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Stories That Talk Back: First AI-Copilots Marketplace for Parents and Kids
NORWICH, England, Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Artificial intelligence startup Tale Craft announced the official launch of the first marketplace for AI voice-callable companions for kids. Each companion, called a “Hero,” is rooted in stories generated by parents or downloaded from the community-built marketplace. Heroes include a WhatsApp parent channel designed to share guidance and instruction in real time. Marketplace bundles also include themed songs, coloring books, and audiobooks—all of which parents can also generate themselves in the app.
One of the platform’s most distinctive features is its voice engine, powered by industry leader ElevenLabs. The Tale Craft library offers nearly 100 voices smart-matched to characters—cowboys, princesses, goblins, fairies—you name it, it’s there. The library continues to grow every week.
Tale Craft brings stories to life with interactive voice calls from characters – over 120 voices available for kids’ favorite heroes. “Tale Craft was never built to replace human contact,” said Patrick, founder of Tale Craft. “Goal is to help parents by adding another tool they can use in times of need. It can give a 10–15 minute breather when it’s needed most—a luxury of time forgotten by many of us. Parents I’ve spoken with have all experienced this first-hand in some form: the ‘no, I won’t’ days, the middle-of-the-fruit-aisle tantrum. It’s all okay, and kids grow out of it, but the struggle to get past it is real—and that’s what having a Hero in family life can help with. The idea is simple: when they don’t listen to you, whisper in their ear as Captain Tortugo or Dan the Friendly Firefighting Tiger. Heroes carry the special authority of the story they come from—one you can share together in the evening or listen to as an audiobook on especially difficult days. Most of all, kids will ask to talk to Heroes, so a reward system suggests itself. The limits are your prerogative—you know your child best.”
The WhatsApp parenting channel is not the only way to guide Heroes. For each of them, parents can upload knowledge (e.g., breathing techniques, routines, or even the names of favourite toys) that Heroes naturally weave into conversations.
The company has rolled out its services in three-tiered membership plans: Explorer, Parent, and Professional. The Explorer plan—priced at less than half the cost of a cup of coffee—offers a way to try every feature before committing to a more comprehensive plan.
Tale Craft has implemented comprehensive guardrails across its AI platform. Every Story and Hero is configured for a specific age band, ensuring developmentally appropriate content. Each Hero speaks in age-appropriate language—tone, vocabulary, and topics stay within strict guidelines. For the youngest audiences, stories are language-gated: Heroes use simple words, short sentences, and frequent repetition to support understanding and learning.
Tale Craft’s content generation is built on a multi-step agentic framework that ensures consistency across stories, illustrations, and plot—no easy feat, and one that took months of refinement to get right. This advanced foundation goes far beyond simple AI applications, making Heroes—rooted in their stories—deeply believable, richly engaging, and unlike anything children have experienced before.
“I built Tale Craft as a parent, for parents. My hope is simple: to give families a bit more comfort and control in the difficult moments we all face.”
Start your journey: https://talecraft.me/
marketplace
Join Tale Craft family to share your creations or feedback: https://www.facebook.com/groups/talecraft
Subscribe for the latest news and feature announcements: https://talecraft.beehiiv.com/
Product Hunt: https://www.producthunt.com/products/tale-craft?launch= tale-craft
Media Kit (logos, screenshots, video): https://talecraft.me/media -
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP CREATES LUCKY DOG SPINOFF TO DEBUT AS A NEW WEEKEND MORNING SERIES ON CBS
“Lucky Dog: Down Under” Premieres Saturday, October 4
NEW YORK, NY, August 27, 2025 – Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) today announced its new series Lucky Dog: Down Under, premiering Saturday, October 4 on CBS. The original series, based on the hit international format The Dog House Australia, will be hosted by renowned animal trainer, Brandon McMillan, the Emmy® Award-winning host of the original Lucky Dog series.
Lucky Dog: Down Under will air weekend mornings on CBS as part of its CBS WKND educational/informational programming block (check local listings). It will follow Lucky Dog: Reunions, creating a one-hour block of the Lucky Dog franchise, which debuted in 2013.
Lucky Dog: Down Under captures the heartwarming stories of Australian shelter dogs as they transition from rescue and rehabilitation to cherished members of loving families. Whether it’s a scrappy terrier, an energetic kelpie, or a partially deaf cattle dog, audiences will discover that second chances can transform lives on both ends of the leash.
“The Lucky Dog franchise has informed and captivated audiences for more than a decade,” said Bryan Curb, HMPG executive vice president and general manager, education/information. “Taking viewers ‘Down Under’ will add an international spin with uplifting stories told by America’s favorite animal trainer, Brandon.”
Since its inception in 2013, the Lucky Dog series has helped to rescue, rehabilitate, train and re-home more than 200 dogs. The show has received three Daytime Emmy® Awards, 55 Telly Awards, seven Parents’ Choice Awards and five Cynopsis Kids Imagination Awards. For his work on the series, McMillan earned two Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Host in a Lifestyle/Travel/Children’s or Family Viewing Program.
