Reading with a chance of tacos

Gathering a Body of Work – what to do while you’re waiting to be published.

  Gathering a Body of Work – what to do while you’re waiting to be published.   On today’s show we chat to one of Australia’s busiest authors about gathering publishing deals, and how important it is to gather a body of work before you’re published.    Today’s guest has written over 50 books for children and young adults. Her stories are full of humour, heart, mystery, magic, and adventure.  She’s popped in to chat about her latest book, which is book two in the Super ...

Where is Cheeky Monster?

On today's show we chat to Mike Lucas and Heidi McKinnon and go insearch of a cheeky monster. These two amazing creatives share thier process for writing and illustrating award-winning picture books.  Plus, Hayley in the Library is back to let us know what kids are reading, what they're excited about, and what they're learning in class. And, we countdown the Taco Top 5 most borrowed books.  We chat about two exciting book launches happening over the weekend at Readings Kids Bookstore in ...

A Chat with Nat

On today’s show we chat to one of Australia’s most popular authors for kids. She’s always so much fun to talk to, and Bianca’s Book Club is back to chat about books by Sally Rippin, Phillip Bunting, and a popular series that’s coming to an end.   Today’s special guest is one of Australia’s most popular authors for kids.  In 2019, she was Australia's #1 bestselling debut Aussie Author of children’s fiction for her book, Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire. It has now been sold...

The author who persisted

On today’s show we chat to an author who persisted in a manuscript he believed in, rode the rejections, and now looks like being a big success. We’ll discover what the book is, why it was rejected, how it got published, and watch it burst into the world.    Today’s guests are an author and illustrator of children’s books. The author is a regular and favourite amongst our listeners, and the kid lit community in general, with his encouraging nature and social presence. The illu...

The Beehive with Megan Daley

On today’s show we chat about what kids are reading at school, what’s changing, and what kids are excited about, with one of the most celebrated teacher librarians in the country. As well as an awesome new picture book all about Bees. There’s a real Buzz in the air.   Today’s guest was awarded the ASLA Australian Teacher Librarian of the Year 2023 and the SLAQ Queensland Teacher Librarian of the Year, as well as the national Dromkeen Librarians Award. A former national vice-p...

How to be creative and stand out from the crowd

How to be creative and stand out from the crowd   On today’s show we chat to one of the most creative illustrators, authors and designers in kids books. We chat about what creativity is and what goes into making a book really stand out from the crowd.   Today’s guest is a creator of modern, quirky, innovative stories with humour and heart. She began her career as graphic designer, before moving into writing and illustrating award-winning books for kids. Books such as Colour...

How to be a ground-breaking, top-selling author

How to be a ground-breaking, top-selling author   On today’s show we chat to a legend and ground-breaking, top-selling author of kids books, who was one of the first authors to get reluctant readers excited about books.  He’s garnered several awards, including six Australian Children Choice Book Awards.    In 2013, today’s guest was named Koala Legend of the year, and in 2020 was awarded the YABBA Graham Davey Award for his contribution and impact on Australian Children's Li...

Finding your Creative Path

Finding your Creative Path   On today’s show we chat about finding your true creative path. We talk to someone who turned his life around focussing on his true life-dreams. And Liv is back with what could be one of the big, laugh-out-loud, picture books of 2024!   Today’s guest says he was the world’s worst accountant. After a desire to be Michael J Fox, aka Alex P Keaton from the TV show Family Ties, took him down the corporate path, he spent years gaining a Commerce Degree an...

Our Australian Heart

On today’s show we dive into the heart of Australia with three amazing and creative people who have helped put together a wonderful anthology celebrating the diversity, life, and colours of Australia.   The book is called, Our Australian Heart. The purpose, the joy, and everything this book is about is all right there in the title. The heart of this great land is in its diverse landscape, its colours, its life, and its people.   One of its people, Romi Sharp, and her team ...

Wear a Purple Poppy to Remember War Animals

Wear a purple poppy to remember war animals   On today’s show we look at a book that’s remembering animals in war and chat about the purple poppy. Plus, Liv is back with two picture books that are sure to be huge hits throughout 2024. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be huge!   Today’s guest is a primary school teacher with a lifelong love of horses and animals. This passion has spawned the most wonderful picture book about something I think is so worthwhile. Something that ...

