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Barnes & Noble Inc., which is fighting to boost store traffic, is launching a program that lets parents personalize books by inserting the names and photos of their children into starring roles in some of the country's leading children's titles.

The retailer said Tuesday it has struck a partnership with independent publisher Sourcebooks Inc. covering 211 stores that will promote Sourcebooks' "Put Me in the Story" personalized books program.

Sourcebooks, a closely held publisher based in Naperville, Ill., is making more than 100 titles available. These include such works as "You!" by Sandra Magsamen and "I Love You So" by Marianne Richmond. Each personalized book will cost, on average, $29.99.

"The gift of personalization is something we've always been interested in," said Mary Amicucci, chief merchandising officer at Barnes & Noble, in an interview. "This test will make our customers more aware of personalized books, and if it's successful, we'll definitely expand it."

Ms. Amicucci said the retailer intends to heavily promote the new program, adding, "It's one of many reasons to come into our stores."

Barnes & Noble is battling Amazon.com Inc. for both digital book sales and online sales of physical books. For the quarter ended October 2015, the company posted a 4.5% drop in sales. Comparable-store sales fell 1%.

Jim Milliot, editorial director of Publishers Weekly, said there are only a handful of publishers offering personalized titles. "It's a great way for people to give a gift," said Mr. Milliot. "It's not just another book. This is really aimed at kids, who get excited when they see their name. It becomes something they can have fun with."

Shoppers won't be able to instantly personalize their books at most Barnes & Noble locations. Instead, they'll see an in-store display, buy a book, and receive a voucher that they can redeem on BN.com/putmeinthestory. Customers whose local Barnes & Noble stores don't have a display can also purchase the titles directly at that website.

"We've been publishing personalized books for three years via 'Put Me In the Story,'" said Dominique Raccah, chief executive of Sourcebooks. "We're at the very beginning. You're going to see titles aimed at adults as well."

Write to Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg at jeffrey.trachtenberg@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 02, 2016 12:35 ET (17:35 GMT)

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