Carlos and Pepe’s Journey Home: Creating an AI-Generated Children’s Book in 90 Minutes or Less
This case study is an exploration of the creative possibilities of utilizing AI tools (ChatGpt and Midjourney) to craft a Dr. Seuss inspired rhyming story using sight words and generative AI images. I set out to write a story that focused on the narrative of a young boy named Carlos, from El Salvador, as he embarks on a migration journey to reunite with his father in the north. I limited myself to 90 minutes for the images and story and did not edit in Photoshop. I did edit the story itself a bit. Here are the results…
Once in El Salvador, where volcanoes soar high, lived a boy named Carlos, with tears in his eyes. He yearned for his Papá, a hug, and a smile, so he embarked on a journey of a thousand-miles.
At just twelve years old, with his backpack on tight, Carlos headed west toward Guatemala, his heart shining bright. Through cities and tropical jungles, day and night he would roam, dreaming of finding his Papá, his guiding star and new home.
When he had crossed into Chiapas, a hungry stray wandered up. Carlos liked him, and adopted the pup.
The dog he named Pepe kept his spirit aglow, as Carlos pressed north, their friendship did grow.
The sun painted the skies as Carlos and Pepe reached the divide, their hearts raced faster, hope swelling inside.
When they got to El Paso, Carlos searched high and wide, but it was a huge bustling city, and luck was not on his side.
He knew his dad worked in a café called the Bean, but there were more coffee shops in El Paso than he’d ever seen.
On a Tuesday he spotted his dad working in a café, their eyes met like the warmth of a summer’s day. Arms open wide, they embraced so tight, eyes beamed brightly, pure love in their sight.
With hope as his guide, Carlos crossed borders untold, through Central America and México, so fearless and bold. His journey’s reward, a sweet embrace so grand, Carlos and his dad, united, hand in hand.
Through hardships faced with unwavering might, love between Father and Son emerged, shining bright.
So let Carlos and Pepe inspire, their lesson holds true, that no matter the distance, hope can carry you through. Reunions can happen, dreams can be fulfilled, with love and determination, hearts can rebuild.
