Photos and personalized books: preparing and protecting them
By KidleoBooks · Published 16 October 2026
Many personalized book services upload your child's photo to their servers. Ours does not: a photo you add stays on your device and helps you choose the look; the illustrations are drawn from the look options you pick.
What happens to the photo
The photo is checked and stored only in your browser on this device, so you can see it while you choose skin tone and hair colour. It is not sent to our servers or to third-party services, and you can remove it at any time.
Prefer not to use a photo at all? You can continue with a sample photo instead.
Choosing a good photo
If you do add one, a few tips make choosing the look easier:
- Use a clear, well-lit photo where the face and hair are visible.
- Avoid photos with other people, school uniforms or location details.
- A recent photo helps you pick the closest hair colour.
Choosing the look
In the wizard you choose a skin tone and hair colour from a small palette (and a coat colour for pets). Pick the closest match rather than the 'perfect' one — the style is illustrated, not photographic. Children often enjoy helping to choose.
What else to keep private
Use a first name or nickname — there is no need for a surname. Books are private by default; if you share one, you decide who gets the link and you can turn sharing off again.
