Reading with a chance of tacos
Episodes
A Final Catch up for 2025
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On today's show, we chat with two Aussie Kidlit Legends to round out 2025. Adrian Beck and Rory H Mather drop by for a drink, a chat, and a few tip...
Oceanforged
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amelia Mellor On today's show, we chat about the challenges of writing a series, how to build fantastical worlds, and the magic behind Oceanforged!...
How to be an Author of a Graphic Novel
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to be an author of a graphic novel On today's show, we chat about a manuscript that was the first ever graphic novel shortlisted for Hardie G...
Minimal words. Maximum impact.
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Minimal words. Maximum impact. On Today's show, we chat to 3 amazing authors, including the publisher of Wombat Books to discuss thier Rhiza Shorts ...
Brains That Buzz: Publishing, Picture Books & Neurodiversity
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brains That Buzz: Publishing, Picture Books & Neurodiversity On today's show, we're joined by the dynamic duo behind My Super-Charged ADHD Brain –...
My Name is Jemima
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On today's show, we chat about turning a brilliant idea for a story into one of this year's must-read picture books. We chat to the inspiration behi...
The Power of Picture Books and Finding the Funny
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Gerard Bauer On today's show, we chat about how one of Australia's favourite picture book authors gets his stories, how they often devel...
Poppy's Monster
07 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Poppy's Monster On today's show, we chat about monsters. Those monsters our kids grapple with in their daily lives and their storybooks. Plus, ...
Is this a new publishing trend?
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is this a new publishing trend? Complete series out in a year On today's show, we chat with an international award-winning author about an awesome...
Storytelling with Authenticity
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Storytelling with authenticity On today's show, we chat with an author about storytelling with authenticity, and the process of writing stories...
Me and You and LIv and AB
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
I Can Do That! I Can Write a Book!
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I can do that! I can write a book! On today's show, we follow an author with a "Can Do" attitude through her publishing journey. From mastering...
What Makes a Good Illustrator?
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
An Interview with Chat GPT
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An interview with Chat GPT AI and the Future of authors On today's show, we chat to one of the world's quirkiest digital assistants. We get th...
Our Beautiful World
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 serio...
How to create, publish, and market stories in the modern world
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to create, publish, and market stories in the modern world On today's show, we chat about graphic novels, appreciating stories of all kinds...
Dreaming up Stories
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Challenging traditional publishing norms
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Challenging traditional publishing norms An honest look at Clutterbugs, publishing and carving out a path to creativity On today's show, w...
My Mum is a Bird
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
Luna's World. The Process of a Series in the Making
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Luna's World. The Process of a Series in the Making On today's show, Liv and I chat to a teacher librarian who has helped transform school librarie...
Want the world to hear your stories?
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 produc...
Kidlit Community, Book Deals, and Frogs
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 anot...
How to Write Rhyme and Acquire 20 Book Contracts
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to write Rhyme and acquire 20 Book contracts On today's show, we chat to one of Australia's up and coming picture book stars. In the last 6-yea...
Making reading fun for kids
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Making Reading Fun for Kids With one of Australia's finest comedy writers, David Lawrence. On today's show, we chat to one of Australia's funniest c...
Don't Fall for the Trick
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Don' t Fall for the Trick A guide to smashing gender stereotypes On today's show, we uncover the trick that has foiled humans for generations. A...
The Little Love List
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On today's show, we chat to a publishing expert who has represented Australia at an amazing overseas book Festival. You've got to hear of this amazi...
The Young Australians Best Book Awards 2025
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Y...
The Future of Storytelling
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
The Best Self-Publishing Advice for Picture Books
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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'v...
An Amazing Author Journey of Persistence
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Kev Trev Kylie and Ken
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Book Reviews with Liv
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 pictur...
Writing Great Characters for Books, TV, and Life
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Writing Great Characters for Books, TV, and Life On today's show, we chat about great character writing, various ways of developing character...
An Illustrator for the World Market
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Binny Talib 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...
Thinking outside the Box
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
Make a commitment to getting published with Mo Davey
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 rev...
Hi From Outer Space
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Importance of a writers group
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
A chat with Mr Luke - promoting on social media
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Kindness Project
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Writing a verse novel, process, self-doubts, taking feedback, killing your darlings, moving your reader Today's special guest is a multi-award...
A Chat with Andrea, Hayley, and David
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 fun...
The Magical World of Numbers and Shapes
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
What does a Publicist do?
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
A catch up with Adrian, Sarah, and Rory
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ch...
On Writing with Lian Tanner
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 au...
Bring on the Poets
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 showin...
An author. A Duck. And an Octopus
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On today's show, we chat to an Aussie author about different ways to write, places to write, various opportunities, magazines, and of course, pict...
