A father from Bristol who wanted to inspire his son through technology and reading has developed a free, personalized story app.
Jason, 40, a tattoo artist and former Royal Marine from Bradley Stoke, came up with the idea for Lapp in August 2023. After 18 months of crafting stories, testing, and collaborating with experts, he launched the app, which lets children become the “hero” of their own tales.
Jason believes this approach helps with reading development and builds confidence in handling real-life emotions. Currently available on iPads, the app will soon be optimized for iPhones and Android devices.
“I don’t want kids glued to tablets without engaging with the real world,” Jason said. “But life can be scary, so some stories in the app help them navigate anxieties.”
He explained that events like the first day of school can feel overwhelming, especially for young children. “If they visualize themselves in that situation through stories, real life becomes less intimidating,” he added.
The app is free with no ads, though extra features require a subscription. Parents can upload seven photos of their child showing different expressions, adjust skin tone, and add personal touches to make the story uniquely theirs. Jason plans to expand support for children with educational needs.
His son Theo recently told him, “I’m really proud of you and excited for you, Daddy.” His four-year-old daughter Olive also loves her personalized story.
While Jason enjoys traditional books, he acknowledges screens are part of modern life. “I hope this resonates with parents and educators, showing how we can use technology positively,” he said.
Future updates may include a feature allowing kids to read and play with friends. Reflecting on the journey, Jason said, “From the start, I didn’t mind failing—as long as I gave it my all.”
