Three friendly robots brainstorming ideas for their new invented sport
Three colorful robot athletes standing together holding different sports equipment, ready to invent a new game called Wackyball

The Invention of Wackyball

These three robots have won a few championships in their lives. They know all the rules and the equipment... just maybe not in the right combos. Can you help them invent a new game?

PlayfulnessConfidence

About This Story

What your child will experience

Your child becomes a co-inventor with three friendly robots, designing a brand-new sport called Wackyball from scratch. They'll choose the ball, equipment, scoring rules, teammates, and team name—building a game that's entirely their own. The story celebrates every choice, no matter how silly or unconventional, reinforcing that their ideas have value.

Why this approach helps

This open-ended, play-based story builds creative confidence and decision-making skills in a zero-stakes environment. When children see their unusual ideas respected and celebrated (disco ball target practice? Perfect!), they learn that creativity doesn't require "correct" answers. Over time, this kind of affirming practice can help children feel more comfortable contributing ideas and taking small creative risks in real settings.

What to notice as a parent

Pay attention to whether your child chooses familiar combinations or delights in absurdity—both reveal how they approach open-ended problems. Their team choices and name may offer a window into who or what feels important to them right now. If they enjoyed the freedom here, look for other low-pressure chances to let them lead and invent in everyday play.

Story Questions

Questions your child may be asked while creating this story:

  1. What ball should Wackyball use?
  2. What equipment should Wackyball use?
  3. How do you score in Wackyball?
  4. Who should the main character ask to join the Wackyball team first?
  5. Who else should the main character ask to join the Wackyball team?
  6. What should the main character's Wackyball team name be?

Loved by Families

Join thousands of happy families who've empowered their children with personalized, interactive stories.

At first I thought it was one of those bedtime ploys to stay up later, but when the request came again first thing in the morning I realized it was just genuine excitement about Wanderly. My two kiddos - ages 7 and 8 - had a blast selecting their adventure pals (they have the cutest "pets" that go on the adventure with them) and choosing the direction of the story every step of the way. I turned up the reading level today and it was neat to see my son work through a few new words and stick with it because he was so excited about his story.

Taryn S

My son couldn't put the story down!

Sebastian

We've been using it every night for bedtime stories for our 3 year old.

Matt

Ok, so I installed this yesterday, and I've already read 5 stories with my 4 year old. That's over an hours worth of time. Today he tried to negotiate to have me read 4 in a row... He's fully engaged, and takes his time over the choices - I think that and the funny moments in the stories are what have him hooked. He lost it when our cat (yes, you can include your pet in a story!) turned into a elephant. As a parent, it's whimsical and a welcome change from the regular books in rotation. I was initially unsure about using my phone to engage him during bedtime, but he entrallment quickly overcame that. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to others.

Simon

It's been fantastic for creating and sharing our stories with beautiful art. What a great keepsake!

Shayla

My dyslexic 4th grader struggles with reading and comprehension. She is finally excited to read using Wanderly!

Bill

As an lifelong educator, I give this app an enthusiastic 5 stars+. With opportunity to choose and name characters, type of story and plot ... what could be more creative? What could be a more productive use of screen time? I love that this app was created and is carefully monitored by a Mom of young kids. She also happens to have technical/AI chops ... she was a Google Product Manager in their Education Products sector. The graphics are quite lovely, the story lines are fun and age-appropriate.

Helen

I'm very impressed with the ease with which I was able to write a fun (and colorful) story. I wrote one for my grandchild and can't wait to share it with her.

Bill

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