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.
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Creativity and a Giraffe named Jeff
05/02/2024
Creativity and a Giraffe named Jeff
Creativity and a Giraffe named Jeff On today’s show, we go from Sea Cucumbers to Giraffes, from Wombats to Snails. We find out if the right page of a book is better than the left. And we chat to one of the most creative authors in the country about creativity, how she comes up with ideas, and a giraffe named Jeff. Plus, Liv reviews two new books. Today’s special guest is a great friend of the show. An Award-Winning Author, whose love of animals and rhyme has seen her publish seven hilarious books that kids want to read again and again. She’s popped in today to share her latest picture book, one of the funniest books you’ll read this year. Everybody please welcome, the wonderful, the creative Amelia McInerney. Plus, Liv reviews two new picture books: This is my Book by Tim Harris and Heidi McKinnon What are the stars for? by Margeaux Davis
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This is my Happy Place
04/30/2024
This is my Happy Place
This is my Happy Place On today’s show we ask, where’s your happy place? And chat to an author all about her happy place, her writing journey, and how to get into writing books for kids. Plus, Liv reviews two amazing new picture books: Dinosaur in my Pocket and Tree. Today’s special guest’s love of words, fashion, travel and everyday family life has seen her write fun, feel-good books which showcase contemporary culture and capture the joy of childhood. Her first picture book, Wonderful Shoes, was a CBCA Notable Book and appeared on TV Playschool’s Storytime. She’s popped in today to chat about her latest picture book, This is my Happy Place, to tell us about her incredible author journey, and offer up a few tips on the craft. Everybody please welcome, Emma Bowd.
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Saturday is Pancake Day
04/23/2024
Saturday is Pancake Day
Saturday is Pancake Day On today’s show we chat about pancakes, creating stories, and the process of writing picture books. And Liv reviews not one, but three amazing new picture books. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be huge. Today’s special guest grew up in a magical world with animals great and small, from rabbits and mice to dogs and cats, to goats and horses. So, it’s no wonder her stories are full of magic and animals. Initially studying to be a youth worker, she soon found that it was writing stories that made her happy. She loves to sit in a café with her laptop and write stories where the characters are learning to find their way through big emotions that are a part of life. She’s popped in today to chat about her latest story titled, Saturday is Pancake Day. To tell us all about this delicious book, everybody please welcome, Bernadette Green. Plus Liv reviews: Everyone Wants an Octopus Book Listen Hippo This is my Happy Place
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Gathering a Body of Work – what to do while you’re waiting to be published.
03/20/2024
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 Sloth Series, along with her author journey, and process for writing award-winning books. Everybody please welcome, Aleesah Darlison.
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Where is Cheeky Monster?
02/29/2024
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 Carlton Melbourne. Check them out here:
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A Chat with Nat
02/27/2024
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 into the UK, US, Italy, China, Estonia and Romania. She’s popped in today to chat about her latest series which I think we’re going to hear a lot more of real soon, along with her incredible author journey, tips and tricks on the craft, and generally a whole lot of laughs, everyone please welcome, the super-energetic and dynamic, Nat Amoore.
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The author who persisted
02/20/2024
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 illustrator has a whopping 30 books here and internationally, ranging from picture, baby board, Non-fictions, and chapter books. Her Picture book with author Lisa Shanahan received a short list medal for the Prime Ministers literary awards. 65000 copies were then distributed to the children of Victoria for their prep bags. Everybody please welcome Rory H Mather and Binny Talib.
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The Beehive with Megan Daley
02/16/2024
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-president of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, she is also a regular literary judge, festival curator and co-host of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast. And if that’s not busy enough, she is a public speaker who inspires parents, caregivers, educators, and librarians to nurture a lifelong love of reading. She’s popped in today to share her absolutely incredible journey, along with her new picture book, The Beehive. Please welcome the amazing
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How to be creative and stand out from the crowd
02/12/2024
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 Colouroos, Anemone is Not the Enemy, A Pair of Pears and an Orange, and the dazzling Who’s Afraid of the Light?. She’s popped in today to share her creative process, her thoughts and tips on being creative, along with her new book, Spiro. Everybody, please welcome the super creative,
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How to be a ground-breaking, top-selling author
02/08/2024
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 Literature. But what I’ve noticed more than anything is the excitement and enthusiasm he still has for children’s books. He is one of life’s all-rounders. He’s been an actor and a regular on one of Australia’s most famous television series, he broke national records in his youth as a swimmer. And as an author, hit the top-sellers list with a series that got reluctant young readers interested in books. He’s popped in today to chat about his amazing life, his career, and offers up fantastic tips and insight on the craft of writing, and how to go about being an author. Everybody please welcome, the amazing kid lit legend, Felice Arena.
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Finding your Creative Path
02/05/2024
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 and working for a gigantic mining company, before taking stock of what was really important – realising his childhood dream, to be a storyteller. When his children were born, he found his life-calling as a Dad. And with it, the second half of his career – the storyteller. To tell us about his incredible journey into the kid lit world, along with his hilarious new picture book Baboon in a Balloon, please welcome the incredible storyteller extraordinaire,
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Our Australian Heart
02/02/2024
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 at Just Write for Kids, have given this opportunity to new and aspiring illustrators to get involved in this exciting and important project. So, to chat all about the book, together with their love of art, process for making art, their journey into the kidlit world, and reasons why this book is so important, please welcome, Romi Sharp, Carla Hoffenberg, and Rachael Robertson. To find out more about Just write for Kids,
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Wear a Purple Poppy to Remember War Animals
01/31/2024
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 I think kids at school, and their teachers, along with their family will love and cherish. To chat about her author journey and her latest picture book, Wear a Purple Poppy, please welcome, Fiona White.