HMPG’s current program portfolio comprises more than 30 original series and hundreds of hours of original content annually on leading broadcast networks and station groups and on connected TV and streaming platforms. It has a series library of more than 6,000 episodes and its content can be found in 100 countries.
About Hearst Media Production Group
Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG), a business unit of Hearst Television, is an independent producer and distributor of original programming for TV stations, broadcast and cable networks and streaming services. HMPG produces hundreds of hours of Emmy® Award-winning programming annually across linear, streaming, digital and social media platforms for domestic and international distribution in 100 countries. Its popular weekly educational/informational (E/I) programming blocks air weekends nationwide including “Weekend Adventure,” on ABC stations; “CBS WKND,” on the CBS Network; “The More You Know,” on the NBC Network; “One Magnificent Morning,” on the CW Network; “Mi Telemundo” on the Telemundo Network and “Go Time” on independent stations. HMPG also produces and/or distributes a diverse slate of other programming and content including the company’s dedicated FAST channels Xplore, The Jack Hanna Channel, Rovr Pets, and Lucky Dog Channel, available on some of the most popular smart TVs and streaming platforms. HMPG has offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Charlotte. HMPG is represented by United Talent Agency.
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Las Vegas Family Fun: Area 15 Family Raves No
AREA15 is turning up the volume on family fun this summer with their next Family Rave this Sunday, August 24 at 1 p.m. inside The Portal.
This daytime disco delivers the high-energy vibe of a rave—remixed for all ages. Think colorful lights, playful beats and an immersive atmosphere where kids, parents and even grandparents can dance together. Unlike a late-night rave, this experience is designed to be fun, safe and unforgettable for the whole crew.
We had no idea what to expect, but we came ready in all our neon gear!! We brought glow sticks, light up toys, glow face paint, nails and tattoos! This is not a typical glow party like you would find at Skyzone but a really cool ‘rave’ environment. My son is sensitive to loud noises, so I brought noise-cancelling headphones for him and LOOP earbuds for my self. We had a great time dancing with the kids, checking out the kid DJ and also all the merch they had for sale. In the craft rooms, the kids got to play lite bright in normal size and giantic and make fun things.The upcoming dates will be Sundays – Sept 14, Oct 26, Nov 23, Dec 14Use promocode Tinyhikes at checkout to get a 15% off discount on https://area15.com/events/ -
Zone 2: The Terminals at AREA15 is Now Open
AREA15, located parallel to the Las Vegas Strip, represents the world’s first purpose-built immersive entertainment district offering live events, distinctive attractions, interactive art installations, extraordinary design elements, unique retail, ground-breaking technology, bars and eateries and much more.
AREA15’s curated mix of dynamic destinations—including LIFTOFF Bar and Ride, Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, Illuminarium, Dueling Axes, Five Iron Golf, Kaia, The Beast, Wink World: Portals Into the Infinite, Museum Fiasco, JOHN WICK EXPERIENCE and many more—represents what’s next in experiential entertainment. With a robust, ever-changing roster of concerts, events, immersive art exhibitions, out-of-this-world nightlife and boundary-pushing production shows, AREA15 attracts visitors of all ages.
This August, Zone 2: The Terminals at the AREA15 District will welcome Universal Destinations & Experiences’ new, year-round horror entertainment experience Universal Horror Unleashed. Additional immersive destinations coming soon to The Terminals include the Boeing 747, Dolls Kill, The Escape Game, Felix & Paul Studios’ Interstellar Arc, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Museum of Ice Cream’s largest flagship location, Chilango’s Tacos, Saint Honoré Doughnuts & Beignets, Nacho Daddy and more.
AREA15 has received numerous accolades, including being named “Another Unmissable Stop for Art Lovers” by The Times UK; “Most Innovative Venue in the USA” and No. 2 on the list of “10 Best Immersive Experiences in the U.S.” by Timeout; “Best Immersive Art Experience” by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards; “Best Place to Dance,” “Best Attraction,” “Best Place for Your Instagram Shot” and “Best Rave Resurgence” by Las Vegas Weekly Readers’ Choice Best of Vegas Awards; “Best Arts Hub” by Vegas Magazine; “Best Family Attraction” from the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association; claiming the No. 1 spot in Blooloop’s “World’s Top 11 Immersive Art Experiences;” and being included in Las Vegas Magazine’s Hall of Fame.
Follow on Instagram, Facebook and X: @AREA15Official; and YouTube: AREA15. Hashtag: #AREA15.
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The PawCo Protein Bar for Dogs Is Real
Dog treats just got humanized. Less than a month after launch, PawCo’s Magic Bar – the first-ever protein bar for dogs – has already sold out of two varieties on Amazon. These functional bars combine daily wellness with on-the-go convenience, much like a nutrition bar does for active humans.
“This isn’t just a treat — it’s a wellness ritual,” said Dr. Mahsa Vazin, founder and CEO of PawCo. “Magic Bars apply modern food science to dog treats to create a smarter, more functional snack.”Dogs Deserve Better Than Empty Calories.
