Once Upon Con / SLVR Children’s Book Awards

Once Upon Con / SLVR Children’s Book Awards Australia’s most joy-filled, inspiring and educational event for children’s picture book creators

Heading to Once Upon Con and want real, honest feedback on your story before publishing or pitching?MARY ANASTASIOU is a...
17/08/2026

Heading to Once Upon Con and want real, honest feedback on your story before publishing or pitching?

MARY ANASTASIOU is a traditionally and self published author who has experienced this crazy publishing world from all angles… including working for traditional publishers.

Mary has just 4 spots left for Manuscript Assessments. You’ll receive thorough, written feedback on your manuscript as well as have a casual 30min 1:1 chat with Mary about her feedback.

These sessions are only $100 and are so valuable, whether if you’re self publishing or submitting to traditional publishers.

** Manuscripts need to be submitted by September 1st

The finalists for the 2026 SLVR Children’s Book Awards will be announced very soon 👀 Come and join us to celebrate it al...
08/08/2026

The finalists for the 2026 SLVR Children’s Book Awards will be announced very soon 👀

Come and join us to celebrate it all!

Saturday October 17
Taylors Lakes (Melbourne)
6 - 11pm

3 course dinner
Drinks and dancing all night
(and YES! Your ticket price includes beer, wine and cider)

You don’t need to be participating in the awards to enjoy the night. This is for the self publishing industry.. a night to let our hair down, mingle with like minded legends and celebrate the shizz outta ourselves.
Because we deserve it!

Reserve your seat 🎫
littleivoryhaus.com.au/2026-slvr-awards-gala-landing

Come with me, I want to quickly introduce you to our incredible panel of judges for the 2026 SLVR Children’s Book Awards...
04/08/2026

Come with me, I want to quickly introduce you to our incredible panel of judges for the 2026 SLVR Children’s Book Awards 🫴🏼

Say hello to…

Renee Price - Traditionally published children’s author, book reviewer, bookish event presenter and interviewer (quite the resume!)

Kate Ackland - Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader, school teacher, mum and book reviewer

Julie Anne Grasso - Traditionally and self-published author, librarian, podcast host and book reviewer

Chris Munnery (IngramSpark)- Book and publishing expert, book lover, book distributor and book reviewer

Sarah Lane - Traditionally published author, school library assistant, mum and book reviewer

Kat Richardson - Self published author, illustrator, qualified editor and book reviewer

Molly Hodgson - Teacher, multifaceted artist, writer and book reviewer

Mary Anastasiou - Traditionally and self published author, book editor, book designer and author coach

Madi Bush (IngramSpark) - Multi genre writer, book and publishing industry expert and book reviewer

These legends have been busy reading and thoughtfully reviewing the submissions for this year’s book awards.

So flipping excited/nervous to see the results and announce the finalists very soon!

If you haven’t got your tickets yet, grab your seat before they’re gone 🎫

littleivoryhaus.com.au/2026-slvr-awards-gala-landing

I hate to say it but we absolutely do (and should!) judge a picture book by its cover. Children choose the books that ca...
03/08/2026

I hate to say it but we absolutely do (and should!) judge a picture book by its cover.

Children choose the books that catch their eye first.

So if you’re planning on DIY-ing your next book cover, or giving an already self-published book a refresh (because you totally can!), this workshop with Janet Turner 🌻 Illustrator is an absolute must.

You and your illustrator have poured your heart and soul into your book. Now learn how to give it the cover it deserves. One that looks right at home on a bookshelf beside traditionally published titles.

There are only 6 spots remaining, so grab yours before they’re all snapped up.

Janet is an incredibly talented illustrator and book designer.
Just look at these gorgeous books she’s worked on!

Dr Lisa’s ABCs Lisa Mifsud
The Great Chilli Chase Bronwyn Spencer | Author | Founder
Finding Toby’s Smile Krystal Wade • Wren Tales Publishing • Children’s Author
Ostentatious Ostrich Wonderwhirl books

This is Once Upon Con... a conference tailored specifically for children’s book authors and illustrators.An event that a...
03/08/2026

This is Once Upon Con... a conference tailored specifically for children’s book authors and illustrators.

An event that actually educates, inspires and uplifts you as a creator so that you can go after your publishing dreams...

Friday October 16
📍 Melbourne

Here’s what you can expect...

✨ Keynote by Scott Stuart

📝 Self Editing - Lift The Quality of Your Writing - Kat Richardson & Mary Anastasiou

🎨 Visual Storytelling Panel - Janet Turner, Kat Richardson & Adrian Beck

🩷 Writing With Purpose Panel - Steph McNeil, Amy Gomes & Sarah Duncanson

🏫 Making the Most of School & Library Visits - Adrian Beck & Adam Wallace

💡 Marketing - Social Media Storytelling - Adrian Beck, Tania Wieclaw & Laura Feldman

📦 IngramSpark Global Distribution - Chris Munnery & Madi Bush

💸 Marketing - Mindset, Making Money and Maximising Opportunities - Adam Wallace & Laura Feldman

📚 Once Upon Con Bookshop & Illustrator Portfolios

🫶🏼 Hosted with love by Sinead Stevenson and Laura Feldman

This is the most inspiring, uplifting and educational author conference you’ve ever seen.