Publishing Picture Books with Mary Anastasiou

Publishing Picture Books with Mary Anastasiou   On today’s show we look inside two publishing houses with Mary Anastasiou. We talk about what she does in publishing, what books she’s working on, the process these books go through with the publishers, and how they get out into the world.    Today’s guest is an author of children’s books and a publishing professional who has popped in to share her incredible journey. She shares key tips for anyone looking to write and publis...

Writing Decodable Books for Early Readers

On today’s show we chat about books for first readers, struggling readers, and books being read in early primary school. We’re talking today about Decodable Books – how they assist young readers to engage in fun and adventurous books, and we’ll share tips on writing for the genre.   Today’s guest is a Tacos Fav, we love having him on for his humour, fun nature, and the awesome work he’s putting out into the world of young readers. He’s popped in today to chat about his latest...

So Many Self Publishing Tips

So Many Self-Publishing Tips On today’s show we have a fun chat with a super enthusiastic and successful indie author who so generously shares her process and tips on self-publishing. Plus, we chat about her author journey and all things kid lit.   Today’s guest is what you’d call a real go-getter, an active member of the Australian writing community, who throws herself into her work with such enthusiasm. She began in her working life in the music and television industry b...

Neurodiversity in Books

Neurodiversity in books – with Ky Garvey, Kate Foster and Michelle Worthington   On today’s show we chat with 3 amazing creators who live in neurodiverse families. We discuss what the publishing industry looks like for kids and families living with neurodiversity, what’s still needed, and why it’s crucial to our industry that we cater for everyone’s needs.   Today’s guests are the incredible Ky Garvey. The dynamic Michelle Worthington. And, the awesome Kate Foster DANZ Awards:...

The journey of a picture book – from a manuscript to a bookstore

The journey of a picture book – from a manuscript to a bookstore   On today’s show we chat to a first-time author and follow the journey of her picture book from submitting to acceptance, what marketing ideas she has, and how she’ll work to make it a success. Plus we share a very spicy chilli con carne taco with guacamole and sour cream. Yum. All that and more. Let’s start the show.   Today’s guest is a writer and a primary school teacher who has her first picture book (publ...

Writing Magic for Kids with Sarah Armstrong

Writing Magic for Kids with Sarah Armstrong   On today’s show, we share a delicious crunchy taco with guacamole, chicken and melted cheese with a Walkley Award winning author, and Liv reviews two picture books that travel the world.    Today’s guest began as journalist at ABC Radio – where she won a Walkley Award. She went on to be a researcher and publisher at ABC TV, which was exciting work, interviewing interesting people from Timbuktu to the Sahara Dessert. But then she ...

Illustrating picture books with Briony Stewart

Illustrating picture books with Briony Stewart   On today’s show we chat about illustrating picture books, writing picture books, we look at the journey of an illustrator, and Liv reviews an awesome picture book perfect for the new year.   Today’s guest is an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books. She won the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for her work with Sheryl Clarke on the verse novel ‘Mina and the Whole Wide World’. Her book Kumiko and the S...

Susanne Gervay Interview

On today’s show we chat with a legend of Australian and indeed World literature, both for adults and children, about her author journey and what it takes to be a professional writer.   Today’s guest is a world-renowned author and speaker, with an Order of Australia for services to literature. She is the Head of SCBWI Australia East and NZ. She is an ambassador of the Premiers Reading Challenge. A Writer Ambassador of Room to Read which has reached more than 20 million children in...

What to expect when writing, illustrating, and self-publishing a picture book

What to expect when writing, illustrating, and self-publishing a picture book   On today’s show we chat to an author/illustrator with a real passion for nature and adventure. And, Liv reviews two awesome new picture books. All that and more, it’s gunna be huge!   Sam Spry is an author/illustrator with a real thirst for adventure. She loves nature and has travelled the world to some of the most beautiful and remote places, where she’s worked and lived amongst the people that ...

How a children’s book legend self-published

How a children’s book legend self-published   On today’s show we chat to an Aussie Icon about self-publishing. And Liv’s back with all the goss from The Taco Awards After Party, and to review an awesome new picture book. All that and more on today’s show, it’s gunna be huge!!   Today’s guest is an icon of the Australian kid lit industry. His first novel Deadly Unna? was a literary hit and was made into the feature film for which he won an AFI award.  He writes for a wid...

