DandyTale Calm Stories
Calm, step-by-step stories for big moments
A haircut, the dentist, a house full of relatives, turning off a show. An illustrated picture book that walks through it one calm step at a time, so the big day feels familiar before it starts.
Pick the moment
Tap one to create a brand-new book about it, written in the Calm & Clear style. Your first book is free with a 7-day trial.
Getting a Haircut
Visiting the Dentist
A Check-Up at the Doctor
A Holiday Visit with Family
Starting at a New School
Flying on an Airplane
Practicing a Fire Drill
Going to a Birthday Party
Meeting a New Babysitter
When Plans Change
When Things Feel Too Loud
Turning Off Screen Time
Read it free: getting a haircut (ages 2-4)
In Diego's Brave Day at the Salon, the clippers buzz and the hair tickles. Diego asks for a break, takes three big breaths and holds Grandma's scarf, then sees his new haircut in the mirror.
Diego's Brave Day at the Salon
Read it free: a holiday visit (ages 5-7)
In Mei's Quiet Corner, a busy house full of relatives feels like a lot. Mei asks to wave instead of hug, takes a quiet break to paint, and comes back when she's ready.
Mei's Quiet Corner
Read it free: turning off screen time (ages 8-9)
In Milo's Five-Minute Fix, stopping a show always ends in a fight, until Milo agrees to a five-minute timer. Knowing the end is coming makes it easier, and he decides a stopping plan is just another invention.
Milo's Five-Minute Fix
What makes a Calm Story different
- Short, literal sentences, with no idioms or jokes that could confuse.
- One step per page, in the order things really happen.
- The feeling is named out loud ("Mei feels nervous. Her heart beats fast.") so it's easy to recognize.
- Choices, not rules. The character gets something they can do, like waving instead of hugging, asking for a break, covering their ears or taking three slow breaths, rather than being told how they must behave.
- A calm, reassuring ending, with no surprise twists.
- Quiet, simple pictures that aren't overwhelming.
How families use them
- Read it a few days ahead, then again the day before and on the day.
- Point to each picture and talk it through: "First we drive. Then we say hi."
- Practice the character's calm-down step together.
- Bring the book along, or read it afterwards to talk about how it went.
Free printable: How I Feel Today
A feelings chart with twelve faces to point to or circle, "Today I feel... because..." lines, and five simple things a child can do when a feeling is big.
Print it (PDF)For teachers, therapists and support staff
Make a book for the situation a child is facing next week, in the reading level that fits. If you'd like to share DandyTale with the families you work with, our partner program pays you for every new family you send.
See the partner programQuestions parents ask
Who are these stories for?
Any child who feels calmer knowing what's coming: kids who find new places, loud noises or changes in plans hard, and the parents, teachers and therapists who help them get ready. Many families of autistic kids and kids with ADHD use them.
Are these Social Stories?
They're written in a social-story style: calm, literal, step-by-step, with something the character can do and a reassuring ending. "Social Stories" is a trademark of Carol Gray, who created the method; DandyTale isn't affiliated with her.
Can I use my child's name or photo?
No. To protect your child's privacy, DandyTale never uses children's names or photos. You pick a hero from our cast, or design one from preset options on a monthly plan.
Is this a therapy or medical tool?
No. These are picture books. They can be a helpful way to talk about a new situation, but they don't treat anything and aren't a replacement for advice from your child's doctor, therapist or teacher.
How much does a story cost?
Reading the example books is free. To make your own, start a free 7-day trial: 1 book and 1 custom character. After that, plans start at $12.99/month for 4 books, and you can cancel anytime.
More ideas
Create a calm story for your next big moment
Pick the moment, a reading age and a character. Your new book is written and illustrated in minutes. Free with a 7-day trial.
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