How Many Babies? by Forest Xiao

Praise for Forest Xiao:
“Joyous […] 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.” – Observer on Seven Babies

“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.” – Bookseller on Seven Babies

With irresistible, graphic paintings and happy, bouncy text, this board book is a must-have for a new baby’s library as well as an ideal present for any new parent or carer to share and read aloud with their child – together you can learn to count all the way to ten!

Babies love to look at pictures of other babies. And babies have never been sweeter, rounder and happier than in Forest Xiao’s counting concept board book which gently introduces little ones to first numbers through objects and situations they’re familiar with. Count to ten with babies on a see-saw, babies in a shopping trolley, fast asleep babies (but for how long?) and so much more.

About the Author: Forest Xiao is an image maker, storyteller, treasure finder and mother to two girls. She has lived in China, Germany, USA, UK and Malaysia. Forest obtained a BA in Graphic Design from Camberwell College of Art which led her to the MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. Forest was a runner-up for the Sebastian Walker Prize 2023, highly commended by the 2022 Macmillan Prize for Children’s Picture Book Illustration and shortlisted for the Batsford Prize 2023. Forest was also one of the 2023 Bologna Illustrators Exhibition Winners. Forest loves connecting with people and hearing stories. Seven Babies was her debut picture book. Find her on Instagram: @ForestXiaoDraws

07 May 2026
 

How Many Babies? by Forest Xiao ISBN 9781529521214