KidLit Review 2026

This October at girl&duck is officially KidLit Review 2026. Join us as we review the year so far in Children’s Literature. One entire month of get-togethers, Q&As and discussions of all things children’s literature.

Purchase your KidLit Review 2026 tickets here:

Single Payment: $150 (includes GST)

Payment Plan: $75 per month for two months (includes GST)

Everyone keeps saying things are tough in kidlit these days.

Tougher than usual. Publishers are more selective, and their budgets are tighter.

Book shops are under the pump. And it’s harder than ever to find a publisher if you don’t have an agent. (In many cases, it seems impossible.) What can we do in the face of all that?

Well, we can keep the faith, roll up our sleeves and keep doing the verk!

AND…

We can also do our research. Talk to the right people.

That’s why, this year in KidLit Review, we’re not having sessions with creatives. We LOVE creatives (let me count the ways).

But in 2026 we need info that is more ‘strategy’ focussed.

This year we have booked THREE speakers from the business side of publishing. We want advice that’s not conjecture or gossip but is straight from the coalface.

•Eva Mills is Publishing Director, Children’s and YA Books, Allen & Unwin.

•Michael Earp is a non-binary writer and the current owner of the iconic Little Bookroom in Melbourne (a specialist children’s bookstore that’s been in action since 1960).

•Alex Adsett is a highly experienced Literary Agent and Publishing Consultant.

Each of these brilliant professionals have agreed to join us in KidLit Review, to answer all our burning questions (via live Zoom sessions).

That’s three Q&A sessions during the merry month of October.

The sessions are spaced so you can catch your breath in between. And all sessions are recorded in case you can’t make it live or if you want to rewatch.

You don’t have to be a member of Cafe Quack to join us.

All you need is a one-time ticket and you’re in. For the entire month of October!

Purchase your KidLit Review 2026 tickets here:

Single Payment: $150 (includes GST)

Payment Plan: $75 per month for two months (includes GST)

KidLit Review 2026. The Running Sheet.

One fabulous month in Facebook and Zoom, reviewing the year so far. With Q&A Zoom sessions from:

Wednesday October 7, 12.30pm – 1.30pm AEDT Alex Adsett

Alex Adsett (Literary Agent/ Publishing Consultant)

ALEX ADSETT is a literary agent and publishing consultant with 30 years’ experience working in the publishing and bookselling industry. She launched her own agency in 2008, and Alex Adsett Literary now includes four literary agents, and represents over 50 authors and illustrators, including Melissa Lucashenko, Amy Doak, Isobelle Carmody, Hannah Sommerville, and many more. As a consultant, Alex has helped thousands of authors negotiate their publishing deals and advocate for their rights. She regularly speaks on copyright and contracts around Australia, and is an alumni of the Australia Council Arts Leaders Program.

Friday October 9, 12.30pm – 1.30pm AEDT Michael Earp

Michael Earp (Writer/Bookseller)

MICHAEL EARP is a non-binary writer and bookseller living in Naarm, the editor of Everything Under the Moon: Fairy tales in a queerer light, Kindred: 12 Queer #LoveOzYA Stories, Out-Side: Queer Words and Art from Regional Victoria and co-edited Avast! Pirate Stories From Transgender Authors with Alison Evans. They have a teaching degree and a Masters in children’s literature and have worked between bookselling and publishing for over twenty-four years as a children’s literature specialist. They are the owner of The Little Bookroom and have previously been awarded the Australian Booksellers Association Bookseller of the year.

Wednesday October 21, 12.30pm – 1.30pm AEDT Eva Mills

Eva Mills (Publishing Director, Allen & Unwin):

EVA MILLS is the Publishing Director, Books for Children and Young Adults, at Allen & Unwin in Melbourne. In a previous life, she studied statistics and worked in social research, before realising she should be editing books instead. Eva has worked in children’s and YA publishing since 1999, including some time as a freelance editor and two years at Random House Australia. Since returning to Allen & Unwin in 2005 she has worked with many of Australia’s best writers and illustrators for children, and now manages the exceptional team of publishers, editors and designers who make up Allen & Unwin’s Books for Children and Young Adults division.

And of course I’ll be there every day to say hello, help with any hiccups and steer the quacky ship!

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.

Purchase your KidLit Review 2026 tickets here:

Single Payment: $150 (includes GST)

Payment Plan: $75 per month for two months (includes GST)

KidLit Review 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is KidLit Review 2026?

KidLit Review 2026 is a month-long online festival celebrating the joy, craft, and business of children’s literature. Hosted by Jen Storer and girl&duck, the event features three expert presenters, each sharing their wisdom and advice via interactive Q&A sessions.

1. Is this a book review event?

No. Despite the name, KidLit Review is not a book review showcase. It’s a deep dive into the business of KidLit, designed to inform and support writers, illustrators, and anyone passionate about children’s books.

1. Who are the presenters?

Three leading voices in the kidlit world will join us this year. Each brings a unique perspective across key categories in the business, marketing and creation of high quality children’s literature.

Presenters appearing this year:

Alex Adsett is a Literary Agent and Publishing Consultant.
Michael Earp is a non-binary writer and current owner of the iconic Little Bookroom in Melbourne (a specialist children’s bookstore that’s been in action since 1960. It’s the oldest kidlit bookstore in the world!).
Eva Mills is a Children’s and YA Book Publishing Director at Allen & Unwin.

1. What does my ticket include?

Access to all presentations (Zoom links will be emailed). Bonus content and creative resources held within Cafe Quack. Replays of all sessions (watch anytime during the month). Full access to Cafe Quack, our private Facebook group where you’ll find community, connection, discussion, and extra support from Jen.

1. How much does it cost to attend?

Ticket Price: $150 AUD or payment option: $75 AUD per month for two months All tickets grant full access to the month-long celebration and the recordings.

Purchase your KidLit Review 2026 tickets here:

Single Payment: $150 (includes GST)

Payment Plan: $75 per month for two months (includes GST)

1. Who is this event for?

KidLit Review 2026 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 Facebook group?

Cafe Quack is a fully-curated, private Facebook group. It adds a vibrant community layer to your 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

Purchase your KidLit Review 2026 tickets here:

Single Payment: $150 (includes GST)

Payment Plan: $75 per month for two months (includes GST)