how to write for kids

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.

Neurodiversity in books – with Ky Garvey, Kate Foster and Michelle Worthington

On today’s show we chat with 3 amazing creators who live in neurodiverse families. We discuss what the publishing industry looks like for kids and families living with neurodiversity, what’s still needed, and why it’s crucial to our industry that we cater for everyone’s needs.  

Today’s guests are the incredible Ky Garvey. The dynamic Michelle Worthington. And, the awesome Kate Foster

DANZ Awards: https://www.thedanzchildrensbookaward.com/

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 fun picture book and her amazing author process.

Bethany Clark is a writer, editor, and a strategic communications consultant who after many years working behind the scenes in the publishing industry found herself as the chief manager of snacks for a small child. 

Her debut children’s picture book You’ve got yogurt in your nostrils is a joyous celebration of the glorious mess babies create when they learn to eat. It’s published by Affirm Press and is in stores now. And to tell us all about it, along with her author journey, and perhaps even a few tips on marketing a book, please welcome, Bethany Clark.

Tips on Writing a Graphic Novel

Sean E Avery is the international best-selling author of Frank’s Red Hat. He’s popped in today to share his process of writing a graphic novel.

He shares how he taps into what kids want, what kids find funny, and how to format a graphic novel. With strong characters and a willingness to write a page per day, Sean shows how a graphic novel comes together. And, we chat about his new graphic novel, Friendly Bee.

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Mary Anastasiou is the author of the successful ‘I want to be…’ series of picture books. As well as the Creative Director of Larrikin House Books.

She’s popped in today to share her latest picture book Jimmy Bottoms and some tips on the craft of writing. How ideas are formed and how to run with them no matter the topic. 

Dannika Patterson began as a copywriter for small business before finding the courage to follow her dream and become a children’s author. She now has over a dozen books published and in stores.

She’s popped in today to share her author journey and help us to find the sparks in our stories. Everybody please welcome the wonderful, Dannika Patterson.

Plus, Rory H Mather drops in to share what's going on in the world of children's literature, in a segment we call, What's the Story, Rory?

Molly Burnham was the 2016 winner of the Sid Fleischman Award for Humour.

She’s popped in to talk about her latest book, The Infinite Questions of Dotti Bing. A book that finds humour in a heartfelt tale of grief and loss.

She’s popped in to share the book as well as some amazing tips on character building, being a question asker, the importance of humour, how humour can anchor a story, finding the heart and soul of your story, and a how to find your beginning.

Everybody, please welcome the wonderful and amazing, Molly Burnham.

In 2022 we aired over 70 episodes full of amazing kid lit creators sharing thier creative journeys, offering up awesome writing and illustration tips, and bringing such enthusiasm and joy for kids books. 

So, before we kick off our 2023 episodes, here's a variety of clips from last year. There's no real theme, but there is an enormous amount of inspirational advice on the craft of writing for kids from some of the best in the business. I'm sure you'll find more than a few gems to assist your creative journey. 

For more information on any of our amazing guests, including links to books and more, jump onto our website at www.readingwithachanceoftacos.com

Today's guest talks to thousands of people around the world on the topic of writing books for kids, so we know what she has to say is always such awesome advice.

She is the author of the best-selling Alice-Miranda series, Kenzy and Max series, the Clementine Rose series, and now the amazing Willa and Woof series of books.

She’s popped in to chat all about Willa and Woof, share her author journey and share a little of what she’s learned along the way. Everybody please welcome, an icon of the Aussie Book Industry, Jacqueline Harvey.

For every child practicing their new instrument and the parents and teachers helping them along the way, this picture book celebrates the joy of unexpected friendship through music.

Young readers will love the appealing characters and carefully drawn settings. Two cultures, two instruments, one piece of music; the inclusion of a playable tune is a bonus!

Today’s guest grew up in Canada before moving to Australia and raising her family. She has a Master’s Degree in English Literature and has worked as a technical writer, and a high school teacher, before turning her hand to writing books for kids.

Her latest picture book, inspired by a love of classical music, is Violin and Cello. Not only a beautiful story of two young people connecting through music, but the book also itself has music running through its very pages.

Ingrid Laguna shares her writing journey as we discuss what writing is. What it means to us. What we can acheive through writing. And how to go about it.

Today’s guest is a dynamic and engaging author and educator. She worked as the Education Advisor for the Melbourne Writers Festival Schools’ Program. She taught at an intensive English Language school for migrant and refugee-background schools that inspired two best-selling and amazing books, Songbird and Sunflower.

She is passionate about connecting with people, particularly young people in reading, writing and finding a voice.