Reading with a chance of tacos

A podcast that connects aspiring authors and illustrators to the world of children's literature. Gather tips, tricks and publishing info, as we celebrate creators and their journeys, awesome stories and all the fun of kids books. What are you waiting for? Grab a taco and come join us.

My Mum is a Bird 03/31/2025

My Mum is a Bird 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 guests are an author and illustrator combo. Our author was born in Harbin China and moved to Australia at 18 to pursue a Commerce Degree in Accounting. But fate had other plans. Having kids of her own led to a writing career in the parenting genre in various Australian newspapers and magazines. And, when a job at the Vic branch of the CBCA opened up, her career path took a creative turn into children’s literature. Our illustrator is one of Australia’s most loved and respected illustrators. An award-winning artist who celebrates the unique warmth, textures, and imperfections made when drawing by hand, she is currently living in Prague, but has taken the time to join us today. Everybody please welcome this dynamic duo of, Angie Cui and Evie Barrow. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/35949855

Luna's World. The Process of a Series in the Making 03/26/2025

Luna's World. The Process of a Series in the Making 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. Today’s special guest is a teacher librarian and a big supporter of getting quality books in the hands of kids. We first met her by her social media handle, ‘Hayley in the Library’. And we’ve had her on the show several times over the last few years, chatting about what kids are reading, and how libraries have changed to become a real hub of energy, fun and learning. Now she’s written about it, and turned this theme into a 4-book series with Affirm Press. She’s popped in today to share this amazing journey from teacher to author with us, her process for writing, her interactions with editors and publishers, and the transformation of an idea for a book into a realised dream. Everybody please give a big cheer for the wonderful, Hayley Gannon. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/35879195

Want the world to hear your stories? 03/24/2025

Want the world to hear your stories? 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 Susanne Gervay. She has worked on production contracts for well-known international publishers and with small-house publishers alike and has narrated for Bolinda Audio. Today, she specialises in children's literature, Australian stories, academic texts, and multi-cast dramatic productions with her own company, Thrive Audio. She’s popped in to share her audio process, her philosophy, and how this benefits all of us in the kidlit world. Everybody please welcome, the amazing Sarah Bacaller. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/35837970

Kidlit Community, Book Deals, and Frogs 03/21/2025

Kidlit Community, Book Deals, and Frogs 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 guest won Just Write for Kids Pitch It! Competition in 2020, and was the recipient of an ASA Award Mentorship in 2022. From there she went on to be the author of CBCA Notable Book The Garden at the End of the World and Ella and the Amazing Frog Orchestra. Everybody please welcome, the wonderful, Cassy Polimeni /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/35800495

How to Write Rhyme and Acquire 20 Book Contracts 03/15/2025

How to Write Rhyme and Acquire 20 Book Contracts 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, share his techniques and see if any can work for you. Plus, Liv reviews the latest and hilarious Nanny Piggins book. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be massive! Today’s special guest is a favourite with Taco listeners. His humour, willingness to help fellow writers, and his love of picture books has seen him in huge demand all around the country. So, without further ado, everybody please welcome, the one, the only, the man, the myth, the legend, Rory H Mather everybody! /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/35705040

Making reading fun for kids 03/05/2025

Making reading fun for kids 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. This is going to be a fun and informative episode for anyone writing children’s literature. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/35536925

Don't Fall for the Trick 02/27/2025

Don't Fall for the Trick 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 special guests are the author and illustrator combo of Don’t Fall for the Trick. The author has always wanted to write picture books to help children feel comfortable in the world. She dreams of creating positive stories to help children navigate the world with a sense of humour. The illustrator has known about The Trick for some time. Indeed, he has been writing award winning and immensely popular books on foiling this Trick. He has hundreds of thousands of followers behind him on social media and millions of people following his books, articles and posts on this very topic. Everybody please give a warm Tacos welcome to Jennifer Bain and Scott Stuart. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/35466900

