Advertise on podcast: Reading with a chance of tacos

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!

On today's show, we chat about turning a brilliant idea for a story into one of this year's must-read picture books. We chat to the inspiration behind the story. A joyful, honest chat about storytelling, identity, and making your way in the kid lit community.   Today's special guest is an Australian children's author and passionate advocate for representation and accessibility in storytelling. Her debut picture book My Name is Jemima is a heartwarming and empowering story that gently explores vision impairment through the eyes of a confident young girl and her guide dog, Jemima. Olivia joins us today to chat about her journey into writing, how her lived experiences shape her stories, and the special bond she shares with her guide dog. It's an inspiring and insightful conversation full of warmth, honesty, and heart. Everybody please welcome the amazing and talented, Olivia Muscat

Michael Gerard Bauer   On today's show, we chat about how one of Australia's favourite picture book authors gets his stories, how they often develop from something small – a thought in his head, or a picture that sparked an idea or a thought, followed by a series of questions to determine what sort of story it would become. Plus, Liv drops in to review a fun and chaotic picture book by one of this country's fav picture book authors.  Today's special guest is an award-winning Australian author best known for his hilarious and heartfelt books for children and young adults. Originally a high school English teacher, he burst onto the scene with his debut novel The Running Man, which won the CBCA Book of the Year. Since then, he's made readers laugh out loud with picture books like Rodney Loses It! (which nabbed the CBCA Early Childhood Book of the Year) and warmed hearts with stories like Eric the Viking. With a knack for blending humour and emotion, he continues to delight readers of all ages. Everybody please welcome the ever-talented Michael Gerard Bauer.

Poppy's Monster   On today's show, we chat about monsters. Those monsters our kids grapple with in their daily lives and their storybooks. Plus, we have an honest chat with our special guest about the real stuff that aspiring authors go through when they start out on their writing journeys. And, Liv is back to review two picture books about a yogo posing wombat and working guide dog named Jemima.   Today's special guest first entered storytelling by telling fibs as a child. It's not clear whether her parents believed these, but they were unsurprised by the career choices that followed: actor, theatre director, playwright, dramaturg. She has since entertained audiences as a giant frog, wrestled words of acclaimed playwrights, led theatre shows across Australia, and won numerous awards for photography. She lives in Canberra, Australia with her 4 kids, husband and a menagerie of pets. She has just completed a Graduate Diploma in Psychology and hopes to combine her understanding of people with the power of imagination. Everybody please welcome, the wonderful and very busy, Shelly Higgs.

Is this a new publishing trend? Complete series out in a year On today's show, we chat with an international award-winning author about an awesome new series of 6 books for kids, all out in the same year. We chat about the process of writing, acquiring, illustrating, publishing, and distributing a complete series in a single year. Plus, the challenges that come with a new author journey.   Today's special guest is an international award-winning author who adores exploring all the world has to offer! Her love of travel started at age three on moving from Sri Lanka to Australia with her parents. Having family sprinkled around the world; she has lived, worked and been on many adventures overseas. She currently resides in Canberra with her family. Her appreciation of travel and uniqueness of culture has been captured in the pages of her books. Jacqueline hopes her stories will encourage her readers to learn more about the world and help to cultivate an empathetic, accepting and inclusive community.

Storytelling with authenticity   On today's show, we chat with an author about storytelling with authenticity, and the process of writing stories that help kids deal with fear, grow to be resilient, and giving kids a sense of belonging.   Today's special guest has a unique journey with storytelling that covers cultures, languages, and the spaces in between. It wasn't until adulthood that she rediscovered her love for reading through stories that finally felt relevant to her experience. This shaped her approach as both a teacher and school counsellor, where she used picture books to help students feel seen and develop a sense of belonging. Her professional work as a psychologist, alongside her experience raising three daughters, infuses her stories with themes of empowerment, resilience, and authenticity. Her recent book, Aslan and Benny, explores a boy confronting his fear of a very cute family dog. And her upcoming release, A Lemon for Safiya, beautifully weaves Arabic text throughout a powerful story about compassion and cultural connection. When she's not writing you can see her in the water as a qualified scuba diver! Everybody, please give a big welcome to the creative and talented Jemima Shafei-Ongu.

