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 before him. He's travelled the world with stories, and he's popped in to chat with us today about his journey and his work as publisher of EK Books. We'll get a good look at publishing from the other side of the submissions desk. So everybody please welcome, Nathan Thomas

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 wings. He's a favourite friend of the show, who loves chatting about the craft of creating picture books, and what it takes to turn writing picture books into a career, everybody please give it up for Rory H Mather.

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 award-winning Australian children's author and illustrator whose playful, imaginative picture books delight young readers across the world. She's popped in today to chat about her latest book, Dear Humans, We Stole Your Crayon, and she'll share with us her creative process from idea to finished book, her chats with her publisher, and discuss the importance of believing in yourself as a creator, even when self-doubt creeps in. So, everybody please give a huge cheer for the one and only, Anna McGregor!

On today's show, we chat to a picture book author about the timeless connection between grandparents and grandchildren. As well as the process of sharing dialogue and connections with kids in our stories. Plus, Liv has her own special guest drop in for today's book review. ​ Today's special guest was born in Adelaide, South Australia and she's been telling stories ever since. Although she spent over ten years crafting nonfiction articles for magazines, she finally realised her real love was writing the stories for young people that blossom in her imagination. She is the author of eight books, seven of which are for children. And, she's popped in today to share her journey with us, as well as her latest picture book, Me and You. Everybody, please welcome, Ellie Royce.

What Makes a Good Illustrator? On today's show, we chat illustrations with a legend of over 30 years of producing quality artwork. We look at what makes a good illustrator. Is it consistency? Is it a unique style and brand? Is it knowing what jobs to take on and what to leave alone? So much to consider as we go behind the scenes with one of my all-time favourite creators of books for kids. Plus, Liv reviews a picture book with too many dogs. Today's special guest is a multi-award-winning Australian illustrator based in Sydney, with over two decades of experience in children's literature. His distinctive style has brought to life numerous beloved stories, including "My Dad Thinks He's Funny," "Why I Love Footy," and the "Sporty Kids" series. His work extends beyond books; he's contributed editorial illustrations to major newspapers like The Australian and The Weekend Australian. His latest picture book, "The Train at the End of My Street," continues his tradition of capturing the whimsy and wonder of childhood through vibrant illustrations. And, he's popped in today to share his incredible journey with us, along with his timeless knowledge of the craft, so everybody please welcome the amazing, Tom Jellett.

How Beautiful is our world? On today's show, we chat to one of this country's finest picture book authors about writing humour along with serious and important stories for kids. We chat about planning stories, writing stories, where stories come from, where humour comes from, and a brand-new book showcasing our beautiful world. Today's special guest is an internationally published children's author based in Melbourne. She loves to write stories filled with humour and heart. Her debut picture book Mozzies Vs Flies was shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards 2022. Her second picture book, Meowster Chef, has been translated into Spanish and Italian. One of her recent books, Wild About Book Week has gone so well, not only is it in reprint, but her publishers have asked her to write another in the series. She's popped in to share all this with us, as well as an uplifting story that means so much to her, and a topic that should mean so much to us all, everybody please welcome our beautiful author, Sarah Speedie

Dreaming up stories On today's show, Liv and I chat to a kids author who is making a splash in 2025. With multiple books out this year, we explore stories, storytelling and the process of making dreams come true. Plus, Liv reviews a classic CBCA winning book. Today's special guest has loved books since she was a little girl. Her parents still tease her because at 4-years-old they took her to see Beauty and the Beast and all she was interested in was the scene with the giant library. "So many books!" She's popped in today to share her love of storytelling, how she comes up with her ideas, and the process she's used for making dreams come true. Everybody please welcome the wonderful, Millie Lewis.

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.