ABOUT
I am a writer and illustrator of children's & young adult fiction.
I have always enjoyed the quirky characters of the Australian bush – playing with a baby river turtle as a kid, befriending a rescued Boobook owl at university, entertaining native visitors to my rundown old Queenslander and running into wombats, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, echidnas, and emus in my travels around the country. Originally a biologist, and a one-time archaeologist in training, I combine my love for native wildlife and my scientific understanding of animals to create my fiction for kids.
My other writings are inspired by my interest in history, theatre, martial arts, magic and unique voices with untold stories.
Select Interviews & MEDIA
Spotlight on 2022 Short Story Shortlist: Meredith Downes. Storylinks (7 May 2022)
"Karawatha Hosts Wildlife Storytelling Workshop by Local Author Meredith Downes". Sunnybank Hills News, October 2025
Meet the Illustrator: Meredith Downes. Kids Book Review (18 March 2026)
"Author workshop brings stories to life." Southern Riverina News, June 2026
Prizes and Awards
Winner, Storylinks Short Story Competition - Writers 18+ (2022)
Long-listed, Queensland Stories, Songs and Rhymes picture book competition (State Library of Queensland, 2020)
Commended, Minds Shine Bright Storm Writing Competition (2023).
Reviews
Liam the Chid & the Kangaroo Warriors
CBCA Reading Time – December 2025
The Book Muse – August 2025
Buzz Words – January 2026
Magpies Magazine – November 2025 issue, p. 41.
Story Links – October 2025
Other Actitivies
Books in Homes Australia Role Model
Acknowledgement of Country
I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I live and work, and pay my respect to Elders past, present and emerging.