A graduation keepsake, with almost no admin.
One illustrated storybook for the whole group. Families submit directly, families order directly, and there is no cost to the centre.
Six steps, most of them ours.
Your kindergarten joins Softheld
A short conversation, then a start date and a timeline for the year.
One form goes out through your channels
Consent, each child's details and the book order in a single step, so families only have one touch point. We write the form and the reminders; your team sends them through the app or newsletter families already use.
One short session with your educators
Teachers share the memories and small details that belong in the book.
Softheld writes and illustrates the class
Every child becomes a character, and the children, their teachers and the year they had are drawn together into one cohesive story.
Educators review the finished book
Teachers see the full book before it goes to print and can correct names, details and anything that does not feel right.
Books are delivered before the end of the year
Families can have their copy posted directly to them for a shipping fee, or delivered together to the centre in time for graduation night.
Almost nothing for your team to administer.
Minimal administration
We write the forms and reminders for you to send, and handle ordering directly with families.
One touch point for families
Consent, details and their book order in one short form, sent by link. About five minutes.
One cohesive keepsake
The whole class in one illustrated world, not a collage of photographs.
Optional family purchase
Families order their own copies. There is no cost to the centre.
A graduation they remember
Something to read aloud at the end-of-year gathering and keep afterwards.
Teachers included
Educators appear in the story alongside the children.
See the form your families will fill in.
The consent and submission form opens with your centre's code. Review the wording, the consent statement and the questions, and tell me anything you would like changed before it goes to your families.
Every child is part of the story.
Each child is drawn as an illustrated character rather than a photographic likeness. The aim is for a child to recognise themselves without the drawing trying to be a photograph.
Their own page
Each child, illustrated with the things they love this year.
Their teachers
The grown-ups who read the stories and tied the shoes.
The whole class
Everyone together, so they can point out each friend by name.
Bring Softheld Kinder to your centre.
Tell us a little about your kindergarten and we will send timings, a sample book and what it asks of families.
Books for the current year are usually commissioned by the middle of term three. At least ten children in the group need to opt in for a book to go ahead.
Questions educators ask
What does it cost the kindergarten?
Nothing. Families order their own copies directly from Softheld, and the centre receives a copy for its own shelf.
How much work is it for educators?
A short briefing conversation, one round of memories from the year, and a link passed on to families. We manage the rest.
How are the children illustrated?
Softly and illustratively. We interpret a likeness the way a picture book does rather than recreating a photograph.
What if a family does not want to take part?
A child can appear with only the details the family is comfortable sharing, or be left out entirely. We follow your lead.
Is there a minimum number of children?
Yes. At least ten children in the group need to opt in for a book to be created. Below that, the class story does not hold together, and we will let you know before anything is committed.
How long does it take?
Around eight to ten weeks from the close of family submissions to delivered books.
Can we see a sample first?
Yes. Enquire below and we will send a full sample book so you can see the writing, the illustration and the paper.