Picture Book Month 2026
June 2026 is Picture Book Month in Cafe Quack. And everyone is welcome!
That’s right, 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!
We have THREE fantastic speakers lined up — each giving us precious insights into all things picture book creation, pitching and promoting.
We also have a dedicated Facebook group (aka Cafe Quack) where we gather, share, learn and connect.
Grab Your Ticket
Tickets to Picture Book Month are only $75 AU (gst incl)
Secure your spot here >> CLICK TO BUY <<
Picture Book Month: The Running Sheet
One joyful and wildly creative month in Facebook and Zoom.
With Zoom presentations from:
Friday June 12, 12.30pm – 1.30 pm Lucinda Gifford
Lucinda Gifford (Author/Illustrator)
Presentation: Planning, Developing and Fine Tuning a Picture Book
Lucinda is a children’s book author and illustrator based in Melbourne Australia— and she also spends a lot time drawing in front of an audience.
She draws in notebooks, on digital screens, on easels and on huge bits of cartridge paper stuck to walls and windows.
Lucinda also uses a digital pencil with a Wacom tablet to do some of her illustrations, and usually uses Photoshop to put her final illustrations together. Sometimes she uses ProCreate on her iPad to draw with too – which is great for drawing when out and about.
Lucinda will be speaking about behind-the-scenes in picture books, including a discussion and explanation of storyboarding, how it works, what’s involved and how it can help us when writing (as well as illustrating) picture books.
Lucinda currently has 47 books to her credit, ten she has written herself.
Wednesday June 17, 12.30pm – 1.30pm Sarah Zweck
Sarah Zweck (Author/Illustrator):
Sarah Zweck is an award-winning Melbourne based illustrator and writer who enjoys making a glorious mess in her studio using traditional media.
She graduated from the University of Leeds in the UK with a BA (Hons) in Fashion Design and had the privilege of working as a childrenswear designer in London before embarking on a career in illustration.
In 2022, Sarah’s family moved to Melbourne, which she now calls home.
•Session will be recorded and available to ticket holders for 6 weeks post-presentation.
Friday June 19, 12.30pm – 1.30 pm Eve Tonelli
LIVE Q&A
Eve Tonelli (Publisher, Walker Books, Australia and New Zealand)
With over 20 years of editorial and publishing experience in children’s publishing, Eve Tonelli is currently the Publisher for Australia and New Zealand at Walker Books Australia.
Collaboration, creativity and connecting with readers are her touchstones for making quality books for children of all ages.
Eve lives and works on the unceded lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
Join us for a live Q&A session with Eve. Please bring all your questions (challenges and dilemmas) to the session and Eve will be happy to help you out!
We are thrilled to have this extraordinary publisher with us and cannot wait to hear all she has to say about creating, pitching and promoting picture books in today’s topsy turvy market.
•Session will be recorded and available to ticket holders for 6 weeks post-presentation.
Picture Book Month is a fantastic month of connection, fun and laughter—of the kind you know so well from girl&duck.
PBM has a strong tradition which began ten years ago in the Duck Pond and continues to this day via Cafe Quack. By popular demand, my loves!
Grab Your Ticket
Tickets to Picture Book Month are only $75 AU (gst incl)
Secure your spot here >> CLICK TO BUY <<
Picture Book Month 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Picture Book Month?
Picture Book Month is a month-long online festival celebrating the joy, craft, and community of all things picture books. Hosted by Jen Storer, the event features three expert presenters, each sharing their wisdom and creative insights through live and engaging sessions in Zoom.
- Is this a book review event?
Picture Book Month is not specifically a book review showcase but you are welcome to share any picture books you love or have strong opinions about! PLEASE promote your own work too. This is a celebration of creativity, designed to inspire and support authors, illustrators, and anyone passionate about picture books.
- Who are the presenters this year?
We have three leading voices in the kidlit world. Each brings a unique perspective across key categories—from the practicalities of writing and illustrating to building a new career to publishing, pitching and promoting.
Presenters in order of appearance:
•Lucinda Gifford, Author/Illustrator.
•Sarah Zweck, Illustrator/Designer.
•Eve Tonelli, Children’s Publisher, Walker Books.
- What does my ticket include?
Live access to all presentations (Zoom links will be emailed).
Replays of all sessions (available for 6 weeks, post-presentation).
One month access to Cafe Quack (our Facebook group) for community, connection, discussions and extra support from Jen.
Bonus content and creative resources within the Cafe Quack FB group including Morning and Afternoon Tea with Jen.
- How much does it cost to attend?
All Access Ticket Price: $75 AU (gst incl)
Tickets grant full access to the month-long celebration.
- Who is this event for?
Aspiring and established children’s authors, illustrators, artists and other interested creatives.
Teachers, librarians and educators.
Anyone passionate about the wonderful world of picture books.
- Do I have to attend live?
No!
All sessions are available for eplay on demand, so you can watch at your leisure. (Each recording is available for 6 weeks post-presentation).
- What is in the Facebook group aka Cafe Quack?
Cafe Quack is a private Facebook group where members (and PBM ticket holders) can connect, share ideas, ask questions, and enjoy extra content during the month (such as Q&A sessions, coaching and creativity sessions with Jen).
Available for the duration of the event, Cafe Quack adds a vibrant community layer to your experience.
- 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
Grab Your Ticket
Tickets to Picture Book Month are only $75 AU (gst incl)
Secure your spot here >> CLICK TO BUY <<