The Taco Awards 2023

The Taco Awards 2023. Join hosts Ken and Liv, a cast of authors, illustrators, a bunch of rowdy book characters, and even singing sharks, as we bring you all the glitz and glamour of the Taco Kids Book Awards. We'll bring you the shortlist and winners of such categories as: The Reluctant Reader award, The Best Character, The Laugh out Loud Award, Best Picture Book and more. Who will take home the Gold Taco?

Helping Children Process Grief

Helping Children Process Grief Ryan Abramowitz, as well as being an amazing artist, writer, and storyteller, has a lived experience of losing his father to suicide. He has created a picture book, drawn from inspiration of the natural world. And, he chats with Liv and Ken about how he hopes this book will help those in grief to feel seen, supported, and cared for in their healing journey. ‘May it bring some light to your wound,’ he says. Everybody please welcome, the wonderful R...

Kimmy the queen of the dingoes

Kimmi the queen of the dingoes is a tale of courage and reslience from one of Australia's finest storytellers.  On today’s show, we chat about the smartest dogs on the planet, we talk to one of Australia’s most beloved storytellers, and you’ll see why. Plus we chat about an upcoming kidlit event.    Favel Parrett flew to critical acclaim with her debut novel Past the Shallows. It was sold internationally and shortlisted in the highly prestigious Miles Franklin Award. She won the D...

Let's Go Shopping, Grandma

On today’s show, Bianca reviews a magical book ideal for kids 10+. And we chat to a favourite kids author from WA about her hilarious picture book.   Sharon Giltrow teaches young children with Developmental Language Disorders, she’s also an author of picture books and middle grade. She was awarded The Paper Bird Fellowship for Writers in 2019, and she’s popped in today to chat about her latest and hilarious picture book, Let’s go shopping, Grandma.

Bertie and the Ginger Cat

On today’s show, Bianca’s back, from Bianca’s Book Club, with an awesome book for review, you’re gunna love it! And, get this, we chat to an illustrator who picked up a paint brush for the first time only 5 years ago and is now a published author/illustrator.    Bex Parkin is an artist and illustrator based in the UK. She is known for her love of colourful wildlife and botanicals with a vibrant colour palette and playful details. She has worked on many exciting projects including ...

Helping kids to enjoy Dreamtime Stories

On today’s show, we’ve got What’s the Story Rory with all the latest kidlit news. And we chat to an award-winning actress and author about a new hero in the Australian bush. It’s gunna be huge!   Tasma Walton is a popular and award-winning actress, proud Boonwurrung woman, a mum, and an author passionate about telling stories of strong women and their adventures with the most amazing Boonwurrng Creation beings. Her latest book is titled, Nerra and I can’t wait for her to tel...

You've got yogurt in your nostrils

On today's show, we have Liv at the newsdesk with the latest kid lit news, including The Big Bookish Arvo.  Plus, we chat to a debut author about a fun picture book and her amazing author process.   Bethany Clark is a writer, editor, and a strategic communications consultant who after many years working behind the scenes in the publishing industry found herself as the chief manager of snacks for a small child.    Her debut children’s picture book You’ve got yogurt in your no...

Early Childhood Book of the Year winner

On today’s show, Liv reviews two awesome new picture books. And we chat to a CBCA Gold Medallist all about her author journey. It’s gunna be huge.   Vikki Conley is the 2023 winner of the CBCA Early Childhood Book of the Year Award for her picture book Where the Lyrebird Lives. And she’s popped in today to chat all about her epic author journey. Everybody please welcome the amazing, Vikki Conley. 

This Book is a Time Machine

On today’s show, we go back to the future in time machine made of paper. We look at the teamwork behind creating a brilliant picture book. And, we take a look at The Taco Awards for 2023!   Today’s guests are an author and illustrator combo. Together they have delivered a brilliant picture book about describing time – past, present and future. It’s original and wonderfully put together.     To tell us all about their book and how they worked together as a team to create such a ...

The Emu Wars with J A Bryden

On today’s show, we’ve got emus, yes emus. Liv and I chat to a first-time author who self-published a book and then got picked up by a publisher. It can happen. We talk about a fun book and have a few laughs.    Jamie Bryden is an author and podcaster who grew up avoiding books for most of his life, and now finds himself writing them. As a result, he is a sucker for a good story and loves talking with fellow authors and filmmakers on his podcast ’Stories: the true and the fictiona...