The Little Love List 02/25/2025

The Little Love List On today’s show, we chat to a publishing expert who has represented Australia at an amazing overseas book Festival. You’ve got to hear of this amazing adventure! So incredible!! She shares some amazing publishing and writing insight along with a brand-new book. And, Liv’s back with an awesome picture book review! Today’s guest is a writer, editor, and a strategic communications consultant. Her debut children’s picture book You’ve got yogurt in your nostrils was a joyous celebration of the glorious mess babies create when they learn to eat. Her latest book is a treat for the eyes, ears and soul. It’s titled Little Love List and it’s in stores now. Everybody please welcome, /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/35420335

The Young Australians Best Book Awards 2025 02/21/2025

The Young Australians Best Book Awards 2025 On today’s show, we’re Yabba Dabba Dooin’ all over the place. We chat to the Yabba president all about The Young Australians Best Book Awards. The YABBAs!! Along with the Crocs of the Northern Territory and Koalas of NSW, these are Australia’s only Children’s Book Awards chosen soley by the children. We chat about why this is important to you as a creator, and vital to promoting our industry as a whole. All on today’s show, it’s gunna be huge!! Today’s special guest is a real-life teacher librarian, a lover of kids books, and a massive advocate for children’s literature in Australia. She has worked tirelessly on the Yabba Council for the last 8 years and spent the last 24 years assisting her students to develop an awareness of Australian authors and illustrators. To tell us all about this amazing organisation, and its importance to creators and the kids book industry, everybody please welcome, the amazing, inspiring and energetic President of the Yabba Awards, Michelle Nye. Yabba Awards Website: /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/35372230

The Future of Storytelling 02/17/2025

The Future of Storytelling The future of Storytelling Finding the right life balance, the future of AI Bots, and Brock the Croc is back with another snappy adventure. On today’s show, we chat to a legend Australian Children’s author all about why we write, what we write and how we write for kids. We chat about finding the right life balance, the future of AI bots and their impact on creators, and an exciting new book hitting your shelves real soon. Today’s special guest Adrian Beck is an Australian children's author renowned for his humorous and action-packed stories. His popular works include the "Furball" series, the "Derek Dool" series, and the "Little Legends" series co-authored with Nicole Hayes. Adrian is also the author of the "Fox Kid" series, designed to support children who find reading challenging. Beyond writing, he has a background as a TV producer and is passionate about fostering a love of reading among young audiences. Residing in Melbourne with his family, Adrian continues to inspire children through his engaging books and dynamic school visits. "Brock the Croc" is a children's book series by Australian author Adrian Beck, featuring the adventures of Brock, a lively crocodile residing in a bustling swamp. As the sole crocodile, Brock revels in attention, hosting extravagant swamp discos, riding his motorbike, and shredding on his electric guitar. In the first installment, "Bite Me!" (2025), Brock and his animal friends face the threat of their swamp being destroyed by human development, challenging Brock to live up to his self-proclaimed hero status. The sequel, "Make It Snappy!" (2025), sees Brock confronting Gruntzilla, a colossal robot menace, testing his leadership and courage to protect his home. Illustrated by Dean Rankine, the series combines humor, action, and themes of friendship and environmental conservation. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/35315620

The Best Self-Publishing Advice for Picture Books 09/22/2024

The Best Self-Publishing Advice for Picture Books On today’s show, we chat with a self-published creator of books for kids to get some of the best self-publishing advice for picture books that we’ve ever received on the pod. Advice on how to find an illustrator, who you’ll need to work with, what materials you’ll need, information about contracts, how to make and distribute your book. All of this and more. Plus, What’s the Story, Rory is back with some awesome new books and industry info. Today’s special guest is living the dream. Sharing stories with the world has always been a dream, and now she’s visiting schools, seeing her books in the big stores, seeing kids dressed up as characters that she’s created, and all due to the hard work, dedication and passion she has for children’s literature. She’s popped in today to chat all about her latest book, and to go behind the scenes with us to show us how she weaves her magic. Everybody please welcome, Kelly Louise Jarris. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/33162067

An Amazing Author Journey of Persistence 09/03/2024

An Amazing Author Journey of Persistence Keen persisting. Keep creating. Keep coming up with ideas On today’s show, we chat to an author who has just celebrated her 200th Rejection. However, due to years of persistence, and honing her craft, she’s gone and got herself published for a second time with a second traditional publisher. We’ll chat all about this process and what we can all learn. Plus Liv reviews two junior fiction masterpieces, featuring a swash-buckling mouse, and a world record breaking boy. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32872512

