Rachel Lawston is the children’s author of the much-praised Finn’s Garden Friends, Mia Makes a Meadow, and Daisy and Jack’s Perfect Pond.

When she is not writing, Rachel designs and illustrates books. Growing up in the countryside gave her a deep connection to the environment, which she is passionate about sharing. Living in London now, she knows that there is a world of nature waiting for children – even in the town or city.

In her free time, Rachel loves being an education volunteer at WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes, helping children discover nature. Her husband, Paul, is the Learning Manager at the London Wetland Centre and Environmental Education Consultant to publishers. He also brings his expert natural history knowledge to Rachel’s books.

Meet the kind people who help Rachel create her books.

Rachel’s books have won, been recognised and shortlisted for the following awards:

Oxfordshire Picture Books Award, 2023 – Mia Makes a Meadow was chosen as the Highly Commended Title for the Best Picture Book Category. You can find out more about the Oxfordshire Book Awards here.

Harrow Picture Book Award, 2023 – Shortlisted Mia Makes a Meadow was one of the six outstanding picture books with an environmental theme on the shortlist.

The School Reading List 2023 – highly recommended Mia Makes a Meadow was added to the Environment, Climate Change and Eco Topic Books List.

Peters 2021 – Recommended Read Finn’s Garden Friends was rated a Recommended Read by Peters.

“If you are looking for an inclusive book to connect your little ones to wildlife and the outdoors from an early age, then look no further. Mia Makes a Meadow is a great example of urban rewilding and will (with luck) inspire many schools, families and community projects to get together and create something fantastic on their own doorstep. The ID pages and fact sheets at the end add an extra interactive guide, which children can implement immediately on their own adventures. I hope Mia and Finn's urban adventures get shared as far and wide as possible, it's never been more important to connect cities with nature! 😍🙌”

— Sarah Roberts, Naturalist, Eco Journalist, Author