivery is about 10 working days after you approve your proof, for a flat €5. Order early for Christmas.
Where do you ship?
Malta, the United States and the European Union. Books are printed close to your delivery address.
Can I cancel?
Yes, for a full refund at any time before you approve your proof. After printing starts, orders can't be cancelled because the book is made just for you.
What if the book arrives damaged or wrong?
Email us within 30 days of delivery with your order number and photos, and we reprint and resend it at no cost. See our refund policy.
About us
Who makes the books?
BookBuddies is a small family studio in Attard, Malta, founded by a designer with more than 20 years in print and branding. Read our story.
How can I reach you?
Email hello@bookbuddies.shop, or call or WhatsApp +356 9987 5959 (Mon–Sat, 9:00–19:00 CET). We reply within one working day.