The Power of Picture Books and Finding the Funny

Michael Gerard Bauer   On today’s show, we chat about how one of Australia’s favourite picture book authors gets his stories, how they often develop from something small – a thought in his head, or a picture that sparked an idea or a thought, followed by a series of questions to determine what sort of story it would become. Plus, Liv drops in to review a fun and chaotic picture book by one of this country’s fav picture book authors.  Today’s special guest is an award-winning Australian author best known for his hilarious and heartfelt books for children and young adults. Originally a high school English teacher, he burst onto the scene with his debut novel The Running Man, which won the CBCA Book of the Year. Since then, he’s made readers laugh out loud with picture books like Rodney Loses It! (which nabbed the CBCA Early Childhood Book of the Year) and warmed hearts with stories like Eric the Viking. With a knack for blending humour and emotion, he continues to delight readers of all ages. Everybody please welcome the ever-talented Michael Gerard Bauer.