Advertise on podcast: Reading with a chance of tacos

WE ALL NEED TO BELONG On today's show, we chat with an author who is passionate about helping children, and the grown-ups in their lives, explore what it means to belong. To belong to ourselves, to each other, and to the wonderful planet we call home. We dive into the craft of writing picture books with the challenge of taking a big, meaningful topic and turning it into a story that speaks to young readers.  Today's guest encourages children, families, caregivers and educators to embrace their emotions, build meaningful connections and develop a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them. She writes for children and the grown-ups who care for them using connection, creativity, emotions and the power of children's books to help us better understand ourselves and each other. We chat about why these conversations matter so much in today's world, the role of emotions in our lives, and how picture books can help children explore some of life's biggest questions. We also delve into the writing process and the art of transforming complex ideas into engaging and meaningful stories for young readers. So everybody please give a warm welcome to the wonderful, Liv Downing.

WHEN NATURE INSPIRES OUR STORIES with Jevita Nilson On today's show, we chat with an author who writes prose so beautifully, her process and journey is sure to inspire. And a picture book that brings the author's passion for wildlife together with the magic of Christmas. Today's guest writes so beautifully about things close to her heart. Wildlife and the natural world. She's popped in today to chat about her journey into the world of children's books. Somewhere along the way, she didn't just discover children's literature, she completely fell in love with it. That love has found its way into the joy of creating stories that help children connect with the world around them. Her latest picture book, Christmas Wild is a unique look at the holiday season and the natural world around us. And I can't wait to talk all about. So everybody please welcome, Jevita Nilson.

On today's show, we chat to an illustrator, and now author, who put one of her illustrations up on Instagram. A publisher saw it. liked it. Contacted her and asked if she'd like to create a picture book. And her journey into children's books was born. Since then, she's been learning the ropes of the children's book world; developing her writing, refining her illustration skills and discovering what really goes into taking a story from an initial idea all the way through to a finished picture book. Today's guest is a trained illustrator who's always loved art and children's books, but never imagined she'd be creating one. She's now spent the last few years learning the craft, the industry, and everything that goes into creating art and words for children. She's popped in today to chat about her incredible journey from putting an illustration up on Instagram, to two years of sacrificing her evenings to become a published children's book author. Her debut picture book, Nora Notices is inspiring readers of all ages to slow down, look closer, and find the beauty and magic in everyday moments. Everybody please welcome Tegan Moss.

Kev and Trev On today's show, we chat with the creator of a wonderfully funny collection or children's books, packed with quirky characters, adventure and plenty of laughs. We chat about ideas, bringing words and illustrations together, and the journey from packing fun little stories into her kids lunch boxes to a 3-book series of graphic novels. It can happen! So grab a taco and join us in a fun chat of books and adventure. Today's guest is an award-winning Australian author and illustrator from the sunny shores of Western Australia. Her latest release is the third book in the hilarious Kev and Trev series. We'll chat about her author journey, now 14 books in, how she approaches the work and the art of creating stories. We'll hear how she started out in the industry, her creative processes and where her wonderfully ridiculous ideas come from. Everybody please give it up for the uber talented, Kylie Howarth.

On today's show, we chat with a children's book publisher who is opening back up for submissions soon. We chat about what they're looking for, what makes a manuscript or story idea stand out to them, and we look at some of the mistakes authors can avoid. So, if you've got a story sitting on your computer, tucked away in a drawer, or almost ready to send out into the world, grab a taco and join us for some invaluable advice from the publisher's side of the desk. Today's guest has been in and around the publishing industry his whole life. Just like his grandfather and his father before him. He's travelled the world with stories, and he's popped in to chat with us today about his journey and his work as publisher of EK Books. We'll get a good look at publishing from the other side of the submissions desk. So everybody please welcome, Nathan Thomas

Finding Wonder in the Wild On today's show, we chat about a love of nature; how the natural world inspires stories and illustrations, and how these books can inspire kids to get curious, look closer, and discover a love of nature for themselves. It's a terrific conversation about books, creativity, curiosity and the incredible world waiting just outside our door. So, grab a taco, head into the forest, and join us for a wonderful chat with Jess McGeachin.

What's the Story, Rory? On today's show, we chat to a hugely popular Australian picture book author and take a look at some of the latest picture books hitting shelves around Australia. We'll offer up some recommendations and chat a little about the craft, the ideas, the collaborations and creativity behind the books. So, grab yourself a taco and settle in as we talk books, business, and the art of creating stories. Today's special guest has been steadily building an impressive career in children's books, with around 20 titles out in the world, and plenty more ideas waiting in the wings. He's a favourite friend of the show, who loves chatting about the craft of creating picture books, and what it takes to turn writing picture books into a career, everybody please give it up for Rory H Mather.

The Joys and Challenges of becoming an Author On today's show, we chat to a favourite Australian children's author and teacher librarian who shares her joys and struggles of moving from teacher to author. How she inspires young readers in the library to celebrating friendship, learning differences and a love of books in her delightful Luna's World junior fiction series. Today's special guest is an Australian children's author, teacher librarian and passionate advocate for helping children discover the joy of reading. Based in Canberra, Hayley has spent years connecting young readers with great books and now brings that love of libraries and school life to her own writing. Her delightful Luna's World junior fiction series celebrates friendship, learning differences, and the magic of school libraries. She's popped in today to chat about her journey from teacher librarian to author, creating the wonderfully relatable Luna, and how she works with her publishers. Plus, we bring back the Taco Top 5. The top five books from Mrs Gannon's School Library.

