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 childre…

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.By Andrea Rowe, David Lawrence, Hayley Gannon, Ken Williams

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, …

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 …

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 l…

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 im…

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, child…

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, …

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…

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. T…

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 ha…

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 g…

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, h…

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 coun…

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 #…

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 f…

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 an…

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 he…

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…

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 Fo…

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 …

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…

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 …

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, …

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…

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 …

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 tha…

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 publ…

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 Literar…

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 …

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 h…

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 nove…

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, B…

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,…

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…

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 sh…

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 colo…

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 thei…

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 fou…

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. Ever…

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 o…

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 …

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 Austral…

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 em…

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 in…

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 Au…

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 abo…

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 toda…

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, h…

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 McGE…