Whats the Story Rory
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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...
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How to be an Author of a Graphic Novel
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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...
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Minimal words. Maximum impact.
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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....
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Brains That Buzz: Publishing, Picture Books & Neurodiversity
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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...
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My Name is Jemima
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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,...
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.