To and Fro. On writing a book from your own experiences.
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Creativity and a Giraffe named Jeff
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
This is my Happy Place
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, a...
Saturday is Pancake Day
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Saturday is Pancake Day On today's show we chat about pancakes, creating stories, and the process of writing picture books. And Liv reviews n...
Gathering a Body of Work – what to do while you're waiting to be published.
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 auth...
Where is Cheeky Monster?
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 writ...
A Chat with Nat
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The author who persisted
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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'...
The Beehive with Megan Daley
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 te...
How to be creative and stand out from the crowd
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 kid...
How to be a ground-breaking, top-selling author
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Finding your Creative Path
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 focussi...
Our Australian Heart
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 celeb...
Wear a Purple Poppy to Remember War Animals
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 popp...
Publishing Picture Books with Mary Anastasiou
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Publishing Picture Books with Mary Anastasiou On today's show we look inside two publishing houses with Mary Anastasiou. We talk about what sh...
Writing Decodable Books for Early Readers
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
So Many Self Publishing Tips
13 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Neurodiversity in Books
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Neurodiversity in books – with Ky Garvey, Kate Foster and Michelle Worthington On today's show we chat with 3 amazing creators who live in ne...
The journey of a picture book – from a manuscript to a bookstore
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Writing Magic for Kids with Sarah Armstrong
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Illustrating picture books with Briony Stewart
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Illustrating picture books with Briony Stewart On today's show we chat about illustrating picture books, writing picture books, we look at the...
Susanne Gervay Interview
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
What to expect when writing, illustrating, and self-publishing a picture book
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 pass...
How a children's book legend self-published
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Taco Awards 2023
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Helping Children Process Grief
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Helping Children Process Grief Ryan Abramowitz, as well as being an amazing artist, writer, and storyteller, has a lived experience of losing his f...
Kimmy the queen of the dingoes
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Let's Go Shopping, Grandma
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Bertie and the Ginger Cat
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 illustr...
Helping kids to enjoy Dreamtime Stories
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 her...
You've got yogurt in your nostrils
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Early Childhood Book of the Year winner
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
This Book is a Time Machine
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
The Emu Wars with J A Bryden
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Christmas Train with Mike Lucas
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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!) Stop...
The Process of Writing a Novel with Jack Heath
08 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jack Heath submitted his first manuscript to a publisher at age seventeen, and the book became his first international bestseller! How about that! A...
A Footy Tail with Alex Johnston
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 boo...
Aggie Flea is not a liar with Tania Ingram
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tania Ingram was a child psychologist before becoming an author of picture books and novels including the rollicking Jinny and Cooper series. When s...
A Story of Courage and Resilience with Rebecca LIm
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rebecca Lim is an award-winning Australian writer, illustrator, editor and the author of over twenty books, including Tiger Daughter (a CBCA Book of...
Raine in the Underlands with Emma Greville
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to Find the Inspiration to write for Kids
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 to Write Middle Grade Like a Pro!
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 interna...
Tips on promoting yourself and your books
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Publicity is so important in every step of your journey. How you present yourself to publishers and to the community, and how you promote your work ...
The Lucky Shack with Apsara Baldovino
10 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Apsara Baldovino began her career in magazine publishing before moving into writing stories for children who dream of owning a real unicorn! Apsara'...
Jawsome with RJ Timmis
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bec Timmis left high school and studied animation at Griffith University's Queensland College of Art before branching out into design and illustratio...
Love Me Love My ADHD
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chrissie Davies is a child behaviour expert, trauma informed educator, consultant, writer, guest speaker, loving mama of two, and passionate advocate...
I am Lupe with Sela Ahosivi Atiola
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sela Ahosivi Atiola is a Tongan Australian writer from Sydney Australia. She is a mother and early childhood educator with a Bachelor of Social Scien...
Ruby and the Pen with David Lawrence
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
David Lawrence is one of Australia's funniest comedy writers. He has written for Hamish and Andy, Talking About Your Generation, and a variety of othe...
How to write with a partner
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hilary Rogers began her career in publishing. As a Commissioning Editor, Hilary helped co-create many of Australia's most beloved series, including...
Storm with Jane Bunn
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jane Bunn is a meteorologist and a weather presenter on Channel 7 Melbourne. As well as seeing her each night on the tely, today's guest has poppe...
Hello Twigs with Andrew and Ben
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guests are the co-creators, author and illustrator of the smash hit series that's taken the world by storm, The Real Pigeons. And now, this d...
Time-travel with Nean McKenzie
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Being Jimmy Baxter with Fiona Lloyd
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fiona Lloyd hails from Newcastle in the Northeast of England where, as a child, she dreamed of being an author in a country cottage like Enid Blyton o...