234 episodes

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.

Reading with a chance of tacos Taco Community

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 17 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

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.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Where is Cheeky Monster?

    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: Readings Kids Bookstore

    • 41 min
    A Chat with Nat

    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.

    • 42 min
    The author who persisted

    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.

    • 32 min
    The Beehive with Megan Daley

    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.

    • 42 min
    How to be creative and stand out from the crowd

    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, Anna McGregor.

    • 31 min
    How to be a ground-breaking, top-selling author

    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.

    • 45 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
17 Ratings

17 Ratings

tidlit ,

Fun and informative

A fun and friendly podcast about kids books and their creators. Great to get the inside story behind the books and find out about the creators, as well as discover some great book recommendations. Thanks Ken and the team!

fashionsavvy ,

Love the show!!

One of my fav podcasts! Keep them coming!

roman_italic ,

SO GOOD!

Newbie to the show here … and currently binging on the whole catalogue!! Thank you for being a wonderful advocate for children’s publishing :-D Love the show!

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