Kev Trev Kylie and Ken 08/30/2024

Kev Trev Kylie and Ken Kev, Trev, Kylie and Ken On today’s show, we chat to an author/illustrator about how to create a graphic novel series, what’s involved, where to find characters, how to develop them, and so many amazing tips on creating books for kids. Plus, Liv reviews two awesome new picture books. Today’s special guest began her working life as a graphic designer, before realising that involved spending way too much time on dry land. And, as someone who is actually part fish, her time would be better spent merging her love of sea creatures with amazing and super fun stories for kids. She has swum with whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales in Ningaloo. Piranhas and pink dolphins in the Amazon. She’s braved scuba diving with lionfish in Egypt. Marine iguanas and hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos Islands. And, encountered great white sharks in South Africa! She’s popped in today to share her author/illustrator journey, and her latest graphic novel titled, Kev and Trev, everybody please welcome, the fintastic, seasational, Kylie Howarth. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32815487

Book Reviews with Liv 08/21/2024

Book Reviews with Liv Book Reviews with Liv On today’s show, we chat with Liv and, well, just Liv. Due to popular demand, Liv’s popped in to share six brand new picture books with us. There’ll be dragons, Days of the week, dogs playing Rock n Roll, and much more. Today’s special guest has been with us for three years now, as a co-host, co-interviewer, and as our regular book reviewer. Everyone please welcome, the wonderful and amazing, Liv. Nobody Likes Monday – EK Books Kelly Lee, Amy Calautti Walls – Wombat Books Ruth Mary Smith, Tania Ingram Rock Dogs – Affirm Press Sally Barns, Anil Tortop My Dad. My Rock – Scribble Victor Santos, Anna Forlati Dragon Folding – Penguin Christopher Cheng, Lucia Masciullo South with the Seabirds – Allen and Unwin Jess McGeachin /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32683382

Writing Great Characters for Books, TV, and Life 08/15/2024

Writing Great Characters for Books, TV, and Life Writing Great Characters for Books, TV, and Life On today’s show, we chat about great character writing, various ways of developing characters, and we go inside one of Australia’s favourite TV Show writing rooms. We get the fun and Goss of what goes on behind the scenes. Today’s special guest is a screenwriter, playwright and author who loves creating stories for young people. She has adapted four of David Walliams' books for the stage - Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy, The Midnight Gang and Ratburger - as well as Oliver Jeffers' The Incredible Book Eating Boy, all of which premiered at the Sydney Opera House and toured across Australia. Her first novel, Exit Through the Gift Shop, was shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards, the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers and the ABIA Book of the Year for Younger Children. Her second novel, No Words, was winner of the Children's Peace Literature Award and the Readings Children's Prize. She’s popped in today to tell us about her latest middle grade novel, Laughter is the Best Ending. Everybody please welcome, the most amazing and wonderful, Maryam Master. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32581877

An Illustrator for the World Market 08/13/2024

An Illustrator for the World Market Binny Talib An Illustrator for the World Market On today’s show, we chat to one of the world’s most in demand and talented illustrators all about her creative life. We get some amazing tips and insight into making great art all around the world. Today’s special guest is an award-winning author/illustrator who has illustrated over 30 books. I say award-winning, so many awards, Illustrator Australia and Illustrator New York awards. Her book with Sarah Tagholm Sam Francisco King of the Disco was read at the Glastonbury Festival and appeared on CBeebies Bedtime Story. Recently, it won the prestigious North American Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. She’s popped in today for a delicious taco and to share her extraordinary journey with us. Everybody please welcome, the amazing, Binny Talib. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32553722

Thinking outside the Box 08/09/2024

Thinking outside the Box On today’s show, we find out how to think outside the box, when your world exists inside boxes. And, how perseverance with the right attitude has led to a several book contracts. Plus, Liv reviews two totally different picture books sure to get all kids reading. Today’s special guest has a background in speech pathology. Armed with a love of words, she weaves stories with subtle messages of inclusivity, encouraging readers to think outside the box. Her first picture book Bernie Thinks in Boxes has been selected as one of five picture books to be included in the Victorian School Starters pack for 2025. This Victorian Govt. initiative will see approximately 65,000 children receiving this bag of books. Plus the books will also be produced in Braille with tactile illustrations for vision impaired students. She’s popped in today to tell us all about her author journey, everybody please welcome, the wonderful Jess Horn. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32509812

