Meg McLaren author page

Meg McLaren biography

Meg McLaren is a British author and illustrator of children’s books. She studied at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, where she completed a degree in English and Creative Writing, followed by an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art.

McLaren’s debut picture book, Life Is Magic, was published by Andersen Press in 2016. The book was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2017. She has since written and illustrated several other picture books, including Pigeon P.I. (2017), The Station Mouse (2018), and Bat Can’t Sleep (2021). Her work often features animal characters and detailed, expressive illustrations.

The Station Mouse won the 2019 Scottish Book Trust Bookbug Picture Book Prize. McLaren has also illustrated books for other authors, such as Waggers by Zazie Todd. Her books have been published by Andersen Press and other major UK publishers.

In 2022, McLaren’s book The Bear and Her Book was published, further establishing her reputation in children’s literature. Her books have been translated into several languages and are available internationally.

Meg McLaren’s The Station Mouse received the 2019 Scottish Book Trust Bookbug Picture Book Prize.