On today's show, we're joined by an award-winning Australian author and illustrator to investigate the mystery behind her delightful new picture book, Dear Humans, We Stole Your Crayon. We chat about where the wonderfully cheeky idea came from, how she brings her stories and illustrations to life, and why believing in yourself is such an important part of the creative journey. It's a colourful conversation filled with laughs, imagination and inspiration for readers, writers and budding artists alike. All on today's show, it's gunna be huge! Today's special guest is an award-winning Australian children's author and illustrator whose playful, imaginative picture books delight young readers across the world. She's popped in today to chat about her latest book, Dear Humans, We Stole Your Crayon, and she'll share with us her creative process from idea to finished book, her chats with her publisher, and discuss the importance of believing in yourself as a creator, even when self-doubt creeps in. So, everybody please give a huge cheer for the one and only, Anna McGregor!

On today's show, we chat to award-winning Australian children's author, speaker and passionate library advocate who was recently appointed as Victoria's first Public Libraries Ambassador. We have a good chin wag about her work, her travels championing Australia on the world's stage, and the importance of libraries for all of us. If you're a parent, teacher, librarian, writer, or simply passionate about children's literature, you'll love this inspiring conversation. Today's special guest understands better than anyone that Libraries Change Lives. Her books inspire children to embrace courage, kindness, resilience and a love of nature, so it's no wonder her philosophy on the creative life of authors and illustrators and the reading life of kids is exactly that. Embrace your naturally born creativity she says. And, she got loads of it to share with us today. So everybody please welcome, the fun loving, inspiring, wonderful and passionate author that is, Andrea Rowe!

On today's show, we chat with two Aussie Kidlit Legends to round out 2025. Adrian Beck and Rory H Mather drop by for a drink, a chat, and a few tips for kidlit authors in 2026

Amelia Mellor On today's show, we chat about the challenges of writing a series, how to build fantastical worlds, and the magic behind Oceanforged! We dive into the inspiration and creative journey behind this adventure-filled book. Plus, Liv pops in to review two picture books.    Today's special guest is an Australian children's author known for weaving rich, adventurous tales that captivate young readers. Her latest book, Oceanforged, plunges readers into a world of mythical landscapes and daring quests, blending a love of history with the spark of fantasy. Amelia has a knack for creating series that feel both timeless and refreshingly new, making her a beloved voice in the kid lit community. So everybody, please welcome the amazing Amelia Mellor

How to be an author of a graphic novel   On today's show, we chat about a manuscript that was the first ever graphic novel shortlisted for Hardie Grant's Ambersand Prize. Plus, the spark that ignites a great story and how ideas can grow into something powerful on the page. We talk about creativity, courage, and the magic of finding your voice as an author of illustrated books for kids. Today's special guest joins us to chat about the inspiration behind her amazing graphic novel Inked, her journey into children's writing, from working in film and television, to the themes she hopes will resonate with young readers. It's an engaging and heartfelt conversation about the power of stories to shape who we are and how we see the world. Everybody please welcome, the wonderfully talented, Karen Wasson.

Minimal words.  Maximum impact. On Today's show, we chat to 3 amazing authors, including the publisher of Wombat Books to discuss thier Rhiza Shorts series of Teen Fiction novellas. Each book has an easy-to-follow stand-a-lone story based on topics, struggles and interests that teens face today. There is one coming out each month in 2025 and more to come next year and beyond. We'll find out all about them, as well as how you can be published in the series as well.  Today's special guests are:  R. A. Stephens is a teacher by day, writer, editor and publisher by night. She is passionate about the written word, what stories can do to take a reader to a new world and open our eyes to love, compassion, the bigger picture and much more. Coral Vass is an award-winning Australian children's author. Her books have appeared on StoryBox Library and ABC's Playschool. She is an ambassador for Reading Out of Poverty and is passionate about giving all children an equal opportunity to read. Frances Prentice began dreaming of being an author when she was 8 years old, but always knew that she wanted to 'do life' first. Now she has a teen fiction novel published under the new Rhiza Shorts series entitled Holding Back. Please welcome, Rochelle Stephens, Coral Vass and Frances Prentice everybody!!

Brains That Buzz: Publishing, Picture Books & Neurodiversity On today's show, we're joined by the dynamic duo behind My Super-Charged ADHD Brain – a lively, empowering picture book that celebrates neurodivergence and the superpowers that can come with an ADHD diagnosis. We dive into the inspiration behind the book, its impact in homes and classrooms, and the creative process of writing it together. But that's not all! Dani and James also pull back the curtain on the publishing world at Larrikin House, where they work together to champion bold, fun, and meaningful stories for kids. We chat about what they're looking for from creators, the kinds of stories they want to publish next, and what it really takes to stand out in today's children's book market. Whether you're an author, illustrator, teacher, parent, or just a big fan of brilliant books, this episode is packed with insights you just can't miss. Today's special guests are two passionate champions of children's literature. Dani Vee is a writer, podcaster, and fierce advocate for kids' books, known for her warmth, energy, and deep industry knowledge. James Layton is the publisher and director of Larrikin House, a house built on humour, heart, and a whole lot of kid-focused fun. Together, they've created a picture book that's already making a difference — and they're just getting started. Everybody please welcome the sensational team of Dani Vee and James Layton!