Reading with a chance of tacos

Storytelling with authenticity   On today’s show, we chat with an author about storytelling with authenticity, and the process of writing stories that help kids deal with fear, grow to be resilient, and giving kids a sense of belonging.   Today’s special guest has a unique journey with storytelling that covers cultures, languages, and the spaces in between. It wasn't until adulthood that she rediscovered her love for reading through stories that finally felt relevant to her experience. This shaped her approach as both a teacher and school counsellor, where she used picture books to help students feel seen and develop a sense of belonging. Her professional work as a psychologist, alongside her experience raising three daughters, infuses her stories with themes of empowerment, resilience, and authenticity. Her recent book, Aslan and Benny, explores a boy confronting his fear of a very cute family dog. And her upcoming release, A Lemon for Safiya, beautifully weaves Arabic text throughout a powerful story about compassion and cultural connection. When she's not writing you can see her in the water as a qualified scuba diver! Everybody, please give a big welcome to the creative and talented Jemima Shafei-Ongu.

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.

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 rhyme, storytelling, attending conferences, getting involved in community, and each step of the way to publication. A must listen and a fun chat for all authors and illustrators looking to carve out their own creative careers.   Today’s special guest discovered the power of words and performance as a Drama Teacher, which ultimately led her to exploring children's literature. She is now a children's author based on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Inspired by her three children, her writing is a heartfelt celebration of the magical moments that define childhood – infused with love, humour, and a delightful splash of quirkiness. She’s popped in today to share her quirkiness along with her author journey. Everybody please welcome, Sharna Carter.

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.

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 the future straight from one of the world’s biggest AI Language Models! Yep, who better to ask than the number 1 bot in the business. We chat about what AI can and can’t do for children’s book creators, how authors and illustrators can use AI as a tool, and what is the future of creativity with AI. What is potentially exciting and what’s not.  Plus, Liv’s back to review a big bunch of brand-new books!   Today’s special guest is a friendly language model powered by OpenAI. Trained on a massive library of text, Chat GPT helps with words, ideas, and creative flow, but doesn’t have feelings, opinions, or a physical form. Instead, it likes to think of itself as the world’s quirkiest digital assistant who loves stories and tacos in equal measure. Please welcome, Chatty the AI Bot.