Make It Their Story: Personalizing Webo Kids eBooks for Your Grandchildren

Imagine opening a book and seeing your grandchild's name as the hero, your street as the setting, and Grandma as a character in the adventure. With Webo Kids eBooks in Word format, you can do exactly that — no special skills required. This guide walks you through every step, simply and clearly.

Download a Webo Kids eBook

What You'll Need Before You Begin

Don't worry — you don't need to be a computer expert. You just need a few basic things already sitting on your computer or tablet. Let's make sure you're ready to go before we dive in.

Your Webo Kids eBook

The Word file (.docx) you purchased or downloaded from Webo Kids. Save a copy before editing — always keep the original safe!

Microsoft Word

Any version of Word works — Word 2016, Word 2019, or Microsoft 365. On a Mac or PC, the steps are nearly identical.

A List of Names & Places

Jot down the names of your grandchildren, family members, and favorite locations before you start. This makes the process smooth and fun!

An AI Assistant (Optional)

Tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot are free and easy to use for rewriting chapters. We'll show you exactly how in this guide.

Step 1: Save a Safe Copy First

Before you change a single word, make a backup copy of your eBook file. This is the most important step — it ensures you always have the original to start over if needed.

1

Find your eBook file

Locate the Word document (.docx) in your Downloads folder or wherever you saved it when you first received it.

2

Right-click and choose "Copy"

Right-click on the file icon, select Copy, then right-click in the same folder and select Paste. You'll see a duplicate file appear.

3

Rename your working copy

Rename the copy something like "Webo_Story_Emma_Version.docx" so you know which one is your personalized version. Now open that copy — not the original!

Step 2: Using Find & Replace to Change Names

The Find & Replace feature is like magic — it searches the entire book for one name and swaps it for another in just seconds. This is the easiest way to make every character feel like family.

How to Open Find & Replace

On a Windows PC, press Ctrl + H on your keyboard. On a Mac, press Command + H. A small window will pop up with two boxes.

  • The top box says "Find what"
  • The bottom box says "Replace with"
  • You'll use both boxes together

Filling In the Boxes

In "Find what," type the original character name exactly as it appears in the book — for example, Tommy. In "Replace with," type your grandchild's name — for example, Jacob. Then click the big button that says "Replace All."

Word will tell you how many replacements it made. A message like "Word made 24 replacements" means every single mention of Tommy is now Jacob!

Step 3: Replacing Places & Locations Too

Just like swapping character names, you can replace the towns, parks, streets, and landmarks in the story with places your family actually knows and loves. Imagine your grandchild reading about an adventure in their own neighborhood!

🏡 Replace the Town Name

Open Find & Replace (Ctrl+H or Command+H). Type the story's fictional town — for example, Maplewood — in the "Find what" box. Type your real town — like Springfield — in "Replace with." Click Replace All.

🌳 Replace Parks & Landmarks

Do the same for parks, schools, and streets. If the story mentions Bluebell Park, replace it with the name of your grandchild's favorite local park. Every familiar detail makes the story feel more magical.

📋 Work From Your List

Use the list of names and places you prepared earlier. Replace one at a time — do each Find & Replace separately. Take your time and enjoy the process. You're crafting a one-of-a-kind gift!

Handy Find & Replace Quick Reference

Keep this table beside you as you work. It shows exactly what to type and where, so you never get confused.

Step 4: Copying a Chapter for Editing

One of the most exciting things you can do is copy an entire chapter and ask an AI assistant to rewrite it — maybe with a different ending, a new surprise, or a funnier moment. Here's how to copy the chapter text first.

Finding the Chapter

Scroll through your Word document until you find the chapter you'd like to change. Chapters usually begin with a heading like "Chapter 3: The Big Adventure." Click at the very beginning of that chapter heading.

Selecting & Copying

Click and drag your mouse from the chapter title all the way to the end of the last sentence in that chapter. Everything highlighted in blue is selected. Now press Ctrl+C (or Command+C on a Mac) to copy it. The chapter text is now on your clipboard, ready to paste.

Step 5: Asking an AI Assistant to Rewrite the Chapter

AI assistants like ChatGPT (at chat.openai.com) or Microsoft Copilot (built right into Windows) are friendly, free tools that respond to plain English instructions. You don't need to learn any special language — just type as if you're talking to a helpful friend.

🖥️ Open the AI Website

Go to chat.openai.com or open Microsoft Copilot on your computer. Click the text box where it says "Send a message" or "Ask me anything."

📋 Paste Your Chapter

Click inside the text box and press Ctrl+V (or Command+V on Mac) to paste the chapter you copied from Word. The full chapter text will appear in the box.

✍️ Type Your Request

After the pasted text, type your instruction. Be specific and friendly. Then press Enter or click the Send button and watch the magic happen!

What to Say to the AI: Example Prompts

The key to getting a great result from an AI assistant is giving it clear, specific instructions. Here are some ready-to-use examples you can copy word for word — just swap in your details!

Change the Ending

"Please rewrite this chapter so that instead of the children going home, they discover a hidden treasure map and plan a new adventure. Keep the same characters and fun, friendly tone for young readers aged 5–8."

Add a Family Member

"Please rewrite this chapter to include a character called Grandma Patty who helps the children solve the mystery. She is kind, funny, and loves baking cookies. Keep the story suitable for children aged 6–9."

Make It Funnier

"Please rewrite this chapter to include more humor and silly moments. The dog character should have three funny mishaps. Keep the language simple and the story appropriate for children aged 4–7."

You've Done It — Now Share the Magic!

You've just created something truly one of a kind — a children's storybook where your grandchild is the star, your family are the characters, and your neighborhood is the setting. That's a gift no store can replicate.

Print It Out

Print at home or at a local print shop for a physical keepsake they'll treasure for years.

Email the File

Send your personalized .docx or PDF file directly to the grandchild's parents to share digitally.

Gift It for a Birthday

Pair the printed book with a small gift for a birthday or holiday surprise that feels incredibly personal.

Make One for Each Child

Go back to your original file and repeat the process for each grandchild — every child deserves their own adventure!

Happy storytelling, Grandma and Grandpa — your grandchildren are going to love this! 🌟