Grab your ticket now before they’re gone 🎫 https://littleivoryhaus.com.au/once-upon-con-2026-details-page

(Oh... and there won’t be a Once Upon Con next year, so if you’ve been meaning to come, don’t miss out!)

31/07/2026

I can’t tell you what it’s like to be a 7x New York Times bestselling author…

…but Adam Wallace can!

And he’ll be at Once Upon Con this October 🙌🏼

has had incredible success in both traditional publishing and self-publishing, so whether you’re curious about school visits, book sales, choosing a publishing path or building a long-term career as an author, this is your chance.

Adam is a ridiculously nice human, he’s super generous with his knowledge and genuinely wants to help other authors succeed.

So lucky to be able to learn from this absolute legend at Once Upon Con on October 16th

Get tickets here 👇🏼

https://littleivoryhaus.com.au/once-upon-con-2026-details-page

(Thanks for the inspo 💖)

All the 2026 SLVR Children’s Book Award entries have gone off to the judges. I feel like I’ve just waved my kids goodbye...
16/07/2026

All the 2026 SLVR Children’s Book Award entries have gone off to the judges.

I feel like I’ve just waved my kids goodbye to go to camp or something 😭

Our wonderful judges know that these are your babies and will treat them with the care they deserve.

I feel so nervous and excited for y’all 🤞🏼🤞🏼

(Yes, it’s been a very big day over here today 🫠)

Once Upon Con “Creator Playground” tickets are almost here! Saturday 17th October 11-1🎨 Judge This Book By Its Cover wit...
14/07/2026

Once Upon Con “Creator Playground” tickets are almost here!

Saturday 17th October
11-1

🎨 Judge This Book By Its Cover with Janet Turner 🌻 Illustrator

Your cover is your book’s first impression… so let’s make it a good one.

In this hands-on workshop, children’s book illustrator and designer Janet Turner will show you what makes a cover stand out, then guide you through designing your own using free, beginner-friendly tools.

This workshop is perfect for authors who love to DIY and want to create a cover they’re genuinely proud of.

🎟️ Available exclusively to Once Upon Con tickets holders.

Set your alarms for 7pm AEST this Thursday because places are very limited.

09/07/2026

Entries for the SLVR Children’s Book Awards close at 11:59pm AEST July 12

Join us for the Once Upon Con “After Party” on Saturday 17th October at Taylors Lakes Hotel – the SLVR Children’s Book Awards Gala.

After a big weekend of learning, creating, sharing, connecting and inspiring others, this is our chance to simply enjoy each other's company, celebrate our books, the books still to come and everything in between.

Your $249 ticket includes:

• A delicious three-course dinner
• 2 x entries into awards (plus book of the year)
• Awards presentations
• Beer, wine and cider all night
• Live entertainment from world-class pianist Dave Van Elst
• A wonderful night with fellow authors, illustrators and industry professionals

We would absolutely love to celebrate with you.

https://littleivoryhaus.com.au/2026-slvr-awards-gala-landing

Children’s book author & illustrator event of the year ✨We’re not about dangling the dream of an elusive publishing deal...
01/07/2026

Children’s book author & illustrator event of the year ✨

We’re not about dangling the dream of an elusive publishing deal.

No, we’re focused on something even more important…

Helping you become the kind of creator that little readers, bookshops, schools, publishers and opportunities are naturally drawn to.

Because the world needs more stories.

More diverse stories.

More diverse characters.

More own voices.

More creators who are brave enough to share their ideas, experiences and perspective so that more children can see themselves in more books.

And when traditional opportunities are limited, we believe in giving creators the skills, confidence and knowledge to take ownership of their journey and make their voices heard.

Whether your dream is to self-publish, traditionally publish, illustrate picture books or build a long-term career as an author, Once Upon Con will help you take your next step with confidence.

You’ll learn from an incredible lineup of award-winning authors, illustrators and industry experts across:

• Writing quality

• Storytelling

• Visual storytelling

• Publishing pathways

• Marketing

• Global distribution

• School and library opportunities

• Personal branding

• Building a sustainable author career

And then on Day 2, you can go even deeper with optional hands-on extras, including:

✏️ Manuscript assessments

✏️ Editing workshops

✏️ Visual Storytelling for beginners

✏️ Cover design workshops

✏️ Personal branding sessions

✏️ Mastering Meta Ads

✏️ Professional author headshots

✏️ And more!

It’s the most educational, inspiring and uplifting event for children’s book creators and we can’t wait to see you on Friday October 16.

🪩 Taylors Lakes, Vic (16km from airport)

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now

💳 Secure your spot today for $75 on a payment plan

🍒 This event sold out last year and will again

https://littleivoryhaus.com.au/once-upon-con-2026-details-page

Address

Melbourne, VIC

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