Inside a busy workshop with tools, projects, and organized storage spaces waiting to be used
A cheerful race car character surrounded by scattered tools and cleaning supplies in a colorful workshop setting

A Clean Finish

Your character's space is getting pretty messy! Everyone in Rubberdale says, "Tools in Place, Ready to Race!" but what does that really mean? When things start piling up, will you find a way to get organized—or discover what happens when the mess takes over? Either way, you'll learn that it's okay to not love cleaning... and that keeping things tidy has some surprising benefits!

ChoresSelf-ManagementRubberdaleCBT

About This Story

What your child will experience

Your child will step into the shoes of a Rubberdale character whose space has gotten messy. They'll face a familiar dilemma: clean up now, or put it off? Through branching choices, they'll explore what happens either way—finding tools when they're needed, or searching through clutter when time is tight. The story validates that cleaning isn't always fun, while showing natural consequences and practical strategies like "one thing at a time" or "give important items a special home."

Why this approach helps

This story uses CBT-informed techniques to help children notice the connection between thoughts ("I'll do it later"), feelings (overwhelmed or proud), and outcomes. It never shames—even the delay path leads to reflection and repair, not punishment. Over time, stories like this build self-management skills and help children see organization as a tool that makes life easier, not a chore imposed by adults.

What to notice as a parent

Listen for how your child talks about the character's choices. Do they relate to feeling overwhelmed? Excited to try a strategy? Their answers offer clues about their own feelings toward tidying. If they choose delay, ask gently: "What do you think the character learned?" This opens space for reflection without judgment.

Personalize This Story

Make this story truly special by adding these details:

  • Who will you be today?

Story Questions

Questions your child may be asked while creating this story:

  1. What is the main character thinking about cleaning up?
  2. What does the main character decide to do?
  3. Which cleaning strategy should the main character try?
  4. How does the main character feel?
  5. What helped make cleaning easier?
  6. What will help the main character stay organized?

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

GET STARTED

Ready to hear what your child has to say?

Join thousands of families who've used Wanderly to engage their child's imagination, to practice important skills, and to build confidence. Download the app today.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play