Make a commitment to getting published with Mo Davey 08/06/2024

Make a commitment to getting published with Mo Davey On today’s show, we chat to a debut Author/illustrator who’s been waiting a thousand years for a contract, and it’s finally happened. Plus, Liv reviews two amazing middle grade books with everything from space aliens to a knife wielding diary with a wicked curse. All on today’s show, it’s gunna be huge! Today’s special guest is an art teacher, an illustrator, and a writer of books for kids. She’s a real live wire with a passion for making the writing life her career. She’s popped in today to chat about her first and brand-new picture book out in the world this week. Everybody please welcome, the awesome Ramona Davey. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32453732

Hi From Outer Space 08/02/2024

Hi From Outer Space On today’s show, we chat to a professional cartoonist all about writing and drawing for newspapers, magazines and kids books. We chat about editing, re-writing, drawing, storytelling in various formats, and a fantastic new book for kids. Plus, Liv reviews 2 brand new picture books. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be huge. Today’s special guest is a cartoonist for The Guardian. She’s also worked for a wide range of publications, including The Age, The Australian, and The Sydney Morning Herald. She creates cartoons on topics of politics, gag cartoons, and Human Rights. And was awarded Political Cartoonist of the Year for 2023. She’s popped in today to tell us all about her latest book for kids and aliens titled, Hi, From Outer Space. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32395272

The Importance of a writers group 07/19/2024

The Importance of a writers group The Importance of a writers group - a Drinks with Ken episode Today, I catch up with my old writers group for a fun chat about the importance of a writing group - the encouragement, sharing of knowledge, and general industry chat that is invaluable when you're writing and illustrating books for kids. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32210722

A chat with Mr Luke - promoting on social media 07/18/2024

A chat with Mr Luke - promoting on social media A Chat with Mr Luke – promoting on social media On today’s show, we chat to an author and popular primary school teacher who has become a social media sensation with 1.8 million Tik Tok Followers. Today’s special guest is a school teacher, a social media sensation, an actor, a plant lover, and now an author. Videos of his work with young kids, or as he calls them, his little legends, get millions and millions of views. He’s joined the ABC Playschool’s Storytime team. And he lends his voice to multiple characters on the popular ABC Kids TV show, Reef School. He’s popped in today to share his latest picture book, Guess what we are doing today?. Everybody please welcome, the amazing Mr Luke Springer. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32191052

The Kindness Project 07/15/2024

The Kindness Project Writing a verse novel, process, self-doubts, taking feedback, killing your darlings, moving your reader Today’s special guest is a multi-award-winning children’s author. She’s won YABBA’S, KOALA’S, the Outstanding International Book Award, Speech Pathology and Aurealis Awards. And she’s a recipient of the Maurice Saxby Award for services to children’s Literature. She’s popped in today to chat about her new book all about kindness. She is one of this country’s best loved authors, please welcome the amazing superstar of kindness, Deborah Abela. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32134347

A Chat with Andrea, Hayley, and David 07/12/2024

A Chat with Andrea, Hayley, and David DRINKS WITH KEN Today, we chat to author and teacher librarian Hayley Gannon, Picture Book of the Year Winning author, Andrea Rowe, and one of the funniest comic writers in the country, David Lawrence. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/32109342

The Magical World of Numbers and Shapes 07/01/2024

The Magical World of Numbers and Shapes The Magical World of Numbers and Shapes A brilliant tool to help kids learn to count using nature’s building blocks. See numbers, shapes, and the universe in a whole new awesome way! On today’s show, we chat about an awe-inspiring picture book for those artistically inclined, all about the exciting creative potential of numbers and geometry! Plus, Liv reviews two awesome new picture books. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be huge! Today’s special guest believes that we live in a visual world more than ever before. He is an artist and photographer inspired by the internal shapes of the universe from the microscopic all the way up to the swirling of the galaxies. He’s popped in today to chat about his latest picture book Magic Counting, which aims to help kids and adults alike to both learn to count and discover the magic in the numbers and shapes that surround us every day. Everyone please welcome, Nabeel Khan. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/31971637