On today's show, we chat to a picture book author about the timeless connection between grandparents and grandchildren. As well as the process of sharing dialogue and connections with kids in our stories. Plus, Liv has her own special guest drop in for today's book review. ​ Today's special guest was born in Adelaide, South Australia and she's been telling stories ever since. Although she spent over ten years crafting nonfiction articles for magazines, she finally realised her real love was writing the stories for young people that blossom in her imagination. She is the author of eight books, seven of which are for children. And, she's popped in today to share her journey with us, as well as her latest picture book, Me and You. Everybody, please welcome, Ellie Royce.

I can do that! I can write a book!   On today's show, we follow an author with a "Can Do" attitude through her publishing journey. From mastering rhyme, storytelling, attending conferences, getting involved in community, and each step of the way to publication. A must listen and a fun chat for all authors and illustrators looking to carve out their own creative careers.   Today's special guest discovered the power of words and performance as a Drama Teacher, which ultimately led her to exploring children's literature. She is now a children's author based on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Inspired by her three children, her writing is a heartfelt celebration of the magical moments that define childhood – infused with love, humour, and a delightful splash of quirkiness. She's popped in today to share her quirkiness along with her author journey. Everybody please welcome, Sharna Carter.

What Makes a Good Illustrator? On today's show, we chat illustrations with a legend of over 30 years of producing quality artwork. We look at what makes a good illustrator. Is it consistency? Is it a unique style and brand?  Is it knowing what jobs to take on and what to leave alone? So much to consider as we go behind the scenes with one of my all-time favourite creators of books for kids.  Plus, Liv reviews a picture book with too many dogs.    Today's special guest is a multi-award-winning Australian illustrator based in Sydney, with over two decades of experience in children's literature. His distinctive style has brought to life numerous beloved stories, including "My Dad Thinks He's Funny," "Why I Love Footy," and the "Sporty Kids" series. His work extends beyond books; he's contributed editorial illustrations to major newspapers like The Australian and The Weekend Australian. His latest picture book, "The Train at the End of My Street," continues his tradition of capturing the whimsy and wonder of childhood through vibrant illustrations. And, he's popped in today to share his incredible journey with us, along with his timeless knowledge of the craft, so everybody please welcome the amazing, Tom Jellett.

An interview with Chat GPT   AI and the Future of authors On today's show, we chat to one of the world's quirkiest digital assistants. We get the future straight from one of the world's biggest AI Language Models! Yep, who better to ask than the number 1 bot in the business. We chat about what AI can and can't do for children's book creators, how authors and illustrators can use AI as a tool, and what is the future of creativity with AI. What is potentially exciting and what's not.  Plus, Liv's back to review a big bunch of brand-new books!   Today's special guest is a friendly language model powered by OpenAI. Trained on a massive library of text, Chat GPT helps with words, ideas, and creative flow, but doesn't have feelings, opinions, or a physical form. Instead, it likes to think of itself as the world's quirkiest digital assistant who loves stories and tacos in equal measure. Please welcome, Chatty the AI Bot. 

How Beautiful is our world?   On today's show, we chat to one of this country's finest picture book authors about writing humour along with serious and important stories for kids. We chat about planning stories, writing stories, where stories come from, where humour comes from, and a brand-new book showcasing our beautiful world.   Today's special guest is an internationally published children's author based in Melbourne. She loves to write stories filled with humour and heart. Her debut picture book Mozzies Vs Flies was shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards 2022. Her second picture book, Meowster Chef, has been translated into Spanish and Italian. One of her recent books, Wild About Book Week has gone so well, not only is it in reprint, but her publishers have asked her to write another in the series.   She's popped in to share all this with us, as well as an uplifting story that means so much to her, and a topic that should mean so much to us all, everybody please welcome our beautiful author, Sarah Speedie