The Christmas Train with Mike Lucas

On today’s show, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Books in every store!! We chat to the author of The Christmas Train (Toot! Toot!) Stopping all stations to the North Pole via the Adelaide Hills. We’ll hear a magnificent poem dedicated to Book Week, and we’ll share some exciting Taco News. It’s gunna be huge!   Mike Lucas moved to Australia from the UK in 2010. He is the author of several poetry anthologies and picture books, He owns a bookshop, Shakespeare's in Black...

The Process of Writing a Novel with Jack Heath

Jack Heath submitted his first manuscript to a publisher at age seventeen, and the book became his first international bestseller! How about that! And, in 2009 he was named the ACT Young Australian of the Year.  He now lives with his wife and their children in Gungahlin, where he spends his time writing, reading, speaking at schools and mentoring emerging writers.  He’s popped in today to chat about his new YA thriller and how he went about writing it. Everybody please put your han...

A Footy Tail with Alex Johnston

NRL star and kids book author, Alex Johnston shares his inspiration for writing this fantastic picture book that is sure to get kids racing into bookstores.  Alex Johnston is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a winger and fullback for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL. He has played for both Australia and Papua New Guinea at international level. Alex shares a picture book all about unity, togetherness, resilience, teamwork, and just having fun. Plus, Liv ...

Aggie Flea is not a liar with Tania Ingram

Tania Ingram was a child psychologist before becoming an author of picture books and novels including the rollicking Jinny and Cooper series. When she’s not writing she’s learning to play the ukulele and singing to her chickens.   She’s popped in today to chat about her new book series, Aggie Flea, her author journey, and the writing life in South Australia. Everybody please welcome, Tania Ingram.    Plus, Hayley in the Library is back. We cross to the front line, to the very s...

A Story of Courage and Resilience with Rebecca LIm

Rebecca Lim is an award-winning Australian writer, illustrator, editor and the author of over twenty books, including Tiger Daughter (a CBCA Book of the Year: winner).   Her novels have been translated into German, French, Turkish, Portuguese, Polish and Russian and have won so many awards I can’t list them all here.  She’s popped in today to chat about her latest book titled, Two Sparrowhawks in a Lonely Sky. This is such a poignant tale of two incredible kids setting out on th...

Raine in the Underlands with Emma Greville

Emma Greville is a freelance editor from Sunny Geelong on Victorian coast. She’s an ex-English teacher with an MA in Literary Criticism, and a lover of Dragons!   She is passionate about helping kids discover a love of reading and writing, and explores the world of words through school visits, presentations and writing workshops.   She’s popped in today to share her author journey, along with her awesome middle grade fantasy adventure, Raine in the Underlands.   Plus, we r...

How to Find the Inspiration to write for Kids

Much loved children’s author, Adrian Beck shares the inspiration for his children’s stories, how he goes about the process of setting up a story, and how they’re turned into amazing books for kids. Today’s guest says he is not a spy. However, a spy would say that, wouldn’t they? Despite this, our guest shares some awesome advice on writing books, how to gather story ideas, and how to put them together. He is actually the author of such books as Derek Dool, Alien Zoo, Kick it to Nick, Co-...

How to Write Middle Grade Like a Pro!

If you've ever wanted to write in the Middle Grade space. Or, you're penning something now and want some extra advice, Alllison Tait is the internationally published bestselling author of middle-grade adventure series The Mapmaker Chronicles, the Ateban Cipher novels, and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries. Her latest novel THE FIRST SUMMER OF CALLIE McGEE is a middle-grade mystery. To tell us all about it, along with her process, and tips on the craft of writing such magical middle grade mas...

Tips on promoting yourself and your books

Publicity is so important in every step of your journey. How you present yourself to publishers and to the community, and how you promote your work to the world, is so important.   Two new picture book authors with different approaches share their journeys and what’s worked for them.   Claire Thompson is an Australian children’s author with a passion – and a nose – for sniffing out true stories to empower and inspire. Driven by her background in journalism, real people with...

The Lucky Shack with Apsara Baldovino

Apsara Baldovino began her career in magazine publishing before moving into writing stories for children who dream of owning a real unicorn! Apsara’s passion is to dream up memorable characters, experiment with perspectives and create books that will be treasured for years to come. And, she’s off to an awesome start with her first picture book titled, The Lucky Shack, published by Harper Collins Australia.   Apsara loves learning and creativity and truly believes in the power of...