What does a Publicist do? 06/26/2024

What does a Publicist do? What does a Publicist do? You’ve signed with a publishing house, now what? On today’s show, we chat to a publicist from Affirm Press, one of this country's favourite publishing houses, all about what to expect when your book gets accepted. What assistance do you receive? What media? How do they present you and your book to the world? And what your role is in the process. Plus, Liv reviews two awesome new picture books. All on today’s show, it’s gunna be huge. Today’s special guest began her working life in journalism before moving into the exciting and busy world of book publishing. Today she works as a much-loved publicist at Affirm Press based in Melbourne Australia. She’s popped in today to share with us exactly what a publicist does. How they differ from marketing, and how her job is all about assisting authors and illustrators get the most out of their publishing experience. Everyone please welcome the amazing and wonderful, Dana Anderson. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/31892582

A catch up with Adrian, Sarah, and Rory 06/21/2024

A catch up with Adrian, Sarah, and Rory DRINKS WITH KEN G’day everyone, welcome to Friday and Drinks with Ken, where I catch up with some writing and book friends for a relaxing drink and chat about all things writing, illustrating, books, and the industry. A chance to wind down and reflect on life as a creative, what the industry is doing, our place within it, and just how the writing life is treating everyone. Today I’ll be catching up with 3 people I love spending time with. Adrian Beck, Sarah Speedie, and Rory H Mather. /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/31834747

On Writing with Lian Tanner 06/19/2024

On Writing with Lian Tanner On Writing with Lian Tanner – writing a sequel, a first draft, where to begin a story and why On today’s show, we chat to a legend children’s author about everything writing. How to write a sequel. How to write each draft. Where to begin your story and why. And, even how to work with editors. Today’s special guest is one of the most creative and imaginative authors in the country. Her characterisation, imagination, and sheer storytelling expertise engage her readers from the moment they pick up her books. She’s popped in today to chat about her latest book, as well as offer up tips and tricks on the craft. Everyone please welcome, the amazing Lian Tanner. Plus, Liv reviews My Dad is the Best by Nic McPickle and Tommy Doyle /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/31805287

Bring on the Poets 06/04/2024

Bring on the Poets Joel McKerrow On Today's show, we’re slamming some poetry your way. We’ve got one of the country’s best and most sought-after poets who is showing our kids how cool this genre is. Plus, we chat about an awesome graphic novel born from brush of this amazing poet. Today's guest is an award-winning writer, keynote speaker, creativity specialist, children's author, educator and, having performed for hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world, is one of Australia’s most successful performance poets. He’s represented Australia in the World of Slam Poetry, which we’ll hear more about shortly, along with his new graphic novel series, please welcome the mind-blowingly brilliant, /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/31593172

An author. A Duck. And an Octopus 05/31/2024

An author. A Duck. And an Octopus On today’s show, we chat to an Aussie author about different ways to write, places to write, various opportunities, magazines, and of course, picture books. Plus, Liv reviews an amazing picture book perfect for kids everywhere. Today’s special guest has been a Deputy Editor of a magazine, a copywriter, a travel columnist for an in-flight magazine, a podcast host, and a picture book author. Her book Walking Your Human was read by Sarah Ferguson on Fergie and Friends, was released in the USA, UK, and translated into Korean. And, she’s popped in today to chat about her latest book, all about an octopus and a duck. To tell us all about it, along with her working process and a writing tip or two along the way, please welcome the wonderful, /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/31546547

To and Fro. On writing a book from your own experiences. 05/29/2024

To and Fro. On writing a book from your own experiences. To and Fro. On writing a book from your own experiences On today’s show, we chat to the author of an amazing book of self-identity, the author’s own experiences, and how to write a book that means so much to the author. Plus, Liv reviews two fun picture books that you’ll sure to want for your collection. Today’s special guest enjoys writing stories that make children laugh. His stories explore themes of self-identity, family relationships and friendship, drawing from his experiences of being a black person with light-skin, growing up in a large adoptive family and raising four children. Everybody please welcome, /episode/index/show/readingwithachanceoftacos/id/31511152

Reading with a chance of tacos

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