Matthijs Meeuwsen

Matthijs Meeuwsen is a Dutch children’s book author and journalist whose work explores nature, animals and other unexpected subjects. After around 15 years as a journalist, he published his first children’s book with Querido in May 2023. The book received a Zilveren Griffel and was nominated for the Woutertje Pieterse Prize, leading to further titles.

His books include Een slijmzoen voor je oma, Wij zijn de nacht, Een luiaard is niet lui and Takkenbeesten. Meeuwsen describes his approach as narrative nonfiction, introducing young readers to remarkable creatures such as pangolins, leaf sheep, pistol shrimp and zombie fungi, while resisting easy genre labels and considering fantasy stories too. Alongside his books, he offers journalism and writing services, drawing on reporting experience across all seven continents.

He now focuses much of his reporting on the Netherlands and has written for outlets and organisations including AD, Het Parool, National Geographic Junior, NOS, Staatsbosbeheer and KLM. His website also provides information about author visits, his books, journalism, and how to contact him