Literary Lunch – Rachel Lawston

Our first Literary Lunch of 2023 is with children’s author Rachel Lawston, and we are so excited to meet her!

And back in interviewing mode is the wonderful Jude Simpson, who will be chatting with Rachel and finding out all about her beautifully written and illustrated children’s books. 

Rachel Lawston

Rachel Lawston is a children’s author, book designer, illustrator and natural history enthusiast. She is also a keen amateur orchid hunter, birdwatcher and bat detector 

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 involved as an education volunteer at WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes, helping children to discover nature. Her husband, Paul, is the Learning Manager at the London Wetland Centre and Environmental Education Consultant to publishers. He brings his expert natural history knowledge to Finn’s Garden Friends and Mia Makes a Meadow.*

*Taken from Rachel’s website Rachel Lawston, Children’s Author.

Rachel’s books are a delightful read for young children and share the joy and wonder of spending time in nature and introducing them to the world of mini-beasts, plants, flowers and lifecycles, and much more.

“A magical story about how renewing your connection to nature can mend a broken heart. I even learned a new word – hoglets!” — Timothy Knapman, best-selling author, on Finn’s Garden Friends

“A gently profound story illustrating the magnificence of the natural world.” — Richard Louv Author of Our Wild Calling and Last Child in the Woods, on Mia Makes a Meadow 

“Rachel captures perfectly the absolute pleasure of creating your own mini wetland and watching wildlife flourish.” — Kevin Peberdy, Deputy CEO of WWT, and designer and creator of the London Wetland Centre