A My Color’s story book is a little book you make yourself: 15 coloring pages and a story to read aloud. The child doesn’t just color: they live the adventure, page after page. Here is how to get the most out of it, from purchase to the last colored page.

Step 1: download your book

After payment, your book is available straight away: on the confirmation page, in the email you receive, and in your library. It comes as a single PDF file. Remember to save it on your computer or tablet. Each file can be downloaded a limited number of times, and a personalised footer is added to it: that is normal.

Step 2: print it

Open the PDF and print in A4 format. A few useful settings:

  • Choose single-sided printing so that the child can color without the ink showing through on the back.
  • 120 to 160 gsm paper gives a lovely finish, especially with markers. Ordinary paper works very well with colored pencils.
  • If your printer uses US Letter paper, select “Fit to page”.

You can also print just a few pages at a time: the book can be discovered at its own pace.

Step 3: make the book

Children love this step. Several options:

  1. The folder: keep the pages in a cardboard folder decorated by the child.
  2. Staples: stack the pages in order and fasten them on the left, with colored tape to cover the points.
  3. The hole punch: two or three holes and some ribbon or rings, and the book opens flat.
  4. Binding at a print shop: a copy shop can bind your sheets for a few euros if you want a lovely gift.

Tip: let your child color before binding if they like to press hard; it avoids loose pages.

Step 4: read and color together

This is the heart of the activity. Here is a routine that works well:

  • Settle in at the table or on the sofa with the pencils and the book.
  • Read one page or a short passage of the story aloud.
  • Let the child color the matching scene, asking a few questions: “What color is her coat? What is the dragon doing?”
  • Move on when the drawing is finished, or pick up again the next day.

Depending on age, allow 10 to 20 minutes per page. A whole book will therefore last several evenings: it makes a very good bedtime ritual.

Adapting to age

  • From 3-4 years old: read the story yourself and let the child color the big areas, with no pressure to be precise.
  • 5-6 years old: the child can join in the reading by guessing what comes next or repeating words.
  • 7-9 years old: they read the story in turn, to you or to a little brother or sister, and take more care over their coloring.

Going further

Once the book is finished, read the story again while looking at the colors chosen, ask your child to invent a different ending, or to draw the sequel on a blank sheet. You can also have them tell the story in their own words to a grandparent over the phone: their coloring pages become a storytelling aid.

Ready to start? Discover all our story books. And if your child is a big fan, the Club gives you credits every month to choose new books.