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...

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 sp...

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 a...

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 togethe...

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 i s an Australian children's author and passionate advocate for representation and accessibility in storytelling. H...

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...

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....

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'...

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 redis...

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 o...

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 dis...

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.   Pl...

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...

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...

How to create, publish, and market stories in the modern world   On today's show,  we chat about graphic novels, appreciating stories of all kinds, creativity in the modern world, publishing stories in the modern world, mixing art and marketing, plus, pushing through your creative process when things get tough. And, if that's not enough, Liv's popping in to review an Aussie legend.   Today's speci...

Dreaming up stories On today's show, Liv and I chat to a kids author who is making a splash in 2025. With multiple books out this year, we explore stories, storytelling and the process of making dreams come true. Plus, Liv reviews a classic CBCA winning book.   Today's special guest has loved books since she was a little girl. Her parents still tease her because at 4-years-old they took her to see...

Challenging traditional publishing norms   An honest look at Clutterbugs, publishing and carving out a path to creativity   On today's show,  we look for Clutterbugs, chat about children's publishing, how to navigate your own writing path, taking risks, and ways to come up with new ideas. Plus, Liv tells us why we should never trust fish. She reviews 2 awesome picture books, one about family and o...

On today's show, we chat with a first-time author and her experienced illustrator about the behind-the-scenes process of a brand-new picture book and its inspiring message. You're going to love this dynamic duo and their journey together. It's a fun and inspiring story that's sure to resonate and produce a smile or two. Plus, Liv reviews a fun and adventurous junior fiction book.   Today's special...

Luna's World. The Process of a Series in the Making On today's show,  Liv and I chat to a teacher librarian who has helped transform school libraries into a hub of energy and fun and has signed a 4-book series with one of our favourite publishers. We go behind the scenes to look at the process of a book series in the making. Plus, Liv reviews a magical middle grade book that's in stores now.     T...

Want the world to hear your stories? Then turn your story into an audio book   On today's show,  we chat to an audio narrator, creator and producer of the most amazing audio books for kids.   And, we discuss how you can have your work in audio for the world to hear. Today's special guest has produced audiobooks by some of Australia's best-known authors, including Kate Constable, Hazel Edwards, and...

On today's show,  we chat to someone who went from winning a competition to being recognised as a CBCA Notable and from there went on to publish another book, and that book won a CBCA Notable. And, now she has a 4-book series. We find out how she's achieved all this, how she goes about her writing, her love of frogs, and her process of being a children's book author on the rise.   Today's special...

How to write Rhyme and acquire 20 Book contracts On today's show,  we chat to one of Australia's up and coming picture book stars. In the last 6-years he has signed 20 book contracts and has 15 books already in bookstores, schools, kindas, and libraries all around the country. He has books with various publishers from Larrikin house to Scholastic and more. In today's episode we look at his journey...

Making Reading Fun for Kids With one of Australia's finest comedy writers, David Lawrence. On today's show,  we chat to one of Australia's funniest comedy writers, for both television and books, all about his processes, and his family life, in particular life with his beautiful mum Val. And, what started out as a fun way to promote his books that has gone on to entertaining us all on social media....

Don' t Fall for the Trick   A guide to smashing gender stereotypes On today's show,  we uncover the trick that has foiled humans for generations. And, ensure that we're never tricked again. In one of the most important pieces of literature on our shelves this year.   Plus, Liv reviews a hilarious graphic novel you just have to get your hands on. All on today's show. It's gunna be huge! Today's spe...