I received a copy of this book to review; all opinions are my own.
As the parent of children with diverse learning disabilities, I know how hard it can be to keep your kids safe – and to teach them to protect themselves. That’s why I was eager to review Little Blueprint’s “I Have a Plan” series. Little Blueprint is a company that lets you customize a book just for your child. Each of their books has the subtitle “I Have a Plan,” and they are designed to teach kids specific habits or skills. Topics are as diverse as sleep, safety, holidays, divorce and mourning. I selected “To Be Safe on the Go.”
THE GOOD
While you can get a a “ready-made” version of these books, it’s worth the extra fee to customize the book. Zoe was SO thrilled to see her photo on the cover! The “To Be Safe” book teaches children what to do when they are out and cannot find their “Safe Adult.” You can also add in address and phone number, parents’ names and a safety plan. You can either do this on the blank version or have it printed on the personalized books. You can also put more images inside the book which is a wonderful way to engage your child.
I love the emphasis this book gives on how NOT to leave or wander away or go with anyone who is not your safe adult. There is repetition – I’ll admit, the kids did look at me like I was kooky when I read that part, but I explained how important it was. Having her images in the book and talking about fun places really engaged Zoe, for about as long as she can look at a book.
The other titles looks promising as well. I’m interested in “When It’s Time for Bed, I Have a Plan,” a useful book for kids who have difficulty getting to sleep or getting into a nighttime routine. For every one of those bedtime books purchased, Little Blueprint donates $1 to Save the Children. And, finally, they offer a guarantee for a refund or replacement book if you are not satisfied.
THE BAD
The text is a bit long on some pages and those are tough for a distracted reader or a preschooler. Also, I didn’t place my order armed with enough photos or I would have put her photo in the book more than once! If you order one, make sure you have plenty of photos at hand to create a really engaging book for your child.
OVERALL OPINION
I seriously LOVE these books, especially for kids with learning disabilities! This is also a great resource to have on hand for a child dealing with divorce, separation and death – there is even a book for losing a beloved pet. Kudos to Little Blueprint for making a difficult task easier for parents like me.
BOOK DETAILS
The personalized books retails for $34.95, while the ready-made version is $24.95, however, I think the personalization is well worth the price. As you customize, you can add more or less personalization – whatever fits your child best. Order the “I Have a Plan” book online at Little Blueprint.
Life with Kaishon says
I love personalized books : ).
My Mom bought my brother and sister and I one when we were young and we all adored our book so much. Very cool! Thank you for sharing these books, Gina!
Gina B says
Anytime! I think these are so great because of how they are targeting tough concepts to teach a kid – the personalization really helps1
Cindy says
Oh, this sounds PERFECT. I am going to have to check it out for my 5 year-old. Thank you for sharing!
Gina B says
You’re welcome! They are really great books. The website has samples from each of them, so you can check out some of the contents.
carrie says
Personalized books are the best! Especially when your child has a unique name like my youngest! What a sweet story 🙂
Gina B says
Good point Carrie!
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles says
What a terrific idea! My kids are older now but I think I would have loved doing a personalized one for them, especially since one is more naturally cautious than the other. Thanks!!
Gina B says
It is a great idea! Yes, I actually wish they’d had this when my girls were younger.
Caitlin says
what a great idea. I love personalized books. We just were gifted one for Christmas but it was about my daughter being a princess ballerina haha. A little different than this one.
Gina B says
LOL! It must make an awesome gift 🙂
Heather says
This is a great idea. We have done similar books using iBook Author for autistic children.
Gina B says
That’s good to know. I need to create something specific for a few other challenges my kids face, that are not out there in book form yet.
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
This sounds like such a fantastic idea! I have a friend who’s daughter is in my dd7’s class. She struggles a LOT with anxiety, new experiences, routine. I think something like this would be a great tool at home to support the weekly therapy the daughter is doing.
Gina B says
Yes, I think these books would be a great help! If they don’t have one you feel fits, you can recommend a topic to them as well.
Gina B says
It is a great idea! I had no idea Zoe would respond so well. I will be using personalization more in the future!
Jonathan Rodriguez says
This is such a great idea. It is a healthy way to teach children that they should take it seriously, but in a manner that a child can understand. How fun is it that you can personalize the books also!
Gina B says
Agreed! As parents, we need all the tools we can find that help us raise great kids.