KidLit Review

KidLit Review 2025

It’s KidLit Review 2025!

This October at girl&duck is officially KidLit Review 2025.Join us as we review the year so far in Children’s Literature.One entire month of get-togethers, presentations and discussions of all things children’s literature.We have a dedicated Facebook group where we can gather, share, compare and celebrate. Plus, we have FOUR fantastic speakers who can talk straight from the coalface and give us precious knowledge and insights across key categories in Children’s Literature.

KidLit Review 2025. The Running Sheet.

One delicious month, in Facebook and Zoom, reviewing the year so far. With Zoom presentations from:

Sunday October 12, 11am – 12pm Judith Rossell

Judith Rossell (Author/Illustrator): Illustrating and writing (divine and award winning) Middle Grade fiction. With particular emphasis on creating covers for middle grade and how that all works. It’s fascinating! This presentation will be of great interest to, um, everyone — but in particular to our artists and illustrators. Those who are busting to do covers and ‘stand alone’ illos of the kind that is unique in middle grade.

Sunday October 12, 2pm – 3pm Adrian Beck

Adrian Beck (Author/Illustrator): Market insights and current trends in Junior Fiction. Adrian’s masterclass in the Duck Pond was hugely successful and listed as a favourite. We know this presentation will be the same. Also, prepare to laugh… Please note, Judith Rossell and Adrian Beck are presenting on the same day. This is to provide a complete immersion day. It’s on a Sunday, too, so more people can make it live!

Wednesday October 15, 11am – 12pm Bridget Farmer

Bridget Farmer (Printmaker/Illustrator/Business Owner): Insights into indie publishing, (this will be of great interest to our mavericks!). Plus, the mechanics of running a creative business, and what goes into creating nonfiction Picture Books that sell (and win awards!). There is so much new stuff to learn from Bridget. I don’t think we’ve ever explored indie publishing in much depth so this session will be truly eye-opening.

Wednesday October 22, 12pm- 1pm Chren Byng

Chren Byng: Children’s Publisher at Hardie Grant. A live (and wonderful!) Q&A in Zoom. Chren is also a celebrated picture book author so can speak from both sides of the fence. Hoorah!
And of course I’ll be there every day to say hello, help with any hiccups and steer the quacky ship!

EXCLUSIVE BONUS for our KLR members!

Free access to a Submissions Portal with Hardie Grant Publishing.

Here’s how it will work:

Chren Byng’s Q&A is on Wednesday October 22, 12md – 1pm. (Chren is Children’s Publisher at Hardie Grant Publishing)
From the day of her Q&A, Chren will be accepting manuscript submissions from an exclusive portal.
Whoosh! Your submission will go straight to Hardie Grant Publishing!
The portal will be open for ONE MONTH from the day of Chren’s Q&A. Which means there’s less pressure; more time for you to polish and tweak your work.
Chren will also provide our community with a ‘submissions template’ to help guide and assist you with the process.
Remember, this bonus is only open to KLR ticket holders. This means your work will not be jostling amidst an enormous group of competitors as it would under normal circumstances.
It’s a month of connection, fun and laughter—of the kind you know so well from girl&duck. As always, everything is recorded so no-one misses out. You can catch up any time throughout the month of October.

KidLit Review 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is KidLit Review 2025?
KidLit Review 2025 is a month-long online festival celebrating the joy, craft, and community of children’s literature. Hosted by Jen Storer and girl&duck, the event features four expert presenters, each sharing their wisdom and creative insights through engaging sessions.
    1. Is this a book review event?
No. Despite the name, KidLit Review is not a book review showcase. It’s a celebration of kidlit creativity, designed to inspire and support writers, illustrators, and anyone passionate about children’s books.
    1. Who are the presenters?
Four leading voices in the kidlit world will present throughout the month. Each brings a unique perspective across key categories—from writing and illustrating to publishing and creative/business mindset. Presenters in order of appearance: Judith Rossell, Author/Illustrator Adrian Beck, Author/Illustrator Bridget Farmer, Printmaker/Creative Business Owner Chren Byng, Children’s Publisher, Hardie Grant
    1. What does my ticket include?
Access to all four expert presentations (Zoom links will be emailed). Bonus content and creative resources. Replays of all sessions (watch anytime during the month). A pop-up Facebook group for community connection, discussion, and extra inspiration.
    1. How much does it cost to attend?
All Access Ticket Price: $66 AUD Tickets grant full access to the month-long celebration.
    1. Who is this event for?
KidLit Review 2025 is ideal for: Aspiring and established children’s authors Illustrators, artists and other interested creatives Teachers, librarians, and educators Anyone curious about the world of kidlit
    1. Do I have to attend live?
No! All sessions are available on replay, so you can watch at your leisure throughout the month.
    1. What is the pop-up Facebook group?
The pop-up Facebook group is a private space for ticket holders to connect, share ideas, ask questions, and enjoy extra content during the festival. It’s open for the duration of the event and adds a vibrant community layer to the experience.
    1. How do I stay updated?
To stay in the loop, subscribe to the girl&duck newsletter. Or reach out to us at girlandduck@gmail.com