Nationwide – December 16, 2024(USANews.com) –Wanderly, a unique and innovative interactive storytelling platform, is redefining how children engage with stories. Founded by Laura Holmes, a former Google product leader and mother, Wanderly allows children to become both the heroes and authors of their own tales. Since its launch in early 2023, Wanderly has been revolutionizing bedtime routines and sparking creativity in children aged 3-8 years, through its customizable books where kids shape the narrative with their choices.

Wanderly offers a truly personalized storytelling experience, where children can create one-of-a-kind stories by selecting characters, settings, and plot twists. Unlike traditional personalized books that simply insert a child's name into pre-existing narratives, Wanderly empowers children to dictate how the story unfolds, making them active participants in the storytelling process. This interactive approach not only encourages creativity but also fosters a deeper connection between children and the stories they hear.

“I remember making up stories with my mom as a child. Those moments were so special, and now, as a mother myself, I wanted to recreate that magic for my own kids,” said Laura Holmes, founder of Wanderly. “The inspiration for Wanderly came from those childhood moments of storytelling, where my imagination could roam free and shape a world all my own. Now, with Wanderly, children can experience that same freedom, every time they open a new book.”

The platform works seamlessly across both iOS and Android devices, with stories available to families throughout the United States. Each story is customizable, with children choosing the path the narrative takes at every stage, offering a new adventure each time the story is read. Whether it’s a dragon chase, a deep-sea exploration, or a journey through a magical forest, the possibilities are endless.

Wanderly’s custom books stand out not only for their interactive nature but also for the high-quality, personalized illustrations that accompany every story. Unlike many competitors, who simply adjust a child’s name and likeness in a generic story, Wanderly’s custom printing process creates bespoke art tailored specifically to each child's adventure. Every child’s version of the story is uniquely theirs, capturing their choices, preferences, and imaginations in vivid detail.

One of Wanderly’s core values is its ability to create meaningful moments between parents and children. By co-creating stories, parents gain valuable insights into their child’s interests and decision-making. Customers like Taryn S., who says, “Kids begged me to do Wanderly at bedtime,” and Simon, who called it “an instant hit with my 4-year-old,” emphasize how much the experience resonates with both children and parents.

“What’s so special about Wanderly is that it’s not just another book—it’s an experience,” said Simon. “As a parent, it’s whimsical and a welcome change from the regular books in our bedtime rotation.”

Wanderly's design also aligns with Laura’s background in product development, which includes leading successful innovations like Grasshopper, the Google project that taught over 2 million adults to code on their phones. Laura’s experience at Google, particularly with educational products like AI learning tools for Google for Education, influenced Wanderly’s user-friendly interface and its educational value. Each book and story is designed to stimulate creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making in young minds, encouraging them to think outside the box as they navigate their personalized adventures.

The company’s impact isn’t just felt in the homes of its users. Wanderly has been embraced by parents who see the value of a product that’s built by a mom who understands the challenges and joys of childhood. As a woman-owned business, Wanderly also represents the spirit of innovation and empowerment that Laura brings to everything she creates.

“Creating Wanderly was a labor of love,” Laura explained. “As a mom and someone who worked on educational products, I knew I wanted to create something that helped children connect with stories in a deeper way. Wanderly is my way of sharing that passion with my own children and families everywhere.”

For Wanderly, the journey has only just begun. The company continues to expand its offerings, with new features and story options being added regularly. The mission is to inspire children to imagine, create, and explore through stories that reflect their own unique interests and dreams. As families continue to embrace the platform, Wanderly’s impact on bedtime routines, creative play, and storytelling is only set to grow.

Wanderly’s ability to tap into the hearts and minds of children, offering them a world where they are both the authors and heroes of their adventures, makes it stand out in a crowded market of children’s books. By providing children with the tools to create their own narratives, Wanderly fosters creativity, imagination, and a love for storytelling that will last a lifetime.

To learn more about Wanderly and start creating custom stories with your child, visit their website at www.wander.ly, or follow them on Instagram @wanderlystories , Facebook @wanderlystories and Youtube.