Talking with Thalia
Talking with Thalia: Turning Family Memories Into Personalized Storybooks
Have you heard of Bookestry? It’s an app that uses artificial intelligence, family photos, and personal memories to create custom illustrated children’s books.
Bookestry creator Rita Chen says the process is simple. Families provide a brief description of their story and upload a few photos. The app then creates a personalized story and illustrations that reflect the family’s experiences.
Chen says the idea was inspired by her own daughter, who was just two years old when Chen and her husband began thinking about the stories and lessons they wanted to pass down.
One book was inspired by Chen’s engineering background and featured her daughter learning how to fix things around the house. When the little girl later encountered a broken toy, she remembered the lesson from the book and proudly said, “I’m an engineer. I can fix this.”
Bookestry can also be used to preserve family memories and introduce children to relatives they may never have had the opportunity to meet. Chen says parents are also using the books to help children prepare for major transitions, including starting a new school or adjusting to a new routine.
While some people may have concerns about artificial intelligence, Chen says Bookestry tests the technology to make sure it is both safe and effective. She says AI allows the company to create stories that are truly unique to each family rather than simply customizing a pre-written story.
Once a family is happy with its book, it can be ordered as a hardcover copy, which typically arrives in about two weeks.
TO ORDER OR LEARN MORE: Bookestry.com
By: Thalia Hayden
September 8, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
🐕 Desert Hot Springs is cutting ties with a dog rescue in Washington state after an animal cruelty investigation involving nearly 30 dogs. The city suspended its partnership with Pittie Project PNW yesterday. Detectives were called to the property on Monday where they found dogs injured, underweight and living in filthy conditions without enough food or water. Investigators discovered that the property's owner, 38-year-old Ashley Georgia, was solely responsible for their care. All of the dogs were removed and are now getting medical attention.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Festival?
‘The Hayden’ is back @babysmarche !! John Hayden himself took a trip to the Indian Wells staple for lunch and to chat with @chefjustinsnyder on how it became the most popular item on the menu! #TheHayden
🛑A bike ride ended in tragedy Monday night in Palm Springs. A bicyclist died after being struck by a car around 8:30 PM on E. Palm Canyon Dr. The driver stayed at the scene and police say there’s no indication of foul play or impairment. ❓Saw the crash or have video from the area? Call Palm Springs police at (760) 327–1441.
Social Time: Jerry sings the end! 🎶🎵
CALIFORNIA IS AGING FAST... BUT WHERE WILL THE WORKFORCE LIVE? #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #agingpopulation #nbcpalmsprings