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Seven Babies by Forest Xiao

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 19 Sep 2026
Winner Klaus Flugge Award 2026

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781529532807

“A sweet, rambunctious celebration of babyhood that begs for repeated readings.” KIRKUS
“Delightfully silly, Xiao’s picture book brings out the bliss and exhaustion that come with caring for little bundles of joy. A picture book within the story featuring seven peas is a humorous parallel to the babies as they stand together like a pod of their own, dressed in saturated yellow onesies adorned with playful patterns—from zigzag Z’s to cheerful polka dots—subtly hinting at each child’s distinct personality. The minimal text and soft, natural-toned backgrounds, painted in light washes of gouache and pencil, highlight the couple’s easygoing, carefree lifestyle, and their interactions with the babies are marked by a deep sense of patience and attentiveness, whether they are on the playground or doing the laundry together. A double-page spread with the couple alongside friends of all ages conveys their collective appreciation for the wonder and tenderness that infants bring into their lives. ” MUSE
“The babies’ expressive round faces recall Helen Oxenbury ’s drawings, but Xiao’s art has a zingier colour palette and a wildness of its own. It’s one of the cutest, and perhaps best, picture book portrayals of new parenthood that I’ve ever read” The Observer
“Xiao’s delightful debut, exploring the everyday chaos that comes with having a baby in your life, has a similar look (and as much warmth) as Helen Oxenbury’s A First Book for Babies series.” The Bookseller

Forest Xiao says:

“My sketchbooks from that time are full of babies – playgroups, children’s centres, playgrounds, parks, and all sorts of kids’ activities. They became a visual database for me. 90% of what the babies do in the book is inspired by real baby life.

For me, becoming a new parent has been the most unpredictable journey I have ever been on. It is a season of vulnerability, growth, and shifting identity—an ongoing lesson that is teaching me to be present, to embrace the beautiful chaos, and to accept my own limitations. It often feels impossible to balance it all: a constant see-saw between family life and my creative ambitions. And out of that came Seven Babies.

It is a celebration of the discoveries, the busyness, and the exhaustion of new parenthood —and a celebration of these all-powerful, magical little humans who change our lives forever.”

In this joyful and heartwarming debut picture book, Forest Xiao captures all the chaos, comedy and love that come with having a new baby in the family and then …multiplies it by SEVEN! Follow seven busy babies as they crawl, dribble, cry, chew, explore, play and turn everyday life upside down in the most delightful ways.

Perfect for sharing with babies, toddlers, this charming story celebrates family life, sibling relationships and the wonder of early childhood through Forest Xiao’s bold, graphic illustrations and irresistible visual humour. Packed with funny details and expressive characters, it’s a book families will enjoy reading time again and again.

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A post shared by Forest Xiao (@forestxiaodraws)

See all the books that reached the prize shortlist this year:
https://www.achuka.co.uk/blog/2026-klaus-flugge-prize-the-shortlist/

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