Jawsome with RJ Timmis

Bec Timmis left high school and studied animation at Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art before branching out into design and illustration.  At the same time, she enrolled in a professional children’s writing course, where she wrote her first award-winning short story. From here she went on to write and illustrate the hugely popular book series, Mertales with Allen and Unwin Books.  And, she’s popped in today to chat all about her new series of hilarious books, and let me ...

Love Me Love My ADHD

Chrissie Davies is a child behaviour expert, trauma informed educator, consultant, writer, guest speaker, loving mama of two, and passionate advocate for understanding neurodivergent children. She’s popped in today to chat about her new picture book, Love Me Love My ADHD a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that encourages families, educators, and, most importantly, children to understand this complex neurotype and how it presents in children. Plus, Liv reviews 3 brand n...

I am Lupe with Sela Ahosivi Atiola

Sela Ahosivi Atiola is a Tongan Australian writer from Sydney Australia. She is a mother and early childhood educator with a Bachelor of Social Science from Swinburne University of Technology. Her writing has been featured on SBS Voices and Storycasters Culinary Magazine.  She’s popped in today to chat with Ken about her writing journey, finding a niche in the picture book market, a passion for her writing community and diversity in literature, and her new picture book titled, I am Lupe ...

Ruby and the Pen with David Lawrence

David Lawrence is one of Australia’s funniest comedy writers. He has written for Hamish and Andy, Talking About Your Generation, and a variety of other shows, including award-winning sketch comedy shows. He runs the successful comedy business Laughing Matters and has performed in five Melbourne International Comedy shows. This has spilled over to kids books, and his latest middle grade novel, Ruby and the Pen is hilarious. He's popped in today to tell us all about it, along with his writ...

How to write with a partner

Hilary Rogers began her career in publishing. As a Commissioning Editor, Hilary helped co-create many of Australia's most beloved series, including Billie B Brown, Real Pigeons, Zac Power and Go Girl. As an author, Hilary has teamed up with friend and much-loved Australian author, Meredith Badger. Together, Meredith and Hilary write under the pen name Maddy Mara. Their most recent series include The Dragon Girls, an international hit with more than 1.5 a million copies in print, also I...

Storm with Jane Bunn

Jane Bunn is a meteorologist and a weather presenter on Channel 7 Melbourne.  As well as seeing her each night on the tely, today’s guest has popped in to tell us about an awesome picture book series all about the weather.  The first book in the series is titled, Storm. It’s all about how storms form, and how to stay safe in a storm. To tell us all about it, as well as her inspiration and process, please welcome the wonderful, Jane Bunn. LIV AT THE NEWSDESK Liv and Ken chat abou...

Hello Twigs with Andrew and Ben

Today’s guests are the co-creators, author and illustrator of the smash hit series that’s taken the world by storm, The Real Pigeons. And now, this dynamic duo are branching out with a whole new graphic novel series for early readers. Hello Twigs is a joyous graphic novel series for early readers. To tell us all about Red, Noodle, Stump, and Ziggy, everybody please welcome Ben Wood and Andrew McDonald! Plus, Liv and Ken discuss new books hot on bookstore shelves. Ruby and the Pen by...

Time-travel with Nean McKenzie

Being Jimmy Baxter with Fiona Lloyd

Fiona Lloyd hails from Newcastle in the Northeast of England where, as a child, she dreamed of being an author in a country cottage like Enid Blyton or Beatrix Potter. Later in life, she moved to Australia and became a colourist on TV shows like Home and Away, where she put the sunshine into Alf Stewart. But the dream of being an author was still alive and well, and I’m happy to say, that she’s popped in today to talk about her journey with us, as well as her latest book – a gentle funny...

Monster Island with George Ivanoff

George Ivanoff has written over 100 books for kids and teens from non-fiction to fiction, including his latest Monster Island with Penguin books. Occasionally, George has been known to moonlight as an actor. As anyone who’s seen his amazing book promos will know. He’s been in numerous productions including Neighbours and films such as Frozen Butterflies. When he’s not eating too much chocolate, drinking too much coffee, and watching too much Doctor Who, he shares his life with his one wi...