Welcome
Reading with a chance of Tacos is a celebration of authors and illustrators – their journeys, amazing stories, awesome advice, and all the fun of kids books. So, come on in!
Luna’s World. The Process of a Series in the Making
From Teacher to Author
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.
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.
Kidlit Community, Book Deals, and Frogs
A Chat with Cassy Polimeni
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.
How to Write Rhyme and Acquire 20 Contracts
Rhyming with Rory
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!
Making Reading Fun for Kids
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.
The Young Australians Best Book Awards 2025
Why these awards are important to you as a creator, and vital to promoting our industry as a whole.
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: https://www.yabba.org.au/
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. All that and more
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.
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.
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. And, we’ll chat all about this process. Plus, Liv reviews two junior fiction masterpieces featuring swash-buckling mouse, and a world record breaking boy.
Today’s special guest is from the old country and grew up in a spooky three-hundred-year-old house among local legends, pixies, ghosts and fairies, in the tiny town of Hatherleigh in England. Years later, she moved to Western Australia, married, and had two magical children. It’s here that the magic of storytelling rekindled and latest picture book, about a dragon has just hit bookstore shelves.
To tell us all about it, along with her amazing and resilient author journey that all aspiring authors need to hear, please welcome Jeanette Stampone.
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.
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
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.
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 spectacular, Binny Talib.
Thinking Outside the Box with Jess Horn
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 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.
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.
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.
Everybody please welcome, Fiona Katauskas
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.
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 students, 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.
The Kindness Project
Writing a verse novel, process, self-doubts, taking feedback, killing your darlings, moving your reader
On today’s show, we chat to a writer and producer of a national kids’ TV show, and award-winning author of over 30 books for kids.
Today’s special guest is a multi-award-winning children’s author. She’s won YABBA’S, KOALA’S, 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.
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.
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
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 whole 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.
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.
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.
BRING ON THE POETS
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 special 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, Joel McKerrow.
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, Liz Ledden.
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.
He’s popped in today to chat about his debut novel, To and Fro, which draws on the experiences of being a black person with light skin, being adopted, finding your father late in life, and exploring self-identity, all with humour and heart. Everybody please welcome, Anton Clifford-Motopi.
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
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. And Liv reviews two amazing new picture books. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be huge.
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.
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.
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.
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: Readings Kids Bookstore
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.
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. All that and more it’s gunna be huge!
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.
To Book a spot at the Melbourne Launch, click on the Readings Bookstore Website Here
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 Megan Daley.
