> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doodara.gitbook.io/doodara-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doodara.gitbook.io/doodara-docs/templates-and-characters/template-books.md).

# Template books

A template book is a complete, already-written picture book — story, page count, page-by-page script, and illustrations — with one role left open. That role goe

A template book is a complete, already-written picture book — story, page count, page-by-page script, and illustrations — with one role left open. That role goes to your child.

Browse them at [doodara.com/template-books](https://www.doodara.com/template-books).

## How it is different from writing a prompt

When you write a prompt, the AI invents the story and you find out what you got. With a template book, you read the entire book first — every page, starring a demo kid — and then decide. What you preview is what you get, with your child in the lead.

This is the right choice when you want a specific outcome: a book about starting preschool the week before preschool starts, or a book about a new sibling arriving.

## What is in the library

Template books are grouped by what the child is actually going through:

* **First times & big changes** — first haircut, doctor visit, dentist, moving house, starting preschool, a new sibling.
* **Big feelings** — anger, fear, worry, jealousy, sadness, patience.
* **Getting along with others** — sharing, taking turns, kindness, honesty, saying sorry, manners, teamwork, listening, empathy, respect.
* **Growing up** — confidence, courage, responsibility, making mistakes, gratitude.
* **Bedtime & the dark** — bedtime routines and nighttime fears.

Each book runs about ten pages and is written for a specific age band.

## Making one yours

1. Pick a book and read the preview all the way through.
2. Enter your child's name and upload one clear photo of their face.
3. The AI paints a storybook version of the child — this takes about a minute. If it is not right, try another. You get a limited number of retries.
4. Confirm the character, and every page is painted with your child in it.

The whole run takes a few minutes. You get a normal Doodara book at the end: readable in the flipbook, shareable by link, editable page by page.

## Notes

* One book at a time. If you already have a book being painted, finish or discard it before starting another.
* The character is *inspired* by the photo — a picture-book character, not a portrait. See [Put your child in the story](/doodara-docs/templates-and-characters/put-your-child-in-the-story.md).
* You need to be signed in to start one. Browsing the library is free and requires nothing.

## If none of them fit

Use the [23 story templates](https://www.doodara.com/templates) instead — those are themes rather than complete books, so the AI writes a fresh story around the theme you pick. Or just [write your own prompt](https://www.doodara.com/create).


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