Humanity Podcast: Creating a children's book with river data

The Dawn of a New Era in Creative Storytelling

We set ourselves a unique challenge - to transform water data from a mundane CSV file into an enchanting children's storybook about rivers. The aim? To showcase the raw, unfiltered process of creation, complete with its trials and triumphs.

Watch how we created this book live:

ChatGPT, our AI companion, steps in to assist. Tasked with converting data into a narrative, it starts by analysing the information, focusing on UK rivers and their conditions, particularly those suitable for activities like swimming.

Creating a children's book is no small feat. It requires a delicate balance of minimal text and compelling visuals. Our goal was to craft a story that not only educates but also entertains, highlighting the state of UK rivers, both the good and the problematic.

Our journey with ChatGPT was iterative. We encountered challenges in ensuring the AI accurately referenced specific rivers and data points. It was a dance of back-and-forth interactions, tweaking inputs to refine the outputs, showcasing the importance of guidance in AI-assisted creation.

Our persistence paid off. We witnessed the transformation of raw data into a heartwarming tale featuring characters like Felix Fish and Sally Swan. The story, set against the backdrop of the River Thames and its tributaries, was beginning to take shape.

Next, we focused on visual storytelling. Using AI-generated sketches and designs, we began to visualise our story, selecting styles reminiscent of classics like Winnie the Pooh. The process involved creating image prompts for each page, ensuring a coherent visual narrative.

We then moved to Canva, a versatile tool, to assemble our book. Merging text with images, we carefully crafted each page, ensuring the story flowed seamlessly.

This experience was more than just creating a storybook; it was a deep dive into the potential of AI in creative processes. We learned that AI tools like ChatGPT can be instrumental in storytelling, especially when guided with precision and creativity.

The result? A captivating children's book that not only tells a story but also imparts valuable lessons about our environment. It's a testament to the fusion of technology and creativity, and how AI can be a powerful ally in storytelling.

Download the full book below.

or watch it as a movie with the power of DKR.

Looking Ahead

This journey underscores the potential of AI in enhancing storytelling, particularly in environmental education. As we wrap up, we leave you with a thought: AI is not just a tool; it's a companion in our creative endeavours. The story of the Thames, brought to life through data and AI, is just the beginning. The possibilities are endless, and the future of storytelling is brighter than ever.

Stay tuned for more adventures in AI-assisted creativity, and until next time, enjoy the whimsical world of Sammy Swan, Toby Toad, and Felix Fish in our river tale. Goodbye!