Nora Notices
Reading with a chance of tacos
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...
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Kylie Howarth with Kev and Trev
Reading with a chance of tacos
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...
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Submissions are opening soon
Reading with a chance of tacos
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...
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Finding Wonder in the Wild
Reading with a chance of tacos
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.
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Whats the Story Rory
Reading with a chance of tacos
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...
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Hayley Gannon
Reading with a chance of tacos
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...
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Dear Humans. Anna McGregor
Reading with a chance of tacos
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...
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Andrea Rowe Library Ambassador
Reading with a chance of tacos
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...
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A Final Catch up for 2025
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
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Oceanforged
Reading with a chance of tacos
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...
info_outlineStorytelling 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.