Seven Babies

by Forest Xiao, Forest Xiao (Illustrator)

Overview

"A sweet, rambunctious celebration of babyhood that begs for repeated readings." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The cuteness meter is off the charts in this sweet and funny story from an exciting new picture-book talent, celebrating the chaos and joy that babies bring to our days.

One Thursday morning, a box of babies arrived at this door.

What do you do when a box of seven irresistibly plump babies appears on your doorstep? Do you invite them in? Of course you do! But seven babies turn out to be a lot of work: feeding, changing, wrangling, entertaining, bathing, so much laundry . . . Good thing babies love watching the washing machine spin around and around! Filled with the most adorable, relatable, and perfectly round-headed babies ever to grace a picture book, Forest Xiao’s celebration of the mess and the marvel of a new arrival is an ideal gift for little ones and anyone who loves them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781536245097
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	08/26/2025
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.19(w) x 10.63(h) x 0.35(d)
Age Range:	1 - 3 Years

About the Author

Forest Xiao is an image maker, storyteller, treasure finder, and new mother who has lived in China, Germany, the US, the UK, and Malaysia, an experience that has nourished her open heart and free spirit. She aspires to create books that are life-giving, convey a sense of wonder, and spark humor. Since receiving a master’s in children’s book illustration from Cambridge School of Art in the UK, she has received several accolades, including being a 2023 Bologna Illustrators Exhibition winner. She lives in England.

Editorial Reviews

With this whimsical premise, Xiao has crafted a heartwarming tale that perfectly captures the exhausting yet rewarding reality of caring for little ones. . . .The simple text is gracefully balanced with the visual exuberance of babies tumbling across pages, exploring their surroundings, and eventually snuggling up together. . . . A sweet, rambunctious celebration of babyhood that begs for repeated readings.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Delightfully silly, Xiao’s picture book brings out the bliss and exhaustion that come with caring for little bundles of joy. . . . 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. . . . Share this book with soon-to-be siblings and their expecting parents.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

From the Publisher

★ 2025-05-03
An unexpected delivery brings chaos, joy, and an abundance of love.

“One Thursday morning, a box of babies arrives at this door.” With this whimsical premise, Xiao has crafted a heartwarming tale that perfectly captures the exhausting yet rewarding reality of caring for little ones. Seven distinctively expressive round-faced infants—varying in complexion—quickly make themselves at home, requiring feeding, bathing, and entertaining. The simple text is gracefully balanced with the visual exuberance of babies tumbling across pages, exploring their surroundings, and eventually snuggling up together. Xiao employs a restrained palette in her gouache and pencil illustrations—the tots’ yellow sleepers contrast against mostly muted backgrounds—creating scenes that are pleasingly detailed yet never overwhelming. Each baby has individual personality traits conveyed through subtle facial expressions and positioning, enticing children to follow their favorites through the pages. The diverse caregivers respond with good-natured acceptance to the sudden responsibility, modeling joyful adaptability amid domestic disruption. The story ends with a delightful invitation to readers—“What will they do next?”—cleverly setting up a potential sequel while also encouraging children to imagine their own adventures for these seven charming youngsters.

A sweet, rambunctious celebration of babyhood that begs for repeated readings.(Picture book. 1-5)

Kirkus Reviews