Congratulations to Forest Xiao whose playful and heartwarming picture book Seven Babies (Walker Books) was crowned the winner of this year’s prestigious Klaus Flugge Prize.

Established in 2016 to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and a leading figure in the world of children’s publishing and illustration, the Klaus Flugge Prize is the only award specifically to recognise a published picture book by a debut illustrator and is one of the most important and influential awards in the UK.

Inspired by Forest’s own experiences as a new mum, Seven Babies charts the chaos that follows the arrival of a box containing seven babies one Thursday morning. Feeding, bathing and entertaining the babies exhausts the two adults of the house, who are left sound asleep at the end of the book as the little people head out for more fun.

Commenting on her win, Forest said: ‘It is an absolute honour, and it feels deeply rewarding to be receiving the Klaus Flugge Prize.

Thank you, Klaus Flugge, for such encouragement and recognition. It reminds me to stay authentic, to trust my own experiences, and never to underestimate the power of ordinary, everyday moments that may seem trivial, but are often the most significant of all.’

Watch a short video of Forest talking about the creative journey behind Seven Babies here.

Seven Babies was chosen from a shortlist of six titles by a panel of judges made up of children’s illustrators and book specialists, including last year’s Klaus Flugge Prize winner Emma Farrarons, who said: ‘As judges we were unanimous. It was love at first read of Seven Babies, and love all over again on the reread. Forest takes you on a heartwarming, original, tender and chaotic adventure with seven adorable babies, starting with a knock at the door. We found her artwork very exciting. It’s bold, playful, and full of feeling. Her choice of art materials, balancing of line work and textures, and shapes all painted in a zingy colour palette enhance the drawings beautifully. The composition puts you right there, at eye level, as though you’re inside the house watching the story unfold.

We loved how the simplicity of the text works alongside art that’s rich in narrative. You notice something new every time you read it. The words tell you one thing is happening, while the pictures are telling you something else entirely.’

Fellow judge and award-winning illustrator Rob Biddulph commented: ‘From the moment I saw the cover, Seven Babies made me smile. Forest’s illustrations are fresh, vibrant and brimming with personality, while every spread is packed with delightful details that reward repeat visits. The comic timing is impeccable – a rare and remarkable achievement in a picture book – and beneath all the humour lies a story full of warmth and heart. It’s a richly deserving winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize.’

More to explore on Literacy Hive

The UK has a wide range of children’s book awards that showcase and celebrate books across all genres, including some that are judged and chosen by young people.