Hello, this is MY STELLA. This time, we will report on the storytelling event held at our base "STELLA LAB" where 5 pairs of parents, children, and grandparents were invited! The theme is "The relationship between reading aloud and sleep habits". Through personalized picture books, it became an experiential event that supported children's mental stability and high-quality sleep.
Event Overview|Reading experience session with the theme of "mind and sleep"
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, we held a small-group experience event at STELLA LAB, MY STELLA's picture book production base in Shizuoka City, welcoming five groups of parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren. Participants observed the production site of MY STELLA's picture books and then experienced reading personalized picture books. We also talked about how daily reading affects the stability of children's emotions and sleep habits, and how to incorporate it at home.
5 pairs of parents, children and grandparents gather at STELLA LAB
This time, children aged 3 to 6 and their families participated. They were parents who had a hard time putting their children to sleep and wanted to adjust their children's sleep rhythms, and grandparents who wanted to make their time with their grandchildren more special. Although each participant had different concerns and expectations, exchanges were born based on the common themes of "reading aloud" and "good sleep".
Behind the scenes of picture book making|STELLA LAB tour
First, we saw how MY STELLA's picture books are made at the "STELLA LAB" in the office building of Iizuka Printing, a printing company.
The process of completing a personalized picture book
"Personalization" in which each child's name and appearance appear in a picture book. By actually seeing the production process, the special feeling of the picture book is even more enhanced. The children were curious, saying, "How does my name get into a picture book?" They observed the process from the creation of the print to printing and binding, and experienced how a "one-of-a-kind picture book" is created.
Voices such as "It is made with such a lot of effort" and "I was impressed to understand the mechanism by which children's faces enter the picture book" were heard, and it was a time for them to realize the value of personalized picture books.
Practice! Personalized picture book reading experience
After the tour, we actually had a reading experience using a personalized picture book. We used two types of picture books prepared based on the information of the participants' children and grandchildren in advance.
Differences in children's reactions seen in the two types of picture books
The following two books were used:
In the reading of the picture book, the children's biting gaze was impressive. Especially in scenes where your name appears, "Oh, my name!" and "I'm here!" The figure with his eyes shining. "Find it! The children's reactions were different depending on the characteristics of each picture book, such as children who were obsessed with the "search picture" element of "Welcome to the Beautiful Picture" and children who quietly listened to the beautiful world view of "Welcome to the Beautiful Sekai".
Mini-course to learn the relationship between reading aloud and sleep
After the storytelling experience, we had a mini-lecture on the relationship between reading and sleep by MY STELLA staff. Based on specialized literature and actual experiences of parents and children, we have told you about the effects of reading to children's sleep.
Tips for stabilizing your child's mind and adjusting your sleep cycle
"Reading before bed is not just a fun time, but an important ritual that leads the child's mind and body to sleep," he explains. Recent studies have shown that reading aloud releases the happiness hormone oxytocin, which increases children's sense of security and leads to high-quality sleep.
In particular, personalized picture books bring a stronger sense of self-affirmation and security because children are the main characters. The feeling that you are valued leads to mental stability and good sleep.
The effect of reading by age on sleep
Depending on age, the effect and method of reading will also change. Based on MY STELLA's accumulated experience, we have also introduced age-specific advice:
3-4 years old : Rhythmic language and repetitive stories are effective. We recommend picture books such as "Welcome to the Beautiful Sekai" with a pleasant rhythm and a beautiful worldview.
5-6 years old : A time when you can understand even a slightly more complex story. "Find it! While stimulating the imagination with a picture book of discovery and adventure, it is effective to conclude with a sense of security at the end.
Participants' voices|Children's sleep changed by reading habits
After the event, participants shared their impressions and their own experiences.
Practical report from mom and dad
"It used to take me more than an hour to put him to sleep, but after I started reading personalized picture books, I started to fall asleep in about 30 minutes," said the father of a 4-year-old boy.
"Even if it is the same picture book, the child's bite is completely different from the commercially available one, and I am happy as a parent to see myself addicted to the main character picture book and fall asleep peacefully."
The effect of reading time with grandparents
"I was always worried about how to spend time with my grandchildren, and the time I spent reading personalized picture books creates a special bond for us. Putting them to bed when they return home is much smoother than before."
"When I read a picture book with my grandson's name on it, I feel like I can build a special relationship even if we live apart.
MY STELLA Carefully Selected|Personalized picture books recommended for putting you to sleep
We will introduce in detail the two personalized picture books introduced at the event. You can choose according to your child's age and personality.
"Find it! Calm your mind while adventuring in "Mysterious Sekai Ryoko"
Would you like to give away a "one-of-a-kind" adventure?
MY STELLA's "Search! Mysterious Sekai Ryoko" is a personalized picture book featuring children's names and appearances. It is a story about traveling in a mysterious world that expands with each page, enjoying "search pictures".
A special book that combines play elements that children can be immersed in and stories that foster a sense of self-esteem. After stimulating curiosity, the ending is a peaceful fall asleep, so it is perfect for reading before going to bed.
The special presence and sense of security I feel in "Welcome to the Beautiful Sekai"
From the moment they are born, children are irreplaceable. "Welcome to the Beautiful Sekai" is a picture book that conveys the message of "you are special" with a beautiful worldview.
Poem-like sentences with your child's name woven into them and illustrations with a gentle touch give your child a deep sense of security. It is used by many families as a "good night picture book" to help you fall asleep with a calm mind.
Why not give a "story for this child" for a birthday or baby gift?
Upcoming Event Information|Upcoming Event
This event, which was well received, "Cultivating the Habit of Mind and Sleep with Personalized Picture Books," will be held regularly in the future.
Information on the second installment of "Mind and Sleep Habits Nurtured by Personalized Picture Books"
The next event is scheduled to be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025. In addition to the same content as this time, "tips for putting you to sleep according to the season" will also be added to the theme. It is especially recommended for those who are worried about creating a rhythm of life for their children during summer vacation.
The capacity is 5 groups (first-come, first-served), so if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible. How to apply will be provided on MY STELLA's SNS account or website.
Summary|Children's minds and sleep nurtured by daily reading
Through this event, I hope you will realize the effect that reading with personalized picture books brings to children's mental stability and good sleep.
Start today to create a sleep habit through reading to others
To create a good sleep habit, please try incorporating daily storytelling:
- Same time, same place : By reading to the child at the same time and in the same place every night, the child's biological clock is adjusted.
- Turn off digital devices : Do not show your smartphone or TV screen for 30 minutes before reading to the story.
- A picture book in which children play the main role : It is effective to choose a picture book that allows children to enter the story themselves, such as personalized picture books.
- Cherish hugs and touch : Physical contact during reading to the reader also leads to a sense of security and good sleep.
At MY STELLA, we offer personalized picture books tailored to each child's personality and age. Why don't you color your special time before going to bed with a one-of-a-kind picture book?
We look forward to seeing you all at our next event. May a good night's sleep and a heartwarming reading time come to all parents and children.
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