Starting school storybooks
Their first day, told as an adventure.
A first-day-of-school storybook starring your child, drawn from their photo: a nervous tummy, a new friend and a school full of adventures.
Ages 3 to 7 · Free to try · Photos never stored · Ready in about 5 minutes
What's in the book
Starting nursery, kindergarten or a new school is one of the biggest steps a small child takes. In this story your child walks in with a nervous tummy, makes a new friend and discovers that the classroom is hiding adventures in every corner.
Reading it a few times before the first day helps make the unknown familiar. Tell Panelo the real details, like the name of the school, the teacher, how they'll get there or the backpack they picked, and they'll show up in the story.
The story
Why it helps with first-day nerves
Rehearsal without pressure
Seeing themselves walk through the day in a story lets children practise the routine before it happens.
The worry has a happy ending
The story shows the nervous feeling, then shows it passing, which is exactly what you want them to believe.
It's a conversation starter
Ask 'What do you think you'll do at lunch?' while you read, and they'll often share worries they hadn't mentioned.
Make it theirs
The more you tell Panelo, the more the story sounds like your family. Good things to mention:
- The school's or teacher's name
- How they'll get there (bus, bike, walking with Grandpa)
- Their backpack or lunchbox
- The thing they're most worried about
How it works
- 1
Add a photo
One clear photo of your child (and anyone else in the story). Panelo draws them as a storybook character, then the photo is discarded.
- 2
Pick the story and style
Start from First day of school or any of the 42+ stories, in one of 10 art styles.
- 3
Read, print or share
The cover and first two pages are free. Unlock the whole book to download the PDF and share a flip-book link.
Choose the art style
3D MovieLike a big animated film
StorybookSoft paint & pencil
Classic AnimationHand-drawn movie magic
CartoonBold & bright TV cartoon
Vintage StorybookInk & watercolor classic
Retro Golden1950s picture book
Paper CollagePainted tissue paper
Anime DreamSoft painted anime film
Clay 3DCozy stop-motion
Indian MiniatureJewel-toned Pichwai painting
Questions parents ask
When should we read a first-day-of-school book?
Start a week or two before, then read it again the night before. Familiarity is what calms nerves, so repetition helps.
Does it work for changing schools, not just the first year?
Yes. Mention that it's a new school in the details, and the story is about settling in somewhere new.
Is my child's photo stored?
No. The photo is used once to draw your child as a storybook character and is then discarded. Saved and shared books contain only the drawings.
How much does it cost?
Trying it is free: you get your child as a cartoon hero, their story, the cover and the first two pages. The full book (up to 10 pages, up to four heroes including pets) is $9 one time, or ₹449 in India. The Family plan is $19 a month for three books.