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Publishing Picture Books with Mary Anastasiou
01/23/2024
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 publish children’s books. Everybody please welcome, Mary Anastasiou.
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Writing Decodable Books for Early Readers
01/15/2024
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 series of decodable books called the Fox Kid series. To tell us all about phonics and decodable books, why they’re so important for early readers, along with his process and tips on the craft, please welcome the one and only, Adrian Beck. Check out
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So Many Self Publishing Tips
01/13/2024
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 before being drawn back into her passion for children’s literature. Her first book, Looking for Lily was shortlisted in the West Australian Young Readers’ Book Awards, and her latest book, Mavey and Beth’s Double Act is out now and ripping it up in stores. She’s an indie author who’s learned through hard work and dedication how to write, produce, and sell children’s books, and she’s popped in today to share a taco, along with her process, tips and tricks for self-publishing. Everybody, please give a huge welcome to the awesome Kristy Nita Brown.
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Neurodiversity in Books
01/11/2024
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: https://www.thedanzchildrensbookaward.com/
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The journey of a picture book – from a manuscript to a bookstore
12/21/2023
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 (published by Five Mile Books) coming out in January 2024. It’s titled, The Dinosaur Did it! but I don’t know that it did. To find out, along with her amazing author journey to publication and her awesome plans to market the book, please put your hands together for the inspiring, go-getting, creative talent that is, Ruth McGurk.
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Writing Magic for Kids with Sarah Armstrong
12/15/2023
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 found kids books and that’s where she’s stayed. To tell us all about her amazing journey and her latest hit book series Big Magic and Magic Awry, please welcome the amazing, Sarah Armstrong.
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Illustrating picture books with Briony Stewart
12/06/2023
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 Shadow Catchers won the Queensland Literary Award, and in 2012 she was selected by the British Council as one of 3 Australian Artists under 30, excelling in their creative field, for the Realize Your Dream Awards and spent 9 months in the UK developing as a children’s author and illustrator. To tell us all about her author/illustrator journey and her latest book, Gymnastica Fantastica, please welcome the wonderful, Briony Stewart.
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Susanne Gervay Interview
12/01/2023
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 Asia and Africa, a Committee Member of Books in Homes, a former Chair of Writers NSW, an Australia Day Ambassador, and her work has been included in anthologies together with Sir Salmon Rushdie, David Malouf, and Thomas Keneally. I could go on and on, because there is still so much more. And, she is still writing and publishing books today. To tell us all about it, along with tips on the craft of writing and creating amazing literature, please welcome the wonderful, the awe-inspiring, Susanne Gervay.
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What to expect when writing, illustrating, and self-publishing a picture book
11/28/2023
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 live there. It’s through these adventures, her travels, and a life well lived, that she has captured a story full of colour and passion for nature that she hopes will resonate with kids. And, she’s popped in today to share her journey with us. How she went about creating and then self-publishing her story and what she’s learned about the process that she can share with us.
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How a children’s book legend self-published
11/23/2023
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 wide range of age groups from picture books such as Yobbos do Yoga and junior fiction such as Jetty Rats, to the young adult novel Swerve, shortlisted for the 2010 Prime Minister's Award. He’s popped in today to chat all about his amazing career and how he has self-published his latest picture book which is a real work of art. Everybody please welcome, the legend that is, Phillip Gwynne. To find out more about Phillip and Grandma's First Tattoo: https://yafflerpress.carrd.co/
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The Taco Awards 2023
11/20/2023
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?
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Helping Children Process Grief
11/17/2023
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 Ryan Abramowitz. C for Narratives of Nature.
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Kimmy the queen of the dingoes
11/09/2023
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. 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 Dobbie Literary Award and the ABIA Newcomer of the year Award in 2012. She’s popped in today, to chat about a tale of incredible courage and survival. A true story of Kimmi, Queen of the Dingoes. And, I just love this book so much! So please everybody welcome the incredible storyteller that is Favel Parrett. to get your tickets to The Big Bookish Arvo.
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Let's Go Shopping, Grandma
11/06/2023
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.
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Bertie and the Ginger Cat
11/03/2023
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. 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 greeting cards, stationery, jigsaws, and now picture books. She’s popped in today to share an amazing author/ illustrator journey with us, how her story came about and developed into a picture book with the magnificent team at Red Paper Kite. Everybody please welcome, Bex Parkin.
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Helping kids to enjoy Dreamtime Stories
10/30/2023
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! 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 tell us all about it. So, everyone please welcome the wonderful and amazing Tasma Walton.
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You've got yogurt in your nostrils
10/26/2023
You've got yogurt in your nostrils
On today's show, we have Liv at the newsdesk with the latest kid lit news, including Plus, we chat to a debut author about a fun picture book and her amazing author process. 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 nostrils is a joyous celebration of the glorious mess babies create when they learn to eat. It’s published by Affirm Press and is in stores now. And to tell us all about it, along with her author journey, and perhaps even a few tips on marketing a book, please welcome, Bethany Clark.
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