Unlike most dog treats loaded with fillers and byproducts that offer little purpose more than a behavioral reward, Magic Bars are formulated with clean, real ingredients and designed to deliver targeted functional benefits, including:
- Gut Health
- Skin & Coat Health
- Hip & Joint Support
- Heart Health
- Daily Immunity
Each bar is individually wrapped for convenience and freshness — ideal for daily routines, travel, or active dogs on-the-go.
“We snack on nutrition and protein bars because they’re smart and convenient — now dogs can have their own version of that,” added Vazin.
Built for the Modern Dog Parent. Outperforming Projections.
Magic Bars mark a shift in what dog owners expect from treats: real nutrition, backed by science (PawCo exceeds AAFCO standards), with purposefully designed benefits. Early reviews praise the product’s clean ingredients, visible results, and convenience. PawCo has already sold through 2 varieties, outperforming Amazon projections.
What’s Next for PawCo?
- Magic Bars remaining varieties are available now on Amazon.
- Two new groundbreaking functional products are slated to launch later this year.
- Influencer partnerships, D2C trial boxes and retail conversations are underway to bring Magic Bars to more shelves this fall.
About PawCo
PawCo is a next-generation pet nutrition company focused on making the smartest dog food ever: better for your dog, easier for you and kinder to the planet. Founded by the former lead scientist at Impossible Foods, PawCo combines cutting-edge food technology with clean, functional ingredients to create fresh meals, meal toppers, and functional treats formulated with purpose — all vet-formulated and board-certified.You May Also Like
Feel the Love on Valentine’s Day with PetPlate
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The Future Las Vegas Museum Of Art And City Of Las Vegas Present “Family Album,” An Exhibition Inaugurating The New Civic Center Art Gallery
The future Las Vegas Museum of Art (LVMA), in partnership with the city of Las Vegas, is proud to present Family Album, a contemporary art exhibition opening Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at the newly unveiled Las Vegas Civic Center Art Gallery, a part of the downtown Civic Center Building and Plaza. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition will be the first public-facing program from LVMA, the upcoming art museum founded by an exceptional public-private partnership to serve the city’s two million year-round residents, honoring and elevating the diverse cultural heritage of Las Vegas.
Family Album, organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), inaugurates the new plaza and Civic Center Art Gallery, a major investment by the city of Las Vegas in public space and cultural infrastructure. The exhibition and surrounding programming are a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing effort to center arts and culture in civic life.
“The city of Las Vegas is beyond excited to continue working with these incredible cultural institutions to bring works of art and exhibitions like Family Album to our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Shelley Berkley. “Las Vegas is a place where anything you can imagine can happen and we are looking forward to having new spaces like the Civic Center Art Gallery and the future Las Vegas Museum of Art to showcase our community’s cultures and art.”
“We are eager to grow this partnership with LACMA through Family Album, our first public exhibition,” said Heather Harmon, executive director of the Las Vegas Museum of Art. “This collaboration reflects our shared belief that museums are stronger when they work together, combining resources, expertise and a commitment to community.”
In Family Album, an intergenerational roster of artists examines the ways in which personal and collective histories are constructed through the visual language of family photographs. Addressing physical, political and emotional aspects of home, including segregation, displacement and belonging in today’s American neighborhoods, the artists draw directly from their personal archives in some instances, or in others reimagine the conventions of the family snapshot.
Artists in the exhibition include Laura Aguilar, Lyle Ashton Harris, Renee Cox, Delilah
Montoya, Consuelo Kanaga, Max Yavno, Carlee Fernandez, Chino Otsuka, Anthony
Hernandez, Sadie Barnette, Janna Ireland, Dannielle Bowman, Deborah Willis, Hank
Willis Thomas, Tony Cokes, Star Montana, Micaiah Carter, Tyler Mitchell, Zora J Murff,
and Sandra de la Loza.Drawing on the power of photography, a medium closely tied to memory, to summon the textures of daily life and the presence of loved ones, Family Album is a meditation on how community is recalled, represented and reimagined.
“The artists in the exhibition raise timely topics for audiences to consider today,” said Andy Song Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at LACMA Dhyandra Lawson. “I feel honored to share their work with Las Vegas audiences.”
Family Album was first presented at the museum’s Charles White Elementary School Gallery in Los Angeles as part of LACMA’s on-the-ground community engagement. The exhibition now travels to Las Vegas as part of a long-term institutional collaboration between LACMA and LVMA.
Exhibition Details
- Exhibition: Family Album
- Presented by: The city of Las Vegas, Las Vegas Museum of Art and LACMA
- Location: Las Vegas Civic Center Art Gallery, Building A, 525 S. Main St.
- Opening Reception: Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, 6-8 p.m.
- Exhibition Dates: Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 – Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Gallery Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed holidays.
Public programs, artist talks and family-friendly workshops will accompany the exhibition throughout its run. Visit www.lasvegasnevada.gov/
Discover for